BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Music 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In tonal harmony, which Roman numeral represents the leading-tone seventh chord in a major key?
- viio7 (Correct answer)
- VII7
- vii7
- VIIo7
Correct answer: viio7
The fully diminished seventh chord built on the leading tone in a major key is labeled viio7.
Question 2: Which form is most commonly associated with the first movement of a Classical-era symphony?
- Sonata-allegro form (Correct answer)
- Rondo form
- Theme and variations
- Binary form
Correct answer: Sonata-allegro form
Sonata-allegro form, featuring exposition, development, and recapitulation, is the standard first-movement form in Classical symphonies.
Question 3: What does the term 'secondary dominant' refer to in tonal harmony?
- A dominant seventh chord that temporarily tonicizes a diatonic chord other than tonic (Correct answer)
- The subdominant chord acting as a dominant substitute
- The supertonic chord functioning as a pre-dominant
- A borrowed chord from the parallel minor
Correct answer: A dominant seventh chord that temporarily tonicizes a diatonic chord other than tonic
A secondary dominant is V or V7 of a scale degree other than the tonic, creating a brief tonicization.
Question 4: In species counterpoint, which type of motion is strictly prohibited between all voices?
- Parallel perfect fifths and octaves (Correct answer)
- Contrary motion
- Oblique motion
- Similar motion to imperfect consonances
Correct answer: Parallel perfect fifths and octaves
Parallel perfect fifths and octaves are forbidden in species counterpoint because they cause voice-leading independence to collapse.
Question 5: Which clef is standard notation for the viola in orchestral scores?
- Alto clef (Correct answer)
- Treble clef
- Bass clef
- Tenor clef
Correct answer: Alto clef
The alto clef (C-clef on the middle line) is the primary clef used for viola, placing middle C on the third line.
Question 6: What is the function of a Neapolitan chord (N or bII) in tonal music?
- Pre-dominant harmony that typically resolves to V (Correct answer)
- A dominant substitute resolving directly to tonic
- A tonic prolongation chord
- A mediant chord borrowed from the parallel major
Correct answer: Pre-dominant harmony that typically resolves to V
The Neapolitan chord (flat-II in first inversion) acts as a pre-dominant, most commonly resolving to V or cadential 6/4.
Question 7: In compound meter, the beat is divided into how many equal parts?
- Three (Correct answer)
- Two
- Four
- Six
Correct answer: Three
In compound meter, each beat subdivides naturally into three equal parts, unlike simple meter where the beat divides into two.
BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Music 2
In tonal harmony, which Roman numeral represents the leading-tone seventh chord in a major key?