1.19 Medieval Period Quiz

True or False:

Minstrels were considered a higher class compared to Troubadours and Trouveres.

• True

• False

Which term best describes poet musicians that composed music in their own native language?

• Troubadours/Trouveres

• Minstrels

• Priests/Monks

• Court Jesters

Why were minstrels vital in every day life during the medieval period?

• They provided entertainment to the common people

• They provided news outside of the town

• They provided newspapers for the common folk to read.

• They were traveling entertainers that entertained people in the church.

Who did the troubadours and trouveres work for? Who were they employed by?

• Peasants and serfs
• Noble patrons/aristocracy
• Merchants and traders
• The clergy

Answer explanation

The troubadours and trouveres worked for the aristocracy or nobles.

Which on of these topics did troubadours and trouveres not compose or write music about?

• Love Songs

• Knights doing knightly deeds

• Dance Songs

• Songs for the church

Answer explanation

Troubadours and Trouveres did not write songs based off sacred text (music for the church). They composed songs on topics based off love and knights doing great deeds (chivalry).

True or False: Minstrels performed and sang their own original songs.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Minstrels did not perform their own original songs. They performed songs that were popular during the medieval times. They were considered the cover artists of their time.

Which of these terms best describe a monophonic, acapella piece that is sung in church?

• Chant

• Plainsong

• Secular Music

• Poem

Answer explanation

Chant is the term that describes a monophonic, acapella piece that is sung primarily in church.

What is the term used to describe a series of notes sung on a single syllable?

• Melisma

• Hemiola

• Tie

• Slur

Answer explanation

Melisma is the term that describes the singing of multiple notes on one syllable.

True or False:

Instruments were allowed to be performed in church.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Instruments were not allowed to be performed in church. The church viewed the playing of instruments as secular (Music of the people)

Which term best describes a cadence?

• The ending of a musical phrase or section.

• The end of a sentence

• The complete end of music.

• The way someone ends their sentence.

Answer explanation

Cadences are the endings of musical sections or phrases. This lets the listener know that portion of the song is ending.