BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Music Theory 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of seventh chord is built on the leading tone (VII) in a major key?
- Major seventh
- Dominant seventh
- Half-diminished seventh (Correct answer)
- Fully diminished seventh
Correct answer: Half-diminished seventh
The seventh chord on the leading tone in a major key is a half-diminished seventh (diminished triad + minor seventh).
Question 2: What does 'rubato' mean as a performance instruction?
- Gradually getting faster
- Strict, mechanical tempo
- Flexible tempo, robbing and restoring time (Correct answer)
- Gradually getting slower
Correct answer: Flexible tempo, robbing and restoring time
Rubato means the performer can freely expand and contract the tempo for expressive effect.
Question 3: In a double period, how many phrases are typically present?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 4
A double period contains four phrases, typically organized as an antecedent-consequent pair repeated or varied.
Question 4: Which of the following chords is a Neapolitan chord (N or bII)?
- A major chord built on the raised 4th scale degree
- A major chord built on the lowered 2nd scale degree (Correct answer)
- A diminished chord on the 7th degree
- A minor chord on the 4th degree
Correct answer: A major chord built on the lowered 2nd scale degree
The Neapolitan chord is a major chord built on the lowered 2nd scale degree (bII), most often used in first inversion.
Question 5: What is a pedal point in music theory?
- A rapidly alternating trill between two pitches
- A sustained or repeated note held while harmonies change above or below it (Correct answer)
- A gradual crescendo in the bass voice
- A melodic sequence descending by step
Correct answer: A sustained or repeated note held while harmonies change above or below it
A pedal point is a sustained pitch (usually in the bass) that is held while the surrounding harmonies change.
Question 6: Which scale degree is called the 'subdominant'?
- 2nd
- 4th (Correct answer)
- 6th
- 7th
Correct answer: 4th
The subdominant is the 4th scale degree, named because it is a fifth below the tonic (mirroring the dominant above).
Question 7: A passage marked 'sforzando' (sfz) calls for what?
- A sudden, strong accent on a note or chord (Correct answer)
- A smooth, connected phrase
- A gradual increase in volume
- A very soft dynamic level
Correct answer: A sudden, strong accent on a note or chord
Sforzando (sfz) means to play the note or chord with a sudden, strong forced accent.
BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Music Theory 4
Which type of seventh chord is built on the leading tone (VII) in a major key?