Solo Piano Pieces

Question 1

Etude

Answer 1

(French for study) a piece of music designed to train a performer a particular skill on a solo instrument

Question 2

Prelude

Answer 2

A short piece of music with little or no particular internal form, sounding almost improvisatory

Question 3

Polonaise

Answer 3

A slow dance of Polish origin normally in 3/4 time

Question 4

Nocturne

Answer 4

(French for nocturnal) a piece of music inspired by the night

Question 5

Mazurka

Answer 5

An upbeat Polish folk dance in triple meter

Question 6

Waltz

Answer 6

Another form of music relating to a folk dance in 3/4 time

Question 7

Ballade

Answer 7

A large-scale one movement work with dramatic and narrative qualities

Question 8

Scherzo

Answer 8

usually was a name given to a movement of a larger body of work, though in the later classical periods, composers took the scherzo and made it into its own work. They’re usually light-hearted, but Chopin’s are much darker and dramatic.

Question 9

Piano Concerto

Answer 9

A work consisting of an orchestral ensemble and a smaller group or soloist. Concertos are typically comprise of 3 movements (fast-slow-fast).

Question 10

Piano Sonata

Answer 10

Refers to a form of music originating from the classical period. Usually consists of 3-4 movements with the first in sonata form.