AGO Improvisation Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When improvising a cantus firmus-based prelude, where is the melodic elaboration typically placed relative to the plain chant?
- In the bass voice only
- In an upper voice above sustained chant notes (Correct answer)
- Divided equally among all voices
- In a middle voice with chant in soprano
Correct answer: In an upper voice above sustained chant notes
In a cantus firmus prelude, the plain chant is sustained in one voice (often tenor or bass) while an upper voice provides ornamental melodic elaboration.
Question 2: Which rhythmic technique is most useful for maintaining momentum during a slow harmonic progression in improvisation?
- Augmentation of note values
- Continuous eighth-note or sixteenth-note figuration (Correct answer)
- Whole-note block chords
- Rhythmic unison across all voices
Correct answer: Continuous eighth-note or sixteenth-note figuration
Continuous eighth-note or sixteenth-note figuration sustains energy and forward motion even when harmonic changes are infrequent.
Question 3: In modal improvisation, which scale degree most strongly defines the Dorian mode against its parallel natural minor?
- Lowered 2nd
- Raised 6th (Correct answer)
- Lowered 5th
- Raised 7th
Correct answer: Raised 6th
The raised 6th scale degree is the characteristic pitch that distinguishes Dorian from natural minor (Aeolian).
Question 4: When improvising a harmonization of a hymn tune, what is the function of a 'passing chord'?
- To establish the tonic firmly
- To create chromatic voice-leading between structural harmonies (Correct answer)
- To mark phrase endings
- To signal a change of mode
Correct answer: To create chromatic voice-leading between structural harmonies
A passing chord fills the space between two structural harmonies through chromatic or stepwise voice-leading in one or more voices.
Question 5: Which AGO certification level specifically requires a candidate to improvise a chorale prelude on a given hymn tune?
- Service Playing Certificate
- Colleague (AAGO)
- Fellow (FAGO) (Correct answer)
- Choir Director Certificate
Correct answer: Fellow (FAGO)
The Fellow (FAGO) level of AGO certification includes improvising a chorale prelude as part of its rigorous keyboard skills examination.
Question 6: What is the term for the improvisatory technique of elaborating a melody through turns, mordents, and trills within a liturgical setting?
- Diminution (Correct answer)
- Augmentation
- Inversion
- Retrograde
Correct answer: Diminution
Diminution refers to the elaboration of a melody by breaking it into smaller, faster rhythmic values often decorated with ornaments.
Question 7: In a four-voice improvised chorale texture, which doubling is generally avoided to preserve voice independence?
- Doubling the root in bass and soprano
- Doubling the third of a major chord (Correct answer)
- Doubling the fifth in root position
- Doubling the root at the octave
Correct answer: Doubling the third of a major chord
Doubling the third of a major chord is generally avoided because it weakens the characteristic quality of the harmony and can create parallel issues.
AGO Improvisation Techniques 2
When improvising a cantus firmus-based prelude, where is the melodic elaboration typically placed relative to the plain chant?