CMP Composition and Music Theory 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Roman numeral analysis, what does a lowercase 'v' with a superscript 'o' (v°) indicate in a minor key?
- A diminished triad built on scale degree 5 (Correct answer)
- A major triad built on scale degree 5
- A minor triad built on scale degree 5
- An augmented triad built on scale degree 5
Correct answer: A diminished triad built on scale degree 5
In natural minor, the triad on scale degree 5 is diminished (v°), unlike the raised leading tone that creates V major in harmonic minor.
Question 2: What is a 'pedal point' in music composition?
- A sustained or repeated note in one voice while harmonies change above or below it (Correct answer)
- A foot pedal used on a piano to sustain notes
- A melodic pattern repeated at different pitch levels
- A rhythmic pattern repeated throughout a piece
Correct answer: A sustained or repeated note in one voice while harmonies change above or below it
A pedal point is a compositional technique where one pitch is held (usually in the bass) while other voices move through changing harmonies.
Question 3: Which mode starts on the 6th degree of the major scale and has a lowered 3rd, 6th, and 7th compared to major?
- Aeolian (Correct answer)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Locrian
Correct answer: Aeolian
Aeolian mode, also known as the natural minor scale, is built on the 6th degree of the major scale and features a b3, b6, and b7.
Question 4: What is the term for a chord progression that moves from IV directly to I, often used to end a phrase with a softer resolution?
- Plagal cadence (Correct answer)
- Authentic cadence
- Half cadence
- Deceptive cadence
Correct answer: Plagal cadence
A plagal cadence (IV–I) is sometimes called the 'Amen cadence' and provides a softer, less definitive sense of closure than an authentic cadence.
Question 5: In music theory, what is 'hemiola'?
- A rhythmic device where two measures of triple meter are felt as three measures of duple meter (Correct answer)
- A type of scale with half steps between every degree
- A chord with three notes all a half step apart
- A technique of playing two notes simultaneously on a string instrument
Correct answer: A rhythmic device where two measures of triple meter are felt as three measures of duple meter
Hemiola creates a temporary metric shift by grouping beats in a 3:2 ratio, making two bars of 3/4 feel like three bars of 2/4.
Question 6: What does the term 'enharmonic equivalent' mean?
- Two notes that sound the same but are written with different names (Correct answer)
- Two chords that have the same function in different keys
- Two scales that share the same key signature
- Two rhythms that have the same duration
Correct answer: Two notes that sound the same but are written with different names
Enharmonic equivalents are notes like C# and Db that are identical in pitch but spelled differently depending on musical context.
Question 7: Which compositional technique involves stating a melody and then repeating it with slight variations each time?
- Theme and variations (Correct answer)
- Fugue
- Canon
- Rondo
Correct answer: Theme and variations
Theme and variations is a form where a primary theme is repeatedly altered in rhythm, harmony, melody, or texture while retaining its basic identity.
CMP Composition and Music Theory 2
In Roman numeral analysis, what does a lowercase 'v' with a superscript 'o' (v°) indicate in a minor key?