AGO Church Music & Liturgy 2

Question 1

Which liturgical season immediately precedes Christmas in the Western church calendar?

Accepted Answer

Advent

Answer

Advent is the four-week preparatory season before Christmas in the Western Christian liturgical calendar.

Question 2

In Anglican liturgy, the 'Gloria in Excelsis' is traditionally omitted during which seasons?

Accepted Answer

Advent and Lent

Answer

The Gloria in Excelsis is omitted during penitential seasons—Advent and Lent—to reflect their solemn, preparatory character.

Question 3

The 'Proper' of the Mass refers to which musical components?

Accepted Answer

Movements that change according to the liturgical day

Answer

The Proper includes texts and chants that vary according to the specific liturgical day or season, such as the Introit and Gradual.

Question 4

Which psalm tone system is most associated with Roman Catholic plainchant and Gregorian practice?

Accepted Answer

The eight psalm tones

Answer

Gregorian practice employs eight psalm tones (one per ecclesiastical mode) for singing the psalms antiphonally.

Question 5

What is the function of the 'Agnus Dei' in the Mass Ordinary?

Accepted Answer

It is sung during the breaking of bread before Communion

Answer

The Agnus Dei ('Lamb of God') is sung during the Fraction, or breaking of the bread, immediately before the distribution of Communion.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test