CLEP Humanities : Answering Other Questions About Classical Music

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Classical Music

Which of the following is NOT a typical instrument found in a classical orchestra?

Possible Answers:

Guitar

Flute

Oboe

Violin

Cello

Correct answer:

Guitar

Explanation:

The guitar's rise in popularity took place in the late nineteenth century in Europe and America, largely thanks to a move away from large classical ensembles and more towards parlor music. The guitar's ability to play chords easily and accompany a singer made it become immensely popular, despite its lack of use in classical orchestras.

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Classical Music

How many strings does a guitar usually have?

Possible Answers:

Three

Eight

Five

Six

Four

Correct answer:

Six

Explanation:

The guitar, developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, was structured to be an accompanying instrument instead of a lead instrument. As such, it was created to play chords easily, and was given six strings in closer tuning than the four-stringed violin or cello. Despite its humble origins, the guitar's functionality allowed it to become the main lead instrument in popular music.

Example Question #3 : Answering Other Questions About Classical Music

The Requiem Mass in D Minor was which composer's final work in the late 18th century before his death?

Possible Answers:

Mozart

Salieri

Bach

Handel

Beethoven

Correct answer:

Mozart

Explanation:

A contemporary rival of Mozart, Salieri staged 37 operas in his lifetime, but did not write the Requiem in D Minor. Bach and Handel were a German composers in the early and mid-18th century. Beethoven died in the mid-19th century, and is known for works such as the Moonlight Sonata.

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