BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Dance & Music 5

Question 1

Which Romantic-era ballet, premiering in 1841, established the archetype of the 'white ballet' (ballet blanc) and featured supernatural female spirits called Wilis?

Accepted Answer

Giselle

Answer

Giselle (1841), with music by Adolphe Adam, is the quintessential Romantic ballet featuring the Wilis—vengeful spirits of jilted brides—and white tutus.

Question 2

The Charleston, a popular American social dance of the 1920s, is most closely identified with which musical style?

Accepted Answer

Jazz

Answer

The Charleston is associated with 1920s jazz, particularly the syncopated rhythms and energy of the Harlem Renaissance jazz scene.

Question 3

In musical theater, which term describes a song that simultaneously advances plot AND reveals character, and is considered the highest form of the form?

Accepted Answer

Integrated song (I want / action song)

Answer

The 'integrated song' (or 'I want' / action song) serves double duty—pushing the story forward while deepening our understanding of a character's psychology.

Question 4

The concept of 'Gesamtkunstwerk' (total art work), which deeply influenced ballet and music-theater, was formulated by which composer?

Accepted Answer

Richard Wagner

Answer

Richard Wagner coined Gesamtkunstwerk to describe the ideal unification of music, drama, poetry, dance, and visual art in his opera-dramas.

Question 5

Which percussion instrument is central to Irish step dancing accompaniment and produces sound by striking its skin head and frame simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Bodhrán

Answer

The bodhrán is the traditional Irish frame drum played with a tipper (beater), producing the driving rhythmic accompaniment for reels and jigs.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Dance & Music 5