Music Transcription Polyphonic Transcription Techniques 2

Question 1

When voices cross in polyphonic music (the lower voice momentarily sounds higher than the upper voice), how should this be notated?

Accepted Answer

Maintain the original stem convention for each voice regardless of pitch crossings

Answer

Swap the stem directions so the higher-sounding note always has an up-stem

Answer

Write the crossing note in a different clef

Answer

Add a small 'x' above the crossing notes

Question 2

In Baroque counterpoint transcription, a 'stretto' entry refers to:

Accepted Answer

Overlapping imitative entries where a new voice enters before the previous one finishes the subject

Answer

A slower tempo section requiring whole notes

Answer

A passage where all voices move in strict homophony

Answer

An ornamental trill shared between voices

Question 3

When transcribing a string quartet, the viola part is written in which clef?

Accepted Answer

Alto (C) clef

Answer

Treble clef

Answer

Bass clef

Answer

Tenor clef

Question 4

In open score for a string quartet, how many staves are used?

Accepted Answer

Four staves (one per instrument)

Answer

Two staves

Answer

Three staves

Answer

Five staves

Question 5

A polyphonic texture in which two voices move in parallel thirds throughout is sometimes called:

Accepted Answer

Parallel motion or fauxbourdon-style writing

Answer

Heterophony

Answer

Oblique motion

Answer

Contrary motion

Question 6

When transcribing a fugue, the 'answer' to the subject is typically:

Accepted Answer

An exact transposition of the subject to the dominant key (real answer) or a slightly adjusted version (tonal answer)

Answer

A new melody introduced in the relative minor

Answer

The subject played backwards (retrograde)

Answer

The subject played at double the speed

Question 7

When two voices in a polyphonic transcription move in opposite directions, this type of motion is called:

Accepted Answer

Contrary motion

Answer

Parallel motion

Answer

Similar motion

Answer

Oblique motion