Multiple Choice Questions
Music History: Contemporary and Experimental Music (Continued)
Topic: Contemporary and Experimental Music
Grade: 10
Question 1:
Which composer is known for pioneering the use of chance operations in his compositions?
a) Igor Stravinsky
b) John Cage
c) Arnold Schoenberg
d) Karlheinz Stockhausen
Answer: b) John Cage
Explanation: John Cage is known for his innovative use of chance operations in his compositions. One example of this is his piece \”4\’33\”,\” in which the performer(s) remain silent for the duration of the piece, allowing the ambient sounds of the environment to be heard. This challenges the traditional notion of what music is and opens up new possibilities for artistic expression.
Question 2:
Which musical genre emerged in the late 1970s and is characterized by its aggressive, fast-paced sound and politically charged lyrics?
a) Punk rock
b) Grunge
c) Hip hop
d) New wave
Answer: a) Punk rock
Explanation: Punk rock emerged in the late 1970s as a response to the mainstream music industry and societal issues. It is characterized by its aggressive, fast-paced sound, often with short and simple songs. The lyrics of punk rock songs often address political and social issues, challenging the status quo.
Question 3:
Which composer is known for his use of minimalism in his compositions?
a) John Adams
b) Philip Glass
c) Steve Reich
d) Terry Riley
Answer: b) Philip Glass
Explanation: Philip Glass is known for his use of minimalism in his compositions, which involves repetitive structures and simple harmonic progressions. One of his most famous works is \”Einstein on the Beach,\” which features repetitive patterns and minimalistic elements. This style of composition influenced many other contemporary composers and has had a significant impact on the development of experimental music.
Question 4:
Which musical technique involves the manipulation of recorded sounds to create new compositions?
a) Sampling
b) Remixing
c) Scratching
d) Looping
Answer: a) Sampling
Explanation: Sampling is a technique in which recorded sounds are taken from existing music or other sources and used to create new compositions. This can involve manipulating the sounds, looping them, or combining them with other elements. One example of sampling is the use of a drum break from a funk record in hip hop music, creating a new rhythmic foundation for the song.
Question 5:
Which composer is known for his use of extended techniques on the piano, such as plucking the strings or playing inside the piano?
a) John Cage
b) György Ligeti
c) George Crumb
d) Henry Cowell
Answer: d) Henry Cowell
Explanation: Henry Cowell was known for his experimental approach to the piano, including the use of extended techniques. One example of this is his piece \”The Banshee,\” in which the performer plucks and strums the strings of the piano to create eerie and unconventional sounds. This expanded the range of possibilities for piano performance and influenced future composers.
Question 6:
Which musical genre emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and futuristic soundscapes?
a) New wave
b) Disco
c) Reggae
d) Funk
Answer: a) New wave
Explanation: New wave emerged in the 1980s as a response to the punk rock movement and the rise of electronic music. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and futuristic soundscapes. The lyrics of new wave songs often explore themes of technology, alienation, and social issues. Examples of new wave bands include Depeche Mode and The Cure.
Question 7:
Which composer is known for his use of aleatoric music, which involves chance elements in the composition?
a) Igor Stravinsky
b) John Adams
c) Olivier Messiaen
d) Karlheinz Stockhausen
Answer: a) Igor Stravinsky
Explanation: Igor Stravinsky is known for his use of aleatoric music, which involves incorporating chance elements into the composition. One example of this is his piece \”The Rite of Spring,\” in which the performers are given freedom in their interpretation of certain sections. This creates a sense of unpredictability and adds an element of excitement to the performance.
Question 8:
Which musical genre emerged in the 1990s and is characterized by its distorted guitars, introspective lyrics, and alternative approach to mainstream rock?
a) Grunge
b) Punk rock
c) Heavy metal
d) Pop punk
Answer: a) Grunge
Explanation: Grunge emerged in the 1990s as a reaction to the polished and commercialized sound of mainstream rock. It is characterized by its distorted guitars, introspective lyrics, and alternative approach to songwriting. Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam were at the forefront of the grunge movement, and their music had a significant impact on the music industry.
Question 9:
Which composer is known for his use of indeterminacy in his compositions, allowing performers to make choices during the performance?
a) John Cage
b) György Ligeti
c) Arnold Schoenberg
d) Steve Reich
Answer: a) John Cage
Explanation: John Cage is known for his use of indeterminacy in his compositions, which allows performers to make choices during the performance. One example of this is his piece \”Variations II,\” in which the performers use a combination of graphic scores and chance operations to determine the structure and content of the piece. This challenges traditional notions of composition and places importance on the performer\’s interpretation.
Question 10:
Which musical technique involves altering the speed or pitch of a recorded sound to create a new composition?
a) Remixing
b) Sampling
c) Scratching
d) Time stretching
Answer: d) Time stretching
Explanation: Time stretching is a technique in which the speed or pitch of a recorded sound is altered to create a new composition. This can be done manually or with the help of software. One example of time stretching is the use of slow-motion effects in film soundtracks, where the speed of the sound is decreased to create a dreamlike or eerie atmosphere.
Question 11:
Which composer is known for his use of unconventional musical instruments, such as prepared piano and musical saw?
a) John Cage
b) Karlheinz Stockhausen
c) Harry Partch
d) Terry Riley
Answer: c) Harry Partch
Explanation: Harry Partch is known for his use of unconventional musical instruments, including the prepared piano and musical saw. One example of his work is \”Delusion of the Fury,\” which features a variety of unique instruments created by Partch himself. This expanded the possibilities of sound and instrumentation in contemporary music.
Question 12:
Which musical genre emerged in the late 1970s and is characterized by its emphasis on synthesizers, electronic instruments, and futuristic themes?
a) New wave
b) Disco
c) Punk rock
d) Funk
Answer: a) New wave
Explanation: New wave emerged in the late 1970s as a reaction to the dominance of disco and the rise of electronic music. It is characterized by its emphasis on synthesizers, electronic instruments, and futuristic themes. The lyrics of new wave songs often explore themes of technology, identity, and social issues. Bands like Devo and Blondie were prominent figures in the new wave movement.
Question 13:
Which composer is known for his use of microtonality in his compositions, exploring the spaces between the traditional Western musical notes?
a) György Ligeti
b) John Adams
c) Olivier Messiaen
d) Ben Johnston
Answer: d) Ben Johnston
Explanation: Ben Johnston is known for his use of microtonality in his compositions, which involves exploring the spaces between the traditional Western musical notes. One example of his work is \”String Quartet No. 4,\” which uses just intonation and microtonal intervals to create a unique harmonic language. This challenges the traditional tuning system and expands the possibilities of musical expression.
Question 14:
Which musical technique involves manipulating vinyl records to create new compositions by scratching and cutting?
a) Remixing
b) Sampling
c) Scratching
d) Looping
Answer: c) Scratching
Explanation: Scratching is a technique in which vinyl records are manipulated by scratching and cutting to create new compositions. This technique originated in hip hop music, where DJs would use turntables to manipulate records and create rhythmic patterns. One example of scratching is the use of a \”breakbeat\” from a funk record in a hip hop song, creating a new rhythmic foundation for the track.
Question 15:
Which composer is known for his use of tape loops in his compositions, creating repetitive and layered textures?
a) John Cage
b) Steve Reich
c) Karlheinz Stockhausen
d) Terry Riley
Answer: b) Steve Reich
Explanation: Steve Reich is known for his use of tape loops in his compositions, which involves recording a short musical phrase and playing it back on a loop. One example of this is his piece \”Come Out,\” in which a recorded voice is gradually looped and layered to create a complex and hypnotic texture. This technique became a hallmark of minimalist music and influenced many other composers.