Multiple Choice Questions
Music Theory: Advanced Post-Tonal Harmony
Topic Name: Advanced Post-Tonal Harmony
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following intervals is considered a tritone?
a) Major third
b) Perfect fourth
c) Minor sixth
d) Augmented fourth
Answer: d) Augmented fourth
Explanation: A tritone is an interval consisting of three whole tones, or six semitones. An augmented fourth is a tritone because it spans six semitones. For example, the interval between C and F# is an augmented fourth.
Question 2:
Which composer is most closely associated with the development of post-tonal music?
a) Johann Sebastian Bach
b) Ludwig van Beethoven
c) Arnold Schoenberg
d) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Answer: c) Arnold Schoenberg
Explanation: Arnold Schoenberg was a key figure in the development of post-tonal music. He developed the twelve-tone technique, which sought to establish a new system of composition that moved beyond traditional tonality. His compositions, such as \”Pierrot Lunaire,\” are examples of post-tonal music.
Question 3:
Which of the following scales is commonly used in post-tonal music?
a) Major scale
b) Harmonic minor scale
c) Whole-tone scale
d) Dorian mode
Answer: c) Whole-tone scale
Explanation: The whole-tone scale is commonly used in post-tonal music because it lacks a tonal center, allowing for greater flexibility in composition. It is made up entirely of whole steps and is symmetrical. For example, the whole-tone scale starting on C would include the pitches C, D, E, F#, G#, and A#.
Question 4:
Which of the following techniques is NOT commonly used in post-tonal music?
a) Atonality
b) Serialism
c) Counterpoint
d) Aleatoric music
Answer: c) Counterpoint
Explanation: While counterpoint can be used in post-tonal music, it is not as commonly used as atonality, serialism, or aleatoric music. Counterpoint refers to the combination of multiple melodic lines, often with each line having its own independent rhythm and contour. However, post-tonal music often focuses more on vertical sonorities and the manipulation of pitch classes rather than traditional contrapuntal techniques.
Question 5:
Which of the following chords is commonly used in post-tonal harmony?
a) Major triad
b) Dominant seventh chord
c) Diminished triad
d) Augmented triad
Answer: d) Augmented triad
Explanation: The augmented triad is commonly used in post-tonal harmony because it does not have a clear tonal center. It is made up of two major thirds, creating a symmetrical and dissonant sound. For example, an augmented triad starting on C would include the pitches C, E, and G#.
Question 6:
Which composer is known for his use of extended techniques in post-tonal music?
a) Igor Stravinsky
b) Béla Bartók
c) György Ligeti
d) Claude Debussy
Answer: c) György Ligeti
Explanation: György Ligeti is known for his use of extended techniques in post-tonal music, particularly in his choral work \”Lux Aeterna.\” He incorporates vocal effects such as whispering, humming, and glissandos to create unique and otherworldly textures. Ligeti\’s use of extended techniques adds to the overall complexity and innovative nature of his compositions.
Question 7:
Which interval is commonly used in post-tonal music to create dissonance?
a) Perfect fifth
b) Major sixth
c) Minor seventh
d) Major second
Answer: c) Minor seventh
Explanation: The minor seventh interval is commonly used in post-tonal music to create dissonance. This interval consists of ten semitones and is considered highly dissonant due to its complex harmonic relationship. For example, the interval between C and Bb is a minor seventh and produces a tense and unresolved sound.
Question 8:
Which of the following composers is associated with the Second Viennese School?
a) Johann Strauss II
b) Franz Schubert
c) Anton Bruckner
d) Alban Berg
Answer: d) Alban Berg
Explanation: Alban Berg is associated with the Second Viennese School, along with Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. This group of composers sought to push the boundaries of tonality and develop new approaches to composition. Berg\’s works, such as his opera \”Wozzeck,\” exhibit the principles of post-tonal music.
Question 9:
Which of the following terms refers to the absence of a tonal center in post-tonal music?
a) Atonality
b) Polytonality
c) Modality
d) Tonal ambiguity
Answer: a) Atonality
Explanation: Atonality refers to the absence of a tonal center in post-tonal music. Unlike traditional tonal music, which is centered around a specific key, atonal music lacks a clear sense of tonality and often explores dissonant and unresolved harmonies. For example, Arnold Schoenberg\’s \”Pierrot Lunaire\” is an example of atonal music.
Question 10:
Which of the following composers is known for his use of micropolyphony in post-tonal music?
a) Johann Sebastian Bach
b) Ludwig van Beethoven
c) Igor Stravinsky
d) György Ligeti
Answer: d) György Ligeti
Explanation: György Ligeti is known for his use of micropolyphony in post-tonal music. Micropolyphony refers to the intricate layering of multiple voices or instruments, creating dense and complex textures. Ligeti\’s orchestral works, such as \”Atmosphères,\” showcase his mastery of micropolyphony.
Question 11:
Which of the following techniques is used in post-tonal music to organize pitch material?
a) Counterpoint
b) Modulation
c) Chromaticism
d) Serialism
Answer: d) Serialism
Explanation: Serialism is a technique used in post-tonal music to organize pitch material. It involves the use of a tone row, which is a specific ordering of the twelve pitch classes, to create a basis for composition. This technique allows for the manipulation of pitch classes and the avoidance of traditional tonal hierarchies.
Question 12:
Which of the following terms refers to the use of multiple tonal centers in post-tonal music?
a) Polytonality
b) Atonality
c) Bitonality
d) Modality
Answer: c) Bitonality
Explanation: Bitonality refers to the use of multiple tonal centers in post-tonal music. It involves the simultaneous use of two different keys or tonalities, creating a sense of tension and ambiguity. For example, Igor Stravinsky\’s \”The Rite of Spring\” utilizes bitonality to create dissonant and complex harmonies.
Question 13:
Which of the following composers is known for his use of chance operations in post-tonal music?
a) Claude Debussy
b) Béla Bartók
c) John Cage
d) Igor Stravinsky
Answer: c) John Cage
Explanation: John Cage is known for his use of chance operations in post-tonal music. He believed in removing the composer\’s control and allowing elements of chance to determine the outcome of a composition. Cage\’s most famous work, \”4\’33\”,\” consists of performers sitting in silence for the duration of the piece, highlighting his exploration of indeterminacy.
Question 14:
Which of the following terms refers to the technique of using all twelve pitch classes equally in post-tonal music?
a) Atonality
b) Serialism
c) Chromaticism
d) Twelve-tone technique
Answer: d) Twelve-tone technique
Explanation: The twelve-tone technique refers to the technique of using all twelve pitch classes equally in post-tonal music. This technique, developed by Arnold Schoenberg, involves the manipulation of a tone row, which is a specific ordering of the twelve pitch classes. The twelve-tone technique allows for the avoidance of traditional tonal hierarchies and the establishment of a new system of composition.
Question 15:
Which of the following terms refers to the technique of using multiple simultaneous tonal centers in post-tonal music?
a) Polytonality
b) Atonality
c) Bitonality
d) Modality
Answer: a) Polytonality
Explanation: Polytonality refers to the technique of using multiple simultaneous tonal centers in post-tonal music. It involves the combination of two or more different keys or tonalities, creating a sense of tension and dissonance. Charles Ives is known for his use of polytonality in his compositions, such as \”The Unanswered Question,\” which juxtapose different tonalities to create a complex and innovative musical landscape.