Exam Paper Techniques

Question 1

Opera

Answer 1

Musical drama sung by soloists SATB and chorus with orchestra. Uses costumes, on a stage, with lighting, props etc…..

Question 2

Suite

Answer 2

Collection of dances in a similar key, time or form

Question 3

Concerto

Answer 3

Piece of instrumental music composed for a soloist and orchestra, often includes technically demanding passages for the soloist to play.

Question 4

Recitative

Answer 4

A sing song speech like chant sung by S/A/T/B to tell a story. Akin to dialogue in films it is sung in many musicals in between ‘arias’.

Question 5

Counterpoint

Answer 5

Two intertwining melody’s in different hands that combine to create musical harmony. Often contains contrast between the melody’s and elements of fugue.

Question 6

Pizzicato (pizz.)

Answer 6

Pluck the strings

Question 7

Una corda what does it mean literally and in piano terms.

Answer 7

One string. Press the left pedal.