Music Transcription Music Transcription 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In transcription, what does the abbreviation 'D.S. al Coda' instruct the performer to do?
- Repeat from the beginning and stop at the coda sign
- Go back to the segno sign and play to the coda sign (Correct answer)
- Skip to the coda immediately
- Repeat the last measure twice
Correct answer: Go back to the segno sign and play to the coda sign
D.S. al Coda means Dal Segno al Coda: return to the % sign, play until the coda marking, then jump to the coda.
Question 2: Which of the following dynamic markings indicates the softest level commonly used in transcription?
- p
- mp
- pp
- ppp (Correct answer)
Correct answer: ppp
ppp (triple piano) is softer than pp (pianissimo) and represents one of the quietest standard dynamic levels.
Question 3: When transcribing vocal music, a slur connecting multiple notes under one syllable indicates:
- Portato
- Melisma (Correct answer)
- Vibrato
- Falsetto
Correct answer: Melisma
A melisma occurs when a single syllable is sung across multiple pitches, connected by a slur in notation.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a figured bass numeral '6' below a bass note in baroque transcription?
- Indicates a sixth-string guitar part
- Denotes a first-inversion triad above the bass (Correct answer)
- Marks a forte dynamic
- Specifies the note value
Correct answer: Denotes a first-inversion triad above the bass
The figure 6 in figured bass shorthand indicates a first-inversion chord, with a sixth and third above the bass.
Question 5: When a passage is marked 'col 8' or 'coll'ottava' in a transcription, the performer should:
- Play the passage eight times
- Double the melody one octave higher simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Pause for eight beats
- Transpose down an octave
Correct answer: Double the melody one octave higher simultaneously
Col ottava instructs the performer to play the written notes and simultaneously double them one octave higher.
Question 6: In lead sheet transcription, a chord symbol 'Dm7' indicates a D minor chord with which added interval?
- Major seventh
- Minor seventh (Correct answer)
- Diminished seventh
- Major sixth
Correct answer: Minor seventh
Dm7 is a D minor triad (D-F-A) with a minor seventh (C) added on top.
Question 7: When transcribing polyrhythm, a '3 against 2' pattern means:
- Three notes in one hand while two notes in the other hand occupy the same time span (Correct answer)
- Three measures in 2/4 alternating with two measures in 3/4
- Triplets followed by duplets in sequence
- A three-voice against two-voice canon
Correct answer: Three notes in one hand while two notes in the other hand occupy the same time span
Polyrhythm 3 against 2 requires one part to play three equal notes while the other plays two equal notes in the same duration.
Music Transcription Music Transcription 5
In transcription, what does the abbreviation 'D.S. al Coda' instruct the performer to do?