Sample Questions on secular vocal music

 

Paper 1

 

Question

a) Write a definition showing your understanding of 2 of the following:      2 x2 marks (4)

 

         Tablature

         False relation

         Syllabic

         Imitation

 

b) Link each of the two terms you have chosen in your answer to question (a) to a context from a specific work. You should name the work, the bar, the beat number(s) and the instrument(s) or voice(s) involved.                                                      2 x2 marks (4)

 

c) The following questions relate to Dido and Aeneas by Purcell.

i.     (i)    From what type of work are these extracts taken?                                 (2)

ii.     (ii)   What device is used throughout the aria?                                           (2)

iii.     (iii)   Give 2 ways in which Purcell created dramatic tension in this piece.        (4)

iv.      

d) Compare and contrast Haydn’s ‘My mother bids me’ and Faure’s ‘Apres un reve’.

Comment on the use of instruments and voices, melodic writing, structural aspects and likely performance circumstances. Give detailed examples to support your observations.

                                                                                                   (14)

                                                                                             Total (30)

 

 

 

Paper 2

Question

a) Write a definition showing your understanding of 2 of the following:      2 x2 marks (4)

 

         Melisma

         Recitative

         Strophic

         Periodic phrasing

        

b) Link each of the two terms you have chosen in your answer to question (a) to a context from a specific work. You should name the work, the bar, the beat number(s) and the instrument(s) or voice(s) involved.                                                      2 x2 marks (4)

 

c) The following questions relate to Flow my tears by Dowland.

v.     (i)    What type of work is this?                                                        (2)

vi.     (ii)   What notation would the lute part normally play from?                           (2)

vii.     (iii)   Find 2 examples of word painting in this extract.                                   (4)

viii.      

d) Compare and contrast Purcell’s ‘Dido and Aeneas’ and Gershwins’s ‘Summertime’.

Comment on the use of instruments and voices, melodic and harmonic writing, structural aspects and likely performance circumstances. Give detailed examples to support your observations.                                                                                                                                                                                                      (14)

                                                                                             Total (30)

 

Paper 3

Question

a) Write a definition showing your understanding of 2 of the following:      2 x2 marks (4)

 

         Continuo

         Figured Bass

         Portamento

         Appoggiatura

        

b) Link each of the two terms you have chosen in your answer to question (a) to a context from a specific work. You should name the work, the bar, the beat number(s) and the instrument(s) or voice(s) involved.                                                      2 x2 marks (4)

 

c) The following questions relate to ‘Summertime’ by Gershwin.

ix.     (i)    Name four styles of music that have influenced this piece.                     (4)     (ii)     What is a piano reduction score                                             (2)

x.     (iii)   Find an example of a blue note in this extract.                             (2)

xi.      

d) Compare and contrast Dowland’s ‘Flow my tears’ with Haydn’s ‘My mother bids me’.

Comment on the use of instruments and voices, melodic and harmonic writing, structural aspects and likely performance circumstances. Give detailed examples to support your observations.                                                                                                                                                                                                      (14)

                                                                                             Total (30)

 

 

Paper 4

Question

a) Write a definition showing your understanding of 2 of the following:      2 x2 marks (4)

 

         Ground Bass

         Archlute

         Swung quavers

         Blue notes

        

b) Link each of the two terms you have chosen in your answer to question (a) to a context from a specific work. You should name the work, the bar, the beat number(s) and the instrument(s) or voice(s) involved.                                                      2 x2 marks (4)

 

c) The following questions relate to Apres un Reve by Faure:

xii.     (i)    What kind of work is this?                                                       (2)     (ii)     Identify where Faure uses a circle of fifths.                                        (2)

xiii.     (iii)   Find an example of a ninth chord.                                                      (2)

xiv.     (iv)   Find an example of cross rhythms                                                     (2)

xv.      

d) Compare and contrast Dowland’s ‘Flow my tears’ with Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’. Comment on the use of instruments and voices, melodic and harmonic writing, structural aspects and likely performance circumstances. Give detailed examples to support your observations.                                                                                                                                                                                                      (14)

                                                                                             Total (30)

 

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