Piano Piano Technique & Performance 2

Question 1

What does the dynamic marking 'forte' mean in piano music?

Accepted Answer

Loud

Answer

Forte, abbreviated 'f', means loud and comes from the Italian word for 'strong.'

Question 2

What piano technique involves rapidly alternating between two adjacent notes?

Accepted Answer

Trill

Answer

A trill is the rapid alternation between a written note and the note a half or whole step above it.

Question 3

What is the correct bench height for proper piano posture?

Accepted Answer

Elbows should be roughly level with the keys

Answer

The bench should be set so the elbows are roughly level with the keyboard, allowing the arms and shoulders to stay relaxed.

Question 4

What does the marking 'sforzando' (sfz) indicate in piano music?

Accepted Answer

A sudden, strong accent on a single note

Answer

Sforzando indicates a sudden, strong accent on a specific note or chord, regardless of the surrounding dynamic level.

Question 5

What does 'rubato' mean in piano performance?

Accepted Answer

A freely expressive flexibility in tempo

Answer

Rubato means 'robbed time' in Italian, allowing the performer to subtly speed up or slow down for expressive effect.

Piano Practice Test