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Scales: Whole Tone and Diminished Scales

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge of whole tone and diminished scales, including their construction, characteristics, and musical applications.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: music theory scales whole tone scale diminished scale
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What is the intervallic structure of the whole tone scale?

  1. Two whole tones, two semitones, and two minor thirds

  2. Three whole tones, two semitones, and one minor third

  3. Four whole tones and two semitones

  4. Five whole tones and one semitone


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The whole tone scale is constructed using four whole tones and two semitones, resulting in a unique and symmetrical sound.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the whole tone scale?

  1. It has no leading tone

  2. It has no perfect fifth

  3. It has no half steps

  4. It has no major or minor thirds


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The whole tone scale is unique in that it contains no half steps, giving it a distinctive and ethereal sound.

What is the intervallic structure of the diminished scale?

  1. Three whole tones, two semitones, and one minor third

  2. Two whole tones, three semitones, and one minor third

  3. Four whole tones and two semitones

  4. Five whole tones and one semitone


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The diminished scale is constructed using two whole tones, three semitones, and one minor third, resulting in a dark and dissonant sound.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the diminished scale?

  1. It has a leading tone

  2. It has a perfect fifth

  3. It has no half steps

  4. It has no major or minor thirds


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The diminished scale is unique in that it contains no major or minor thirds, giving it a distinctive and dissonant sound.

Which of the following composers frequently used the whole tone scale in their music?

  1. Claude Debussy

  2. Arnold Schoenberg

  3. Igor Stravinsky

  4. Maurice Ravel


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Claude Debussy was a prominent composer who frequently incorporated the whole tone scale into his works, such as his opera 'Pelléas et Mélisande' and the piano piece 'Voiles.'

Which of the following composers frequently used the diminished scale in their music?

  1. Béla Bartók

  2. Dmitri Shostakovich

  3. Alban Berg

  4. Anton Webern


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Béla Bartók was a prominent composer who frequently incorporated the diminished scale into his works, such as his opera 'Bluebeard's Castle' and the orchestral piece 'Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta.'

In which key is the whole tone scale constructed using all white keys on the piano?

  1. C major

  2. G major

  3. D major

  4. A major


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The whole tone scale constructed using all white keys on the piano starts on the note C and includes the notes D, E, F#, G#, A#, and C.

In which key is the diminished scale constructed using all black keys on the piano?

  1. C diminished

  2. G diminished

  3. D diminished

  4. A diminished


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The diminished scale constructed using all black keys on the piano starts on the note C and includes the notes D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, and C♭.

What is the relationship between the whole tone scale and the augmented scale?

  1. They are enharmonic equivalents

  2. They have the same intervallic structure

  3. They are both symmetrical scales

  4. They are both used in jazz music


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The whole tone scale and the augmented scale are enharmonic equivalents, meaning they have the same pitches but different names due to the use of accidentals.

What is the relationship between the diminished scale and the half-diminished scale?

  1. They are enharmonic equivalents

  2. They have the same intervallic structure

  3. They are both symmetrical scales

  4. They are both used in classical music


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The diminished scale and the half-diminished scale have the same intervallic structure, but they differ in their starting notes and the placement of the semitones.

Which of the following is an example of a piece that prominently features the whole tone scale?

  1. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy

  2. The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky

  3. Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven

  4. Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy is a well-known piece that prominently features the whole tone scale, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.

Which of the following is an example of a piece that prominently features the diminished scale?

  1. The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky

  2. Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler

  3. Piano Concerto No. 1 by Sergei Rachmaninoff

  4. Violin Concerto in D major by Ludwig van Beethoven


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky is a groundbreaking piece that prominently features the diminished scale, creating a sense of tension and dissonance.

How many different whole tone scales are there?

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

  4. Six


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are six different whole tone scales, each starting on a different note. These scales are enharmonic equivalents, meaning they have the same pitches but different names due to the use of accidentals.

How many different diminished scales are there?

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

  4. Twelve


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

There are three different diminished scales, each starting on a different note. These scales are enharmonic equivalents, meaning they have the same pitches but different names due to the use of accidentals.

Which of the following is a common use of the whole tone scale in jazz music?

  1. As a substitute for the dominant seventh chord

  2. As a way to create tension and release

  3. As a way to add color and variety to a melody

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The whole tone scale is commonly used in jazz music for various purposes, including as a substitute for the dominant seventh chord, to create tension and release, and to add color and variety to a melody.

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