Musical Terminology: Do You Speak Classical?
Test your knowledge of classical music terminology with this quiz! See how well you can speak the language of classical music.
1. What does the musical term 'Accelerando' mean?
Getting slower
Getting faster
Maintaining same tempo
Pausing briefly
2. If a composer indicates 'Adagio', how should the piece be played?
Fast and lively
Slow
Moderate pace
With short, detached notes
3. Which term describes music played in a lively, cheerful manner?
Andante
Adagio
Allegro
Atonal
4. The term 'Andante' suggests that music should be played at what tempo?
Walking pace
Very fast
Extremely slow
Moderately loud
5. An 'Aria' is best described as what?
A fast-paced section in an orchestral piece
A set-piece song in an opera
A symphony movement
A specific type of chord
6. What characterizes 'Atonal' music?
It has a clear key signature
It uses traditional harmony
No key can be established
It is always slow
7. What does 'Rubato' instruct musicians to do?
Play with freedom, deviating from strict tempo
Return to a specific section
Gradually get slower
Play very quietly
8. A 'Scherzo' is typically found in what type of musical work?
Opera
Lullaby
Symphony
Fugue
9. What is a 'Tremolo'?
Quick repetition of a single note
A slow, solemn piece
A large orchestral work
A plucking technique for string instruments
10. Which term instructs musicians to play in a bright, lively manner?
Vivace
Cantata
Toccata
Requiem
