What to Listen for in Music: Tone Color (Timbre) name ______
Due Dates: Questions 1-15 are due on Thursday, October 20. Questions 16-30 are due on Monday, October 24 .
Directions. Fill in the answers to the questions below. Where [CS] is indicated, the response must be in a complete sentence. Answer all of the responses on separate paper. It is best to type them. [This a 25 point open book quiz]
1) Refer to the table of contents. What are the four elements of music?
Comment: When writing responses for the IB exam, you must be able to immediately think of at least six vocabulary terms or concepts for each of these elements in order to analyze musical pieces quickly and effectively.
We will make lists for each of these elements based on prior knowledge.
2) Read chapter 7 (pages 63-80). Which element of music is discussed in this
chapter?
3) In music, what is tone color? [CS] (63)
4) What are the two main objectives a listener should have in relation to tone
color? (64)
5) What makes a composer choose one instrument over another? (64) [CS]
6) Summarize Copland’s point of view regarding Debussy’s selection of a flute
for the melody of Afternoon of a Faun. [CS]
7) Which three steps had to be developed for the modern tone colors (of
orchestral instruments) to be utilized effectively? (66)
8) Write one comment regarding the piano discussion on pages 68-69. [CS]
9) What four principal sections are orchestral instruments divided into? (70)
10) What are the four types of string instruments? (70)
11) What is pizzicato? (70)
12) How is a viola different than a violin in terms of size and tone color? (71) [CS]
13) Describe the range of the cello. Describe the tone quality of a cello in its
upper, middle, and lower registers. (71) [CS}
14) What is the proper function of the double bass? (72)
~ turn page ~
15) What are the four types of woodwind instruments? What instrument is the
English horn (a.k.a. Cor Anglais) related to? What are the flute’s “first
cousins” [CS} (72)
16) Describe the tone color of the flute. Explain what its ‘agility’ allows flutists to do.
What tone quality does the flute’s lower register possess? [CS] (73)
17) Describe the tone quality of the oboe. [CS] (73)
18) Describe the tone quality of the clarinet. [CS] (74)
19) Describe the tone quality of the bassoon. Which Stravinsky piece effectively utilizes the bassoon? [CS] (74)
20) What are the four types of brass instruments? [CS] (75)
21) Describe the tone qualities of the trumpet. [2CS] (75)
22) Describe the tone qualities of the trombone. [2CS] (75-76)
23) Describe the tone qualities of the tuba. [2CS] (76)
24) List all of the percussion instruments that are mentioned on pages 76-77.
25) How are xylophones and vibraphones different than drums and cymbals?
26) MIXED TONE COLORS. List two common instrument combinations that are
mentioned at the top of page 78.
26) Which instruments are in a string quartet? What type of mood does the string quartet’s timbre create? In which setting is its sound most effective? (78)
27) What is the main thing you can do when listening to an orchestra? {CS} (79)
28) What does a conductor often give his primary attention to? {CS} (79)
29) In what year did Copland write this book?
30) Write down one main idea from Copland’s discussion of jazz groups on pages 79-80. (Optional question: In what ways does his analysis of jazz groups need to be updated?)