Twentieth Century Music Ch. 1-6

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| By Pianogirl43
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Quizzes Created: 5 | Total Attempts: 3,556
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  • 1/12 Questions

    The absence of tonality or key is called 

    • Atonality
    • Anti tonality
    • Nontonality
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About This Quiz

An overview of musical elements and forms of the 20th century.

20th Century Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    Rapidly changing meters are characteristic of which time period?

    • Twentieth century

    • Romantic

    • Classical

    • Baroque

    Correct Answer
    A. Twentieth century
    Explanation
    Rapidly changing meters are characteristic of the twentieth century. This time period was marked by significant developments in music, with composers experimenting with new rhythms and meters. The use of irregular and asymmetrical meters became more prevalent, challenging traditional musical structures and creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement in the music. This departure from the more stable and predictable meters of previous periods, such as the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras, is a defining feature of the twentieth century.

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  • 3. 

    An emphasis on tone color, atmosphere, and fluidity is characteristic of which Twentieth Century trend?

    • Impressionism

    • Expressionism

    • Nationalism

    • None of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Impressionism
    Explanation
    An emphasis on tone color, atmosphere, and fluidity is characteristic of Impressionism. Impressionist composers sought to capture fleeting moments and sensations through their music, using colorful harmonies, delicate textures, and evocative melodies. They focused on creating an impression or mood rather than following traditional forms or structures. This emphasis on tone color, atmosphere, and fluidity is what distinguishes Impressionism as a significant trend in Twentieth Century music.

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  • 4. 

    Which multifaceted composer used Neoclassical techniques in some of his compositions?

    • Stravinsky

    • Debussy

    • Schoenberg

    • Bartok

    Correct Answer
    A. Stravinsky
    Explanation
    Stravinsky is the correct answer because he is known for incorporating Neoclassical techniques in some of his compositions. Neoclassicism was a movement in the 20th century that sought to revive classical forms and structures, and Stravinsky embraced this style in works such as "Pulcinella" and "Symphony of Psalms." His use of clear, balanced melodies, and rhythmic precision in these compositions exemplify his adoption of Neoclassical techniques.

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  • 5. 

    A rapid slide up or down a scale is called a

    • Glissando

    • Crescendo

    • Diminuendo

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Glissando
    Explanation
    A rapid slide up or down a scale is called a glissando. This technique is commonly used in music, where a performer slides their finger or a bow across the strings of an instrument to smoothly transition between two notes. The glissando adds a dynamic and expressive element to the music, creating a sliding effect that can evoke different emotions depending on the context. Crescendo and diminuendo, on the other hand, refer to changes in volume or intensity, while "none of the above" is not applicable in this case as glissando is the correct term for the given description.

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  • 6. 

    Which Twentieth Century trend is marked by emotional restraint, balance and clarity; uses musical forms and styles of the eighteenth century and harmonies and rhythms of the twentieth century?

    • Neoclassicism

    • Impressionism

    • Expressionism

    • Nationalism

    Correct Answer
    A. Neoclassicism
    Explanation
    Neoclassicism is the correct answer because it is a Twentieth Century trend that is characterized by emotional restraint, balance, and clarity. It incorporates musical forms and styles from the eighteenth century, while also incorporating harmonies and rhythms from the twentieth century. Neoclassicism sought to revive the classical ideals of order, simplicity, and rationality in response to the emotional and expressive excesses of Romanticism. It aimed to create a sense of objectivity and universality in music, drawing inspiration from the music of composers such as Bach, Haydn, and Mozart.

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  • 7. 

    A chord made up of tones that are only a half step or whole step apart is called a 

    • Tone cluster

    • Mess

    • Polychord

    Correct Answer
    A. Tone cluster
    Explanation
    A chord made up of tones that are only a half step or whole step apart is called a tone cluster. In a tone cluster, the individual tones are played simultaneously, creating a dissonant and dense sound. This type of chord is often used in contemporary music to create tension and a sense of chaos. The close proximity of the tones in a tone cluster creates a harsh and dissonant sound that can be quite striking to the listener.

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  • 8. 

    Stravinsky's best-known early works were

    • Ballets

    • Operas

    • Cantatas

    • Smphonies

    Correct Answer
    A. Ballets
    Explanation
    Stravinsky's best-known early works were ballets. This is because Stravinsky gained fame and recognition for his groundbreaking collaborations with the Ballets Russes, particularly his three ballets: The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring. These ballets revolutionized the world of classical music and established Stravinsky as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

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  • 9. 

    In the 20th century, ---------------- was more widely used than in previous time periods.

    • Dissonance

    • Consonance

    • Neither of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Dissonance
    Explanation
    In the 20th century, dissonance was more widely used than in previous time periods. Dissonance refers to the combination of notes or chords that create a sense of tension or instability in music. This technique became popular during the 20th century as composers began to experiment with new and innovative ways of expressing emotions and challenging traditional musical conventions. The use of dissonance allowed for greater complexity and depth in musical compositions, marking a departure from the more harmonically stable and consonant styles of previous eras.

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  • 10. 

    Which composer was influenced by French Impressionist paintings and Symbolist poetry?

    • Debussy

    • Stravinsky

    • Schoenberg

    • Mussourgsky

    Correct Answer
    A. Debussy
    Explanation
    Debussy was influenced by French Impressionist paintings and Symbolist poetry. This can be seen in his musical style, which often features dreamlike and atmospheric qualities, similar to the soft brushstrokes and ethereal themes found in Impressionist paintings. Additionally, Debussy's use of symbolism and evocative imagery in his compositions reflects the influence of Symbolist poetry, which sought to express emotions and ideas through suggestive and abstract language. Therefore, Debussy is the composer who was influenced by these artistic movements.

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  • 11. 

    Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is a good example of which Twentieth Century trend?

    • Impressionism

    • Neoclassicism

    • Expressionism

    • Nationalism

    Correct Answer
    A. Impressionism
    Explanation
    "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" is a composition by Claude Debussy that is considered a prime example of Impressionism in music. Impressionism is a Twentieth Century trend characterized by the use of non-traditional scales, unconventional harmonies, and a focus on creating atmospheric and evocative soundscapes. Debussy's piece showcases these characteristics through its dreamlike and fluid melodies, use of exotic scales, and the blurring of traditional tonal boundaries. Therefore, the correct answer is Impressionism.

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  • 12. 

    A combination of two chords heard at the same time is called a 

    • Polychord

    • Dual chords

    • Multichord

    Correct Answer
    A. Polychord
    Explanation
    A combination of two chords heard at the same time is called a polychord.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 17, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jul 19, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Pianogirl43
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