BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Western Music History 3

Question 1

The Notre Dame School of polyphony (c. 1160–1250) is associated with which two principal composers?

Accepted Answer

Léonin and Pérotin

Answer

Léonin compiled the Magnus Liber Organi and Pérotin expanded it with three- and four-voice organa.

Question 2

Which Renaissance theorist codified the system of church modes in his treatise 'Dodecachordon' (1547)?

Accepted Answer

Heinrich Glarean

Answer

Glarean's 'Dodecachordon' expanded the traditional eight modes to twelve by adding the Aeolian and Ionian modes.

Question 3

The Florentine Camerata, meeting in the late 16th century, was most directly responsible for the development of:

Accepted Answer

Opera and monody

Answer

The Camerata's humanist discussions about ancient Greek music led to the invention of recitative and the first operas.

Question 4

In Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, the 48 preludes and fugues are organized to demonstrate:

Accepted Answer

All 24 major and minor keys in a well-tempered tuning system

Answer

Bach composed a prelude and fugue in every major and minor key to demonstrate the practicality of well-tempered (near-equal) tuning.

Question 5

The term 'empfindsamer Stil' (sensitive style) in mid-18th century music is most closely associated with which composer?

Accepted Answer

C.P.E. Bach

Answer

C.P.E. Bach was the central figure of the empfindsamer Stil, characterized by sudden dynamic shifts and expressive, quasi-improvisatory melodies.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test