All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Exam

90 min

Exam Duration

Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya

0–10

Grading Scale

Generalitat de Catalunya

4.0

Minimum Access Pass Mark

PAU Regulations

EUR 110.00+ access phase (EUR 41.30 exam right + EUR 68.70 access phase; plus EUR 13.80 per admission exercise, Generalitat de Catalunya 2026)

Base Access Phase Fee

Generalitat de Catalunya 2026

The Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance exam tests 2nd Bachillerato students on Western, Spanish, and Catalan musical history, dance evolution, organology, and choreographic analysis. The exam lasts 90 minutes and is evaluated on a 0-10 scale by the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya. The 100 practice questions offered here form an English-language multiple-choice adaptation of the official Generalitat de Catalunya curriculum.

Sample Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In Ancient Greece, what was the 'Doctrine of Ethos' in music theory?
A.The belief that music directly influences human character, emotions, and moral behavior
B.The requirement that all public performances must be strictly polyphonic and instrumental
C.A mathematical formula for tuning harpsichords using equal temperament
D.The architectural principle used to build acoustic echoes in open-air amphitheaters
Explanation: The Ancient Greek Doctrine of Ethos asserted that different musical modes, rhythms, and instruments possessed specific ethical qualities capable of influencing the human soul and moral character. Classical philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle argued that music was a vital educational tool for cultivating virtuous citizens.
2Which of the following best describes the essential musical characteristics of Gregorian Chant?
A.Four-part polyphonic counterpoint with complex rhythmic meter
B.Monophonic, sacred vocal music in Latin with unmetered rhythm sung a cappella
C.Secular instrumental dance music featuring lute and percussion accompaniment
D.Operatic solo singing supported by a low basso continuo accompaniment
Explanation: Gregorian chant is the monophonic, unaccompanied (a cappella) sacred chant of the Roman Catholic Church. Written in Latin, it features free, unmetered rhythms following the natural inflection of liturgical prose texts.
3In medieval secular music of Southern France and Catalonia, how did noble troubadours differ from itinerant joglars (juglares)?
A.Troubadours wrote sacred Latin hymns, whereas joglars composed Italian opera recitatives
B.Troubadours were aristocratic poet-composers who authored courtly love songs, while joglars were traveling performers who executed the songs
C.Troubadours played brass instruments in church, while joglars choreographed classical ballet for royal courts
D.Troubadours sang exclusively in polyphony, whereas joglars performed monophonic Gregorian chants
Explanation: Troubadours (such as Catalan poet Guillem de Berguedà) were noble poet-composers of Occitania and Catalonia who authored elevated vernacular songs on courtly love (*fin'amor*). Joglars (minstrels) were lower-class itinerant performers who played instruments, sang the troubadours' compositions, and entertained public audiences.
4What is the historical significance of the 14th-century Catalan manuscript *Llibre Vermell de Montserrat*?
A.It contains the earliest known collection of Italian Baroque opera librettos
B.It is a collection of sacred songs and dances designed for pilgrims to sing and dance devoutly at the Montserrat monastery
C.It is a treatise detailing the five basic positions of classical ballet
D.It contains the complete 12-tone serial compositions of Roberto Gerhard
Explanation: The *Llibre Vermell de Montserrat* (Red Book of Montserrat) is a famous late 14th-century Catalan manuscript preserved at Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. It contains ten sacred songs (cantiques and ballades) and circle dances (*ball redon*) intended for pilgrims to perform reverently without resorting to worldly or profane ditties.
5How did early polyphony evolve within the Notre-Dame School of Paris under Léonin and Pérotin during the 12th and 13th centuries?
A.From simple parallel organum to ornate organum purum and polyphonic clausulae in three and four voices (organum triplum and quadruplum)
B.From single-line Gregorian chant directly to 18th-century classical string quartets
C.By replacing all vocal singing with orchestral brass fanfares
D.By eliminating Latin liturgical texts in favor of French secular chanson opera
Explanation: The Notre-Dame School in Paris marked a major breakthrough in polyphony. Léonin compiled the *Magnus Liber Organi* containing two-part organum, while Pérotin expanded polyphony to three (organum triplum) and four voices (organum quadruplum) utilizing measured rhythmic modes.
6In Ancient Greek organology and mythology, which double-reed instrument was associated with the wild, ecstatic cult of Dionysus?
A.Kithara
B.Aulos
C.Lyre
D.Syrinx (Pan pipes)
Explanation: The aulos was a double-reed wind instrument producing a piercing, emotional sound associated with the ecstatic rituals and theatrical dramas of Dionysus. In contrast, stringed instruments like the lyre and kithara were linked to the harmonious, rational cult of Apollo.
7Which of the following was a popular medieval instrumental dance form featuring repeated musical sections called *puncta*?
A.Estampie (Istanpitta)
B.Pavane
C.Minuet
D.Waltz
Explanation: The *estampie* (or Italian *istanpitta*) was the principal instrumental dance form of the 13th and 14th centuries. It consisted of a series of repeated musical phrases called *puncta*, each having an open (*ouvert*) and closed (*clos*) ending.
8Which 11th-century Benedictine monk revolutionized music education by developing the four-line staff and solmization syllables (Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La)?
A.Pope Gregory I
B.Guido d'Arezzo
C.Philippe de Vitry
D.Guillaume de Machaut
Explanation: Guido d'Arezzo (c. 991–1033) invented the four-line musical staff, red and yellow line indicators, and the solmization system based on the hymn *Ut queant laxis*, enabling singers to learn unfamiliar chants quickly.
9In 14th-century *Ars Nova* polyphony, what structural technique repeats a specific rhythmic pattern (*talea*) and melodic sequence (*color*) in the tenor?
A.Isorhythm
B.Basso continuo
C.Alberti bass
D.Monody
Explanation: Isorhythm was the central organizing technique in 14th-century motets (such as those by Vitry and Machaut). It structured the tenor voice through the interaction of *talea* (a repeating rhythmic pattern) and *color* (a repeating pitch sequence).
10What key features define the 13th-century manuscript collection *Cantigas de Santa María* commissioned by King Alfonso X 'The Wise'?
A.Four hundred and twenty Monophonic songs in Galician-Portuguese praising the Virgin Mary, accompanied by rich miniature illustrations of musical instruments
B.Polyphonic Latin motets written for the consecration of Notre-Dame Cathedral
C.A collection of German Lieder written for romantic piano recital
D.Italian opera librettos describing ancient Roman emperors
Explanation: The *Cantigas de Santa María* compiled under Alfonso X of Castile and León contains 420 monophonic songs in Galician-Portuguese recounting miracles of the Virgin Mary. Its illuminated manuscripts provide an invaluable visual record of medieval Iberian musical instruments.

About the Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Exam

The Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance (Història de la Música i de la Dansa) exam is an official university entrance evaluation administered by the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC) for 2nd Bachillerato students. It covers musical and dance historical movements from Classical Antiquity through Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods to 20th-century avant-garde and contemporary dance, with special emphasis on Catalan and Spanish musical heritage (including Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, Catalan Baroque masters, Ferran Sor, Frederic Mompou, Xavier Montsalvatge, Roberto Gerhard, and the Sardana/Cobla tradition). Official examinations are administered in Catalan (or Spanish) as written essay analyses and audio listening comprehension tasks; the 100 questions provided in this bank serve as an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation to reinforce core conceptual and historical mastery.

Exam sponsor: Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC) / Generalitat de Catalunya. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase + EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise (Generalitat de Catalunya, PAU 2026); 50% reduction and full exemption available for eligible groups

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Antiquity, Medieval Monophony, and Early Polyphony

Ancient Greek ethos theory, Gregorian chant modes, secular troubadour songs, Cantigas de Santa María, Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, and Ars Nova polyphony.

20%

Renaissance Polyphony, Instrumental Music, and Court Dance

Sacred polyphony (Palestrina, Victoria, Morales, Guerrero), Catalan ensaladas (Mateu Flecha), court dances (pavane, galliard), and vihuela/organ repertoire.

20%

Baroque Era, Opera, Zarzuela, and Instrumental Forms

Basso continuo, opera origins (Monteverdi), French comédie-ballet (Lully), Bach and Handel concertos, Catalan Baroque (Joan Cererols, Francesc Valls), Zarzuela, and dance suites.

25%

Classicism, Romanticism, and Ballet Evolution

Sonata-allegro form, Viennese Classicism (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven), Catalan Classicism (Antoni Soler, Carles Baguer, Ferran Sor), Romantic opera and program music, Noverre's ballet d'action, and 19th-century Romantic ballet.

20%

20th-Century Avant-Garde, Contemporary Dance, and Catalan/Spanish Heritage

Impressionism, serialism, electronic music, Ballets Russes, modern dance (Graham, Bausch), Catalan/Spanish masters (Falla, Mompou, Montsalvatge, Gerhard), Cobla/Sardana, and Flamenco.

Preparing for the Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase + EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise (Generalitat de Catalunya, PAU 2026); 50% reduction and full exemption available for eligible groups Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the chronological evolution of musical styles, notation systems, and dance forms from Ancient Greek modes to 21st-century contemporary choreography.
2Pay special attention to Catalan musical history, including the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, Joan Cererols, Antoni Soler, Ferran Sor, Frederic Mompou, Xavier Montsalvatge, and Roberto Gerhard.
3Understand the key structural developments in dance, from Renaissance pavanes and French Baroque court ballet (Lully, Beauchamp) to Noverre's ballet d'action, Romantic ballet blanc (Giselle), Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, and modern dance pioneers (Duncan, Graham, Bausch).
4Analyze the fundamental elements of musical form (sonata-allegro, fugue, suite, theme and variations, rondo, concerto grosso) and organology (vocal/instrumental classifications).
5Use these 100 practice questions to test terminology, historical contexts, composer works, and choreographic concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official format of the Catalonia PAU History of Music and Dance exam?

The official exam set by the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya consists of written source/score analysis, audio listening comprehension, and short essay/term definitions written in Catalan (or Spanish). The 100 practice questions in this repository are formatted as an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed to help students master core factual knowledge and analytical concepts.

What passing score is required for the PAU exam in Catalonia?

The exam is graded on a 0 to 10 scale. When taken in the mandatory Access Phase (Fase d'Accés), a student must obtain a minimum mark of 4.0 so that it can be combined with their 2nd Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0). High marks in the Admission Phase (Fase d'Admissió) grant weighted bonus points up to 14.0 total.

How much does the PAU exam cost in Catalonia?

The Generalitat de Catalunya, through the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC), sets the 2026 PAU ordinary fees at EUR 41.30 examination right, EUR 68.70 access phase, and EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise. A 50% reduction and a full exemption are available for eligible groups such as large families (família nombrosa general), scholarship holders, and students with a recognised disability of 33% or more.

Does the Catalan PAU curriculum include specific Catalan musical and dance heritage?

Yes, the curriculum published by the Departament d'Educació de la Generalitat de Catalunya explicitly includes Catalan musical landmarks such as the 14th-century Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, Renaissance ensaladas by Mateu Flecha, Baroque masters Joan Cererols and Francesc Valls, Classical composers Antoni Soler and Ferran Sor, 20th-century figures Frederic Mompou, Xavier Montsalvatge, and Roberto Gerhard, and traditional dance traditions like the Sardana and Cobla instrumentation.