Chapter 7: Musical Expression: Tempo and Dynamics
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The word _____ describes the rate of speed at which a piece of music is played.
a. meter c. movement
b. tempo d. mood
2. Which emotional response would most likely be associated with a brisk tempo?
a. peacefulness c. sadness
b. vigor d. exhaustion
3. Music that sounds despairing and sad usually has a _____ tempo.
a. fast c. slow
b. moderate d. vigorous
4. In what language are tempo markings generally given?
a. Italian c. German
b. French d. Dutch
5. Which marking is appropriate for a slow tempo?
a. andante c. piano
b. adagio d. allegro
6. Which of the following tempo markings indicates a slow tempo?
a. moderato c. presto
b. largo d. vivace
7. Which of the following tempo markings is the fastest?
a. presto c. moderato
b. vivace d. allegro
8. Which of the following modifiers should be added to an allegro marking to indicate a very fast
tempo?
a. meno c. non troppo
b. molto d. a tempo
9. Accelerando is a term indicating that the tempo is:
a. getting slower. c. getting faster.
b. staying the same. d. returning to the original tempo.
10. The degree of loudness or softness, or volume, at which music is played is called:
a. texture. c. timbre.
b. tempo. d. dynamics.
11. Which of the following dynamic markings is the softest?
a. pianissimo (pp) c. mezzo piano (mp)
b. piano (p) d. mezzo forte (mf )
12. Which of the following symbols indicates growing louder?
a. > c. mp
b. < d. mf
13. The gradual swelling of the volume of music is called:
a. piano. c. accelerando.
b. adagio. d. crescendo.
14. The markings for tempo and dynamics contribute most directly to:
a. the expressive content of a piece of music.
b. the form of a piece of music.
c. the thematic development of a piece of music.
d. the tonality of a piece of music.
TRUE/FALSE
1. Tempo indicates the loudness of music.
2. The tempo of a piece affects its mood and character.
3. Allegro is an Italian term for a fast, cheerful tempo.
4. The degree of loudness and softness in music is called dynamics.
5. Fortissimo is the Italian phrase for moderately soft.
6. Vigor and gaiety are associated with brisk speed.
7. Tempo markings indicate the character of the music as well as the pace.
8. Vivace is the Italian term for lively.
9. There is no relation between tempo and the mood of a piece.
10. Mezzo piano is the Italian term for moderately soft.
ESSAY
1. Describe how tempo and dynamics affect our response to music. Cite examples to support your
response.
ANS:
Answers will vary.
PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: Essentials: pp. 30–32
TOP: Tempo/Dynamics MSC: Conceptual