CLEP Humanities : Answering Other Questions About Medieval Music

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Medieval Music

Gregorian chant was most utilized in what venue during the Middle Ages?

Possible Answers:

Governmental functions

Courtly settings

Liturgy

Weddings

Funerals

Correct answer:

Liturgy

Explanation:

Gregorian chant is the style of music that developed throughout the Middle Ages, having various sources and styles. It was an ecclesiastical form of music, meaning that it was a "church" music. In particular, it was a kind of liturgical music, used in the various forms of public worship undertaken by the Latin Roman Catholic Church. Its melodies were based on the texts of the Mass, the Divine Office, and other liturgical ceremonies. Many of these texts were biblical, though adaptations from other sources are also found in many hymns and antiphons throughout the Middle Ages.

Example Question #1 : Medieval Music (476 1400)

Which of the following was the primary language of Gregorian Chant in the Middle Ages?

Possible Answers:

Aramaic

Hebrew

Greek

Latin

Arabic

Correct answer:

Latin

Explanation:

Strictly speaking, Gregorian Chant is a phenomenon of the Christian West. It was the liturgical music of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, which dominated much (though not all) of Western Europe throughout the Middle Ages. While there were other forms of liturgical worship throughout this period, the Latin Rite was the "location" for the development of the Gregorian Chant repertoire. Its texts were taken from various parts of the liturgy, drawing on biblical sources as well as more original compositions by hymn and antiphon writers.

Example Question #4 : Music

Which musical instrument was common in Medieval music and was associated with the god Apollo in Ancient Greece?

Possible Answers:

Pipes

Harpsichord

Lyre

Lute

Trumpet

Correct answer:

Lyre

Explanation:

The pipes, trumpet, and harpsichord are not common Medieval instruments. Though is was an ancient stringed instrument also common in Medieval times, the lute was not associated with Apollo.

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