The tonality of a piece is determined by the __ chosen by the composer.
A. rhyme scheme
B. meter
C. scale
D. drone
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. scale.
Explanation:
In music, the tonality of a piece is primarily determined by the scale chosen by the composer. Tonality refers to the key or the central pitch around which a musical composition is centered, and it defines the set of notes that are used throughout the piece. The scale provides a framework of pitches that create a sense of stability or resolution, known as the “tonic,” which serves as the central note or home base of the composition.
Role of the Scale in Tonality:
The most common scales in Western music are the major and minor scales, each of which consists of a specific pattern of whole and half steps. For instance, a C major scale is made up of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, while an A minor scale consists of A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. These scales are organized around a tonic note—C in the case of C major and A in the case of A minor.
The selection of the scale determines the emotional quality or character of the music. A piece in a major key often sounds brighter or more uplifting, while a piece in a minor key tends to evoke a more somber or melancholic mood. Additionally, the choice of scale shapes the harmonic and melodic possibilities within a composition, guiding how chords and melodies will be constructed.
Other Options:
- A. Rhyme scheme is a concept used in poetry, not in music, and does not relate to tonality.
- B. Meter refers to the rhythmic structure of a piece, such as the number of beats per measure (e.g., 4/4 or 3/4), and while important, it does not determine tonality.
- D. Drone refers to a sustained pitch or tone, often used in some traditional music, but it does not define the tonality of a composition.
Thus, C. scale is the correct answer, as it is the primary factor in establishing a piece’s tonality.