M 541

Test 2

31 October 2005

Please Note: the three sections of the test and the instructions that go with them are from the ACTUAL test.  The paragraphs in blue are my descriptions of what will be in each section.

This test will cover chapters 7-10 of A History of Western Music, and examples 27-47 in the NAWM.

Part 1: Identifications and definitions (30 points total)

A. For the following terms, provide a brief definition and where applicable a musical example. (2 points each; choose 10 of  the 12 given)

Note: the terms are chosen from those presented in the textbook in boldface.  I cannot give you a list (you should be doing that on your own), but can tell you that nothing in this list is going to be obscure or tricky.

B. Identify the following historical figures, giving a brief explanation of what they contributed to the history of medieval music. (2 points each; choose 5 of the 6 given)

Note: I have selected only important names  that appear in the textbook and that have appeared in my lectures.  They can be patrons, composers, theorists, publishers, etc.

Part 2: Listening examples (30 points total, 10 points per example)

Note: There will be three of these, and I can tell you that they are pieces I have NOT used on the quizzes.  The expectations are the same as those for quizzes.

Part 3: Short answers (40 points)

Choose 8 of the 10 questions below.  For each, provide a brief answer, consisting of diagrams, musical examples where appropriate, and a few short sentences.  (5 points each)

Note: These are NOT essay questions.  They focus on specific topics taken from lectures and readings—things like, to give you an obvious question, "how does the tenor of a tenor mass work?"—and can be answered very simply.  Obviously, I cannot tell you what they will be, but you should be able to come up with a relatively short and comprehensive list  if you take my example above and look through the textbook for topics that can be reduced to similar questions.