AGO AGO Sacred Music Composition & Arranging

Question 1

When harmonizing a traditional hymn tune for SATB choir, proper voice-leading requires:

Accepted Answer

Resolving the leading tone upward to the tonic and avoiding parallel fifths/octaves

Answer

Doubling the leading tone in every chord

Answer

Always moving all voices in the same direction

Answer

Placing the melody in the bass voice

Question 2

A hymn tune in Dorian mode on D is built on:

Accepted Answer

D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D (natural minor with raised 6th)

Answer

D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D (D major scale)

Answer

D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C-D (natural minor with lowered 6th)

Answer

D-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C-D

Question 3

When setting a psalm text for unison choir and organ, which compositional approach best serves congregational comprehension?

Accepted Answer

Syllabic text setting with clear phrase structure aligned to the text's natural speech rhythm

Answer

Complex polyrhythmic texture that challenges singers

Answer

Melismatic runs on every accented syllable

Answer

Avoiding all rests so there is no breathing room

Question 4

In an organ voluntary arrangement, 'cantus firmus' technique means:

Accepted Answer

Stating a pre-existing hymn tune in long notes while surrounding voices move in counterpoint

Answer

Improvising freely with no pre-existing melody

Answer

Playing only the hymn tune without any ornamentation

Answer

Using only the Pedal division for all voices

Question 5

Which form is most commonly used for organ settings of a chorale prelude in the Lutheran tradition?

Accepted Answer

Through-composed settings where each phrase of the chorale is elaborated in turn

Answer

Sonata-allegro form

Answer

Rondo form with repeated refrain

Answer

Theme and variations in jazz style

Question 6

When writing a harmonization for a congregational hymn, which interval should be avoided as a final cadential bass movement for strength and clarity?

Accepted Answer

Descending second (II–I)

Answer

Descending fifth (V–I)

Answer

Ascending step (VII–I, leading tone to tonic)

Answer

Ascending fourth (IV–I, plagal)