Reading Quiz for Chapter 11

1. Question

   What is the main reason opera was so appealing to Baroque audiences?

   A.

   because of its subtlety

   B.

   because of its glorification of noble patrons

   C.

   because of its spectacular theatrical quality and its ability to project strong emotion

   D.

   because of its ability to tell a story

   What is the main reason opera was so appealing to Baroque audiences?

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Opera in Chapter 11.

2. Question

   The singing style that emphasizes virtuosic technique with fast brilliant runs, high notes, and vocal cadenzas is called

   A.

   secco.

   B.

   castrato.

   C.

   coloratura.

   D.

   opera seria.

   The singing style that emphasizes virtuosic technique with fast brilliant runs, high notes, and vocal cadenzas is called

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Opera in Chapter 11.

3. Question

   Italian Baroque opera mostly took its plots from

   A.

   ancient history.

   B.

   aristocratic dramas.

   C.

   current events.

   D.

   popular novels.

   Italian Baroque opera mostly took its plots from

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Italian Opera Seria in Chapter 11.

4. Question

   Speechlike singing in an opera, usually used to present dialogue and plot action, is called

   A.

   an aria.

   B.

   coloratura.

   C.

   opera seria.

   D.

   recitative.

   Speechlike singing in an opera, usually used to present dialogue and plot action, is called

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Recitative in Chapter 11.

5. Question

   What instruments accompany secco recitative?

   A.

   orchestra

   B.

   woodwinds

   C.

   basso continuo

   D.

   no instruments at all

   What instruments accompany secco recitative?

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Recitative in Chapter 11.

6. Question

   A set piece for solo singer in an opera, usually used to show a character mulling over his or her emotions, is called

   A.

   an aria.

   B.

   coloratura.

   C.

   opera seria.

   D.

   recitative.

   A set piece for solo singer in an opera, usually used to show a character mulling over his or her emotions, is called

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Aria in Chapter 11.

7. Question

   In a Baroque Italian opera, the standard form for an aria is

   A.

   secco, or dry, form.

   B.

   da capo, or A B A, form.

   C.

   accompagnato, or accompanied, form.

   D.

   A B C form.

   In a Baroque Italian opera, the standard form for an aria is

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See Aria in Chapter 11.

8. Question

   Who were the castrati?

   A.

   set designers for Italian operas

   B.

   prized male opera singers in Italy who submitted to castration at puberty

   C.

   wealthy French patrons who commissioned operas

   D.

   opera audience members who sat in the most expensive seats

   Who were the castrati?

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See The Castrato in Chapter 11.

9. Question

   The plot of Handel’s Julius Caesar deals with

   A.

   the relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

   B.

   the story of Christ’s birth.

   C.

   the story of Easter.

   D.

   the relationship between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, as well as Sextus’s desire for revenge on Cleopatra’s brother Ptolemy.

   The plot of Handel’s Julius Caesar deals with

   Correct.

   Incorrect. See George Frideric Handel, Julius Caesar in Chapter 11.

10. Question

    What are two general factors that are important in all Baroque sacred-music genres?

    A.

    the participation of the choir and the tendency to borrow from opera

    B.

    the participation of the choir and the desire to avoid any influence of opera

    C.

    the use of costumes and scenery and the participation of the orchestra

    D.

    the participation of the orchestra and the sharing of styles and forms with other religious denominations

    What are two general factors that are important in all Baroque sacred-music genres?

    Correct.

    Incorrect. See Oratorio in Chapter 11.

11. Question

    An oratorio is basically

    A.

    an opera on a religious subject, presented in concert form without scenery, costumes, or acting.

    B.

    the same thing as a cantata.

    C.

    an opera about a historical event.

    D.

    an anonymously composed opera.

    An oratorio is basically

    Correct.

    Incorrect. See Oratorio in Chapter 11.

12. Question

    What makes Handel’s Messiah different from most other oratorios?

    A.

    It doesn’t use any scenery or costumes.

    B.

    It features styles from opera such as accompanied recitative and aria.

    C.

    Instead of using characters to depict the story, Messiah uses anonymous narrators and commentators.

    D.

    Messiah tells a story from the Bible.

    What makes Handel’s Messiah different from most other oratorios?

    Correct.

    Incorrect. See George Frideric Handel, Messiah in Chapter 11.

13. Question

    A piece of music for voice and instruments written to be performed during Lutheran church services is

    A.

    an oratorio.

    B.

    a chorale.

    C.

    a gapped chorale.

    D.

    a church cantata.

    A piece of music for voice and instruments written to be performed during Lutheran church services is

    Correct.

    Incorrect. See The Church Cantata in Chapter 11.

14. Question

    Lutheran hymns, which were often used in church cantatas, are called

    A.

    motets.

    B.

    chorales.

    C.

    stanzas.

    D.

    anthems.

    Lutheran hymns, which were often used in church cantatas, are called

    Correct.

    Incorrect. See The Lutheran Chorale in Chapter 11.

15. Question

    The church cantata functioned as a

    A.

    second, musical sermon during church services.

    B.

    substitute for church services.

    C.

    concert “opera.”

    D.

    break from the religious content of church services.

    The church cantata functioned as a

    Correct.

    Incorrect. See The Church Cantata in Chapter 11.