BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Western Music History Periods 2

Question 1

Which Medieval compositional technique layers a new melody above a pre-existing plainchant called the 'tenor'?

Accepted Answer

Cantus firmus counterpoint

Answer

Cantus firmus counterpoint places a new melody above a pre-existing chant (the tenor), a foundational Medieval and Renaissance technique.

Question 2

The Renaissance motet differed from the Medieval motet primarily in that it:

Accepted Answer

Set a single Latin sacred text with imitative polyphony

Answer

Renaissance motets typically set a single Latin sacred text using imitative polyphony, unlike Medieval motets which often combined multiple simultaneous texts.

Question 3

Which Baroque practice involves performers improvising chords from a notated bass line with figured numerals?

Accepted Answer

Basso continuo

Answer

Basso continuo is the Baroque practice where keyboard players and bass instruments improvise harmonies from a notated bass line with figures indicating intervals.

Question 4

The Classical-era sonata cycle typically ends with a movement in which form?

Accepted Answer

Rondo or sonata-rondo

Answer

Classical sonata cycles usually conclude with a rondo or sonata-rondo finale, providing a lighter, energetic close.

Question 5

Which Romantic-era genre describes a one-movement orchestral work depicting a narrative or pictorial idea?

Accepted Answer

Symphonic poem

Answer

The symphonic poem (or tone poem), pioneered by Liszt, is a single-movement orchestral form that follows a non-musical narrative or image.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Western Music History Periods 2