ABRSM Music Theory·ModuleTHEORY
Music Theory
Prepare for Music Theory with ABRSM Music Theory practice questions covering 34 topics. Build your knowledge, track your progress, and study effectively with Go Music Theory.
Sample questions
3 of manyA few questions from this module, with the answer and a full explanation. The complete bank is available when you start practising.
The term tosto means swift or rapid. However, it often appears in the compound word piuttosto (or piu tosto). What does piuttosto mean when applied to another tempo marking, such as in 'piuttosto allegro'?
- Suddenly — indicating a sudden change in tempo
- Swifter — it always makes the tempo faster
- Rather or somewhat — for example, 'piuttosto allegro' means rather fastCorrect answer
- Less — for example, 'piuttosto allegro' means less fast
ExplanationWhile tosto alone means swift or rapid, the word piuttosto (often written as one word) translates as rather or somewhat. It is used to moderate another term. For example, piuttosto allegro means "rather fast" (but perhaps not quite as fast as a full allegro), and piuttosto lento means "rather slow". It acts as a qualifier, similar to assez in French.
A student says that 4/4 and 2/2 are identical because both contain the same total note values per bar. Explain how the beat grouping and stress differ.
- 2/2 has more beats per bar than 4/4
- 4/4 is compound quadruple while 2/2 is simple duple
- 4/4 uses minim beats while 2/2 uses crotchet beats
- 4/4 has four crotchet beats (strong-weak-medium-weak) while 2/2 has two minim beats (strong-weak), so 2/2 feels broader with only two pulses per barCorrect answer
ExplanationWhile both contain a semibreve's worth of notes per bar, the beat grouping is different:
- 4/4 (simple quadruple): 4 crotchet beats, stress: STRONG-weak-medium-weak. Four pulses per bar.
- 2/2 (simple duple): 2 minim beats, stress: STRONG-weak. Two pulses per bar.
In 2/2, beats 2 and 4 of the equivalent 4/4 are not independently stressed beats -- they are subdivisions within the minim beats. This gives 2/2 a broader, more sweeping feel.
What does 'grazioso' mean?
- GracefullyCorrect answer
- Loudly
- Sadly
- Very fast
ExplanationGrazioso means gracefully. It instructs the performer to play with grace and elegance.