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Free Practice Questions for Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II

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Key Facts: Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II Exam

90 mins

Time Limit

Generalitat de Catalunya

0-10

Grading Scale

PAU Catalunya

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 Fee

CIC 2026

Min 4.0

Access Phase Threshold

Catalan University System

5 Main

Content Domains

Anàlisi Musical II Curriculum

The Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II exam evaluates 2nd Bachillerato students on musical structural forms, harmonic/tonal analysis, score reading, acoustics, and historical style periods (including Catalan composers). The official exam is a 90-minute constructed-response paper set by the Generalitat de Catalunya (CIC). This practice bank provides 100 English MCQs with step-by-step explanations.

Sample Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II Practice Questions

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

1What are the four primary sections of a standard Classical Sonata-Allegro form in chronological order?
A.Exposition, Development, Recapitulation, and Coda
B.Introduction, Episode, Refrain, and Coda
C.Exposition, Fugue, Stretto, and Cadenza
D.Prelude, Allemande, Courante, and Gigue
Explanation: Standard Classical Sonata-Allegro form consists of the Exposition (where main themes are introduced), the Development (where themes are harmonically and rhythmically manipulated), the Recapitulation (where themes return in the tonic key), and an optional Coda (concluding section). This structure forms the architectural foundation for first movements of sonatas, symphonies, and chamber works.
2In a Classical sonata-allegro movement written in a major key, what is the standard key relationship between the primary theme and the secondary theme in the Exposition?
A.Primary theme in Tonic (I); Secondary theme in Dominant (V)
B.Primary theme in Tonic (I); Secondary theme in Subdominant (IV)
C.Primary theme in Tonic (I); Secondary theme in Relative Minor (vi)
D.Primary theme in Tonic (I); Secondary theme in Parallel Minor (i)
Explanation: In a major-key sonata-allegro exposition, the primary theme establishes the Tonic key (I), while the secondary theme modulates to the Dominant key (V). This creates tonal tension that is resolved in the Recapitulation when both themes are stated in the Tonic key.
3In a minor-key Classical sonata-allegro exposition, what is the most common key for the secondary theme area?
A.Relative Major (III)
B.Dominant Minor (v)
C.Submediant Major (VI)
D.Parallel Major (I)
Explanation: In a minor-key sonata-allegro movement, the exposition typically begins in the tonic minor (i) and modulates to the Relative Major (III) for the secondary theme area. Alternatively, minor-key expositions may modulate to the minor dominant (v), but the relative major is the most prevalent Classical convention.
4What harmonic modification occurs in the Recapitulation of a major-key sonata-allegro movement compared to the Exposition?
A.The secondary theme is transposed to the Tonic key (I) instead of modulating to the Dominant (V)
B.The primary theme is played in the Subdominant key (IV) and the secondary theme in the Relative Minor (vi)
C.The development section is repeated verbatim inside the recapitulation
D.The transition passage is eliminated completely without any structural alteration
Explanation: In the Recapitulation, the essential harmonic shift is that the secondary theme (and its closing area) resolves to the Tonic key (I). In the Exposition, the secondary theme was in the Dominant (V); transposing it to the Tonic in the Recapitulation resolves the movement's tonal conflict.
5Which recurring structural layout defines a 5-part Classical Rondo form?
A.A B A C A
B.A B C D E
C.A A' A'' A'''
D.A B B A C
Explanation: A 5-part Classical Rondo form features a recurring principal theme (Refrain or A) alternating with contrasting episodes (B and C), resulting in the scheme A-B-A-C-A. The refrain always returns in the tonic key.
6What distinguishes a Sonata-Rondo form (A B A - C - A B A) from a standard 7-part Rondo form (A B A C A B A)?
A.The middle C section functions as a development section, and the B section returns in the tonic key during the final ABA block
B.The A theme is played as a fugue in every repetition
C.The B section is written in a different meter while C is played without accompaniment
D.The C section must feature a solo cadenza played by a woodwind instrument
Explanation: Sonata-Rondo combines principles of sonata form and rondo. The initial A B A acts like an Exposition (with B in a contrasting key). The central C section functions as a Development (or thematic contrast), and the final A B A acts like a Recapitulation, where the returning B section is transposed to the tonic key.
7In formal musical analysis, how is a Rounded Binary form represented symbolically?
A.||: A :||: B A' :||
B.||: A :||: B :||
C.||: A B :||: C D :||
D.||: A :||: B C :||
Explanation: Rounded Binary form is represented as ||: A :||: B A' :||. In the second section, after contrasting B material, the opening material of the A section returns (A') in the tonic key, laying the structural groundwork for Classical sonata form.
8Why is Rounded Binary form historically significant in 18th-century Western art music?
A.It served as the direct structural antecedent to Classical Sonata-Allegro form
B.It was the first musical form to eliminate tonal cadences entirely
C.It was created exclusively for vocal opera recitatives
D.It required all instruments of the orchestra to play in unison
Explanation: Rounded Binary form (A | B A') is historically crucial because expanding its two sections—modulating in the first half and returning to the tonic with theme restatement in the second half—directly evolved into Classical Sonata-Allegro form.
9What is the key structural difference between a Ternary form (A B A) and a Rounded Binary form (A | B A')?
A.Ternary form has three self-contained sections where A typically ends with a complete tonic cadence before B begins, whereas Rounded Binary links B and A' into a single repeated structural unit
B.Ternary form never repeats any section, whereas Rounded Binary must repeat every measure four times
C.Ternary form is strictly monophonic, while Rounded Binary is strictly serialist
D.Rounded Binary contains no dominant modulations, whereas Ternary form must modulate to five remote keys
Explanation: In Ternary form (ABA), section A is harmonically complete and closed (ending on a tonic cadence), and B is an independent section. In Rounded Binary (A | B A'), A usually modulates to V (or III), and B-A' form a single continuous second part enclosed by repeat signs.
10In a Baroque Fugue, what is the difference between a Real Answer and a Tonal Answer during the Exposition?
A.A Real Answer is an exact interval-for-interval transposition of the Subject, whereas a Tonal Answer slightly alters intervals to keep the harmony in the main key
B.A Real Answer is sung by a soloist, while a Tonal Answer is played on an organ
C.A Real Answer is played upside down in inversion, while a Tonal Answer is played backwards in retrograde
D.A Real Answer is played at double speed in augmentation, while a Tonal Answer is slowed down in diminution
Explanation: When the Answer enters in the dominant key, a Real Answer transposes every interval of the Subject exactly (e.g., transposed up a 5th). A Tonal Answer modifies specific intervals (such as changing a dominant-to-tonic step) to prevent an unwanted early modulation away from the main key.

About the Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II Exam

The official Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II (Anàlisi Musical II) exam is a 90-minute written examination in Catalan or Spanish featuring score excerpts, formal analysis, harmonic identification, and historical questions. This practice module adapts the official 2nd Bachillerato curriculum into 100 English-language multiple-choice questions for study and self-assessment.

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

100 multiple-choice questions adapting Catalonia 2nd Bachillerato Anàlisi Musical II score analysis written exam

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

0-10 scale (minimum 4.0 in Access Phase)

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

Reported exam pass rate: ~88%. average Catalan PAU subject pass rate This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. 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.

30%

Musical Forms & Structures

Binary, ternary, rondo, sonata-allegro, fugue, theme & variations, suite, concerto, symphony, opera, motet, mass, cantata

25%

Harmony & Tonal Analysis

Cadences, modulations, non-harmonic tones, seventh chords, secondary dominants, Neapolitan sixth, serialism, dodecaphony

25%

Music History & Stylistic Context

Antiquity, Medieval monophony/polyphony, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romanticism, 20th century, and Catalan composers

10%

Acoustics & Musical Texture

Harmonic series, overtones, sound wave physics, pitch, timbre, monophony, homophony, polyphony, heterophony

10%

Orchestration & Score Reading

Score clefs, transposing instruments (clarinets, horns, trumpets), meter, rhythm, dynamic markings, agogics

Preparing for the Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 0-10 scale (minimum 4.0 in Access Phase)
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions adapting Catalonia 2nd Bachillerato Anàlisi Musical II score analysis written exam
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • 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 Music Analysis II: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the structural layout of Sonata-Allegro form, including key relationships in exposition vs. recapitulation.
2Practice identifying cadences (perfect, plagal, half, deceptive) and non-harmonic tones (passing, neighbor, suspension, appoggiatura).
3Learn the transpositions of standard orchestral instruments (e.g., Clarinet in Bb sounds a major 2nd lower than written; Horn in F sounds a perfect 5th lower).
4Study the main stylistic traits of each period, from Renaissance polyphony to 20th-century dodecaphony and Catalan impressionism/nationalism.
5Understand acoustics concepts like the harmonic series and how overtones determine instrument timbre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official format of the Catalonia PAU Music Analysis II exam?

The official exam administered by the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC) is a 90-minute written test in Catalan (or Spanish upon request). It requires students to analyze printed musical scores, answer open questions on musical structure and harmony, identify style periods, and comment on listening excerpts. This practice bank adapts those curriculum topics into English multiple-choice questions for study.

How much does the Catalonia PAU exam cost?

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.

How is the Music Analysis II exam scored and what is passing?

The exam is scored on a 0 to 10 scale to two decimal places. In the General Access Phase, a minimum score of 4.0 is required for the exam mark to be averaged with the Bachillerato grade (which counts 60%, PAU counts 40%). A total admission score of 5.0 or higher is required to pass.

Why are these practice questions presented in English?

While the official Catalonia PAU exam is written in Catalan/Spanish, these questions serve as an internationalized English-language study adaptation to help bilingual students, international Baccalaureate students, and musicology candidates master the core theoretical concepts.

Which musical forms are most important for PAU Anàlisi Musical II?

Key forms include Sonata-Allegro form (exposition, development, recapitulation), Rondo (ABACA), Binary (AB) and Ternary (ABA) forms, Theme and Variations, Fugue, Barform (AAB), Suite movements, Concerto Grosso, and vocal forms like the Lied, Aria, Recitative, Motet, and Mass.

Are Catalan composers included in the curriculum?

Yes. The Catalonia 2nd Bachillerato curriculum highlights Catalan musical heritage, including composers like Joan Cererols, Antoni Soler, Ferran Sor, Enric Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Robert Gerhard, Frederic Mompou, and Xavier Montsalvatge.