Chapter 21 Quiz

. Consider the following statement and choose the most appropriate response: "Derived from an Italian word meaning 'to sound,' the sonata developed during the Baroque era as a genre of music written for solo violin.

The statement is true.

The statement is false because "sonata" derives from a German word.

The statement is false because the sonata developed during the medieval era and was revived during the Baroque period.

The statement is false because sonatas were written for a variety of solo instruments and ensembles.

. Listen to the following selection from Corelli's Trio Sonata in A minor, Op. III No. 10; which term best describes the relationship between the two violins?

Continuo

Unison

Imitative

Homophonic

. Which instrument discussed in this chapter has its roots in ancient Greco-Roman hydraulic pumping mechanisms?

The organ

The harpsichord

The cello

The upright bass

. Which is NOT an accurate statement about Corelli's sonatas?

Roughly half of his sonatas are "church sonatas," while the other half are "chamber sonatas."

His church sonatas typically feature dense counterpoint and complex textures.

His chamber sonatas are typically in six movements.

His church sonatas are typically in four movements.

. Which of the following is NOT an actual feature of the violin?

The violin has five strings

The violin can produce pitches ranging over several octaves

The strings of a violin are typically made of gut or steel

The violin is held under the chin and played with a bow

. A returning orchestral theme that is frequently restated between solo sections of a concerto is known as a ____.

Da capo

Ritornello

Fugue

Concertino

. Consider the following statement and choose the best response: "Depressing the keys of a harpsichord activates a mechanism that drives a stiff quill fixed to a strip of wood (known as a 'jack') downward so that it plucks the instrument's strings, generating a distinctive sound."

The statement is true.

The statement is false because the harpsichord does not have keys.

The statement is false because the harpsichord's internal mechanism uses hammers, not plucking devices.

The statement is false because the 'jack' is driven upward by depressing the keys of the harpsichord.

. How are Baroque preludes and suites different from one another?

Preludes were primarily written as precursors to operas, while suites stood on their own.

Preludes were more freely conceived as improvisational pieces, while suites were based on specific successions of well known dances.

Preludes were only composed by English composers, while suites were composed throughout the European continent.

There is no appreciable difference between the two forms.

. For what genre was Arcangelo Corelli particularly famous?

Harpischord concertos

Trio sonatas

Full-length suites

Preludes to symphonies

. Which of the following was NOT a component of a standard Baroque organ?

Stops

Pipes

Bellows

Strings

. When a stringed instrument usually played with a bow is instead played by plucking the strings, the effect is called:

Plecturn

Strozzi

Pizzicato

Forte

. While the harpsichord is a versatile instrument overall, what can it not provide?

A reliable support as part of the continuo

Extreme dynamic levels of loud and soft

Opportunities for virtuosic solo or featured performance

Any utility in operatic performance

. How does a 'concerto grosso' differ from a 'concerto?'

They are synonymous, there is no appreciable difference.

The concerto grosso alternates full orchestra with a small group of soloists rather than just one soloist.

The concerto grosso is far longer and is usually in eight movements rather than three.

Only examples of the concerto grosso form ever included ritornelli.

. Listen to the following selection from Corelli's Trio Sonata in A minor, Op. III No. 10; based on the character of the music, which movement is this?

i. Vivace

ii. Allegro

iii. Adagio

iv. Allegro

. What is indicated by the common musical notation ||: A :||: B :|| ?

Two contrasting sections are repeated in the continuo while a solo instrument improvises a melody.

Two chords are used as the basis for an ostinato.

Two contrasting sections are each repeated once in what is known as 'binary form'

A cadence is approached and held for a long period of time to indicate arrival in the 'tonic', or central key; this is known as a 'harmonic progression.'

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