Modern Music

Identify two concepts which are a feature of this music?

• Major

• Chromatic

• Atonal

• Minor

• Improvisation

Answer explanation

This excerpt is from Arnold Schoenberg's Piano Concerto, Op. 42, which is an example of his Serialist composing technique - "a method of composing with 12 tones that are related only to one another." Though this music might sound quite random, the composer has written down this music with precise performing directions.

What is the concept which best describes a feature of the harmony in this excerpt?

Answer explanation

György Ligeti - Atmospheres

What is the concept which describes the performing technique used in this excerpt?

Answer explanation

Bartók's String Quartet No. 4

Identify the timbral concept which is a feature of the electric guitar in this excerpt:

• Reverb

• Distortion

• Muted

Answer explanation

This track is called Producer by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, a five-piece outfit from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

What is the concept which describes the tonality of this music:

• Major

• Minor

• Atonal

Answer explanation

Arnold Schönberg - String Quartet No. 3

What is the concept which describes the timbre used on the drum kit in this excerpt?

• Distortion

• Rolls

• Reverb

Answer explanation

Led Zeppelin - When the Levee Breaks

Identify the woodwind instrument in this excerpt.

Answer explanation

Oboe Sonata by Francis Poulenc (1962)

What is the melodic concept used towards the end of this excerpt?

Identify the performing technique used by the recorder player in this excerpt:

Answer explanation

This is from Noye's Fludde (1958), a one-act opera by Benjamin Britten intended for children and amateur performers.

Identify two concepts which are a feature of this music:

• Trumpet

• Alberti bass

• Trombone

• Con sordino

• Distortion

Answer explanation

Blue in Green by Miles Davis from his album Kind of Blue