RCM Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint|
Technical Concepts Test| Questions and
Solution 2025
What term refers to the process of combining multiple independent melodic lines in a way that
creates a harmonious and structured whole?
Counterpoint.
Which orchestration technique involves using different timbres to create contrasts and highlights
within a piece?
Timbre contrast.
In a harmonic progression, what is the purpose of the Neapolitan chord, and how is it typically
used?
The Neapolitan chord, usually a major chord built on the flattened second degree, is often
used as a pre-dominant chord before resolving to the dominant.
Which compositional method is commonly associated with composers of the Classical period,
where a main theme is followed by contrasting sections, and themes are often repeated or
developed?
Sonata form.
1
, What is the term for a passage in which a melody is transposed to a different key, often creating a
sense of development and progression?
Modulation.
How is an augmented sixth chord constructed, and what is its usual function in tonal harmony?
An augmented sixth chord consists of an augmented sixth interval between the lowered sixth
scale degree and the raised fourth scale degree, and it typically resolves to the dominant chord.
What is the role of the dominant seventh chord in a key, and why is it considered a "leading"
chord?
The dominant seventh chord creates tension and drives the resolution to the tonic chord,
making it a "leading" chord due to its dominant function.
Which scale is constructed using only the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, and is often used to
evoke a sense of openness and simplicity?
C major scale.
What is the characteristic feature of a heterophonic texture?
It involves a single melodic line, but with variations on the melody played by different
voices or instruments at the same time.
In orchestration, what is the technique called when a composer spreads the notes of a chord
between several instruments to create a fuller, richer sound?
2
Technical Concepts Test| Questions and
Solution 2025
What term refers to the process of combining multiple independent melodic lines in a way that
creates a harmonious and structured whole?
Counterpoint.
Which orchestration technique involves using different timbres to create contrasts and highlights
within a piece?
Timbre contrast.
In a harmonic progression, what is the purpose of the Neapolitan chord, and how is it typically
used?
The Neapolitan chord, usually a major chord built on the flattened second degree, is often
used as a pre-dominant chord before resolving to the dominant.
Which compositional method is commonly associated with composers of the Classical period,
where a main theme is followed by contrasting sections, and themes are often repeated or
developed?
Sonata form.
1
, What is the term for a passage in which a melody is transposed to a different key, often creating a
sense of development and progression?
Modulation.
How is an augmented sixth chord constructed, and what is its usual function in tonal harmony?
An augmented sixth chord consists of an augmented sixth interval between the lowered sixth
scale degree and the raised fourth scale degree, and it typically resolves to the dominant chord.
What is the role of the dominant seventh chord in a key, and why is it considered a "leading"
chord?
The dominant seventh chord creates tension and drives the resolution to the tonic chord,
making it a "leading" chord due to its dominant function.
Which scale is constructed using only the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, and is often used to
evoke a sense of openness and simplicity?
C major scale.
What is the characteristic feature of a heterophonic texture?
It involves a single melodic line, but with variations on the melody played by different
voices or instruments at the same time.
In orchestration, what is the technique called when a composer spreads the notes of a chord
between several instruments to create a fuller, richer sound?
2
