Music Transcription Standard Notation and Dynamics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A single note in an otherwise quiet passage is performed with a sudden, forceful attack, which immediately becomes soft. Which notation best represents this effect?

Accepted Answer

fp (fortepiano)

Answer

sfz (sforzando)

Answer

> (accent mark)

Answer

subito p (suddenly soft)

Question 2

Which of the following terms describes a style of articulation that combines the weight of a legato touch with the separation of staccato, often notated with staccato dots under a slur?

Accepted Answer

Portato

Answer

Marcato

Answer

Tenuto

Answer

Leggiero

Question 3

Which of the following correctly describes the execution of a standard mordent (an unadorned squiggle symbol) in common practice period music?

Accepted Answer

A rapid, three-note figure consisting of the principal note, the note a step above, and the principal note again.

Answer

A rapid figure where the principal note is preceded by its upper and lower neighbors before the beat.

Answer

A rapid, three-note figure consisting of the principal note, the note a step below, and the principal note again.

Answer

A sustained alternation between the principal note and the note a step above for the full duration of the written note.

Question 4

In the final section of a piece, the music gradually slows down while simultaneously building in volume to a powerful conclusion. Which combination of markings would a transcriber use to notate this?

Accepted Answer

ritardando and crescendo

Answer

accelerando and diminuendo

Answer

stringendo and crescendo

Answer

a tempo and fortissimo

Question 5

What is the primary notational difference between a tie and a slur?

Accepted Answer

A tie connects two notes of the exact same pitch to create a single duration, while a slur connects different pitches to be played legato.

Answer

A tie can only connect notes within the same measure, while a slur can connect notes across a barline.

Answer

A tie connects two or more notes of different pitches, while a slur connects notes of the same pitch.

Answer

A slur indicates a staccato articulation, while a tie indicates a legato articulation.

Question 6

Which of the following lists of dynamic markings is ordered correctly from softest to loudest?

Accepted Answer

pp, p, mf, f

Answer

p, pp, mf, f

Answer

mp, p, f, mf

Answer

p, mf, mp, f