Piano Piano 3

Question 1

What does 'con fuoco' mean as a piano performance direction?

Accepted Answer

With fire or passion

Answer

'Con fuoco' is an Italian musical term meaning 'with fire,' indicating the piece should be played passionately and with energy.

Question 2

Which pianist composed the famous 'Minute Waltz' (Op. 64, No. 1)?

Accepted Answer

Frédéric Chopin

Answer

The 'Minute Waltz' (Op. 64, No. 1) was composed by Frédéric Chopin; 'minute' here means small or delicate, not one minute in duration.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the soft pedal (una corda) on a grand piano?

Accepted Answer

It shifts the hammers to strike fewer strings, softening the tone

Answer

The una corda pedal shifts the hammer mechanism so it strikes fewer strings per note, producing a softer, more muffled tone.

Question 4

What is a 'scale' in the context of piano music?

Accepted Answer

A sequence of notes arranged in ascending or descending order by pitch

Answer

A scale is an ordered sequence of pitches (notes) ascending or descending according to a specific pattern of intervals.

Question 5

What does 'rubato' mean in piano performance?

Accepted Answer

Flexible tempo where the performer subtly speeds up or slows down

Answer

Rubato (Italian for 'stolen time') means the performer is free to bend the tempo for expressive purposes.

Piano Practice Test