ICSE Class 10 Question Paper 2025 Western Music

WESTERN MUSIC

Maximum Marks: 100

Time allowed: Two hours

1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

2. You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.

3. This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

4. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

5. Attempt all questions from Section A and any four questions from Section B.

6. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets[ ].

Instruction for the Supervising Examiner

Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present in the
Examination Hall.

This paper consists of 8 printed pages.
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SECTION A (20 Marks)
(Answer all questions from this Section.)

Question 1

Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. [20]

(Do not copy the questions, write the correct answers only.)

(i) The viola functions as the tenor of the string family.

(b) False

(ii) The sounding pitch of piccolo is:

(a) The same as the written pitch

(b) An octave below written pitch

(c) An octave above the written pitch

(d) A fifth above the written pitch

(iii) Identify the instrument.

(a) Trombone

(b) Clarinet

(c) Saxophone

(d) Trumpet

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(iv) The xylophone is made up of metal bars that produce sound.

(b) False

(v) The left pedal on the pianoforte is used for:

(a) Playing softly

(b) Sustaining the notes

(c) Muting the notes

(d) Creating a muffled tone

(vi) The classical guitar is an invention of the twentieth century.

(b) False

(vii) The double bass is used extensively in classical orchestral music as well as jazz
music.

(b) False

(viii) Which of these effects cannot be produced on wind instruments?

(a) Vibrato

(b) Tremolo

(c) Flutter Tonguing

(d) Spiccato

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(ix) Harp music is notated using the grand staff because it produces both low and
high pitches.

(b) False

(x) How is the lap steel guitar tuned?

(a) EADGBE

(b) E A D G C F

(c) EBFCDA

(d) Usually tuned to an open chord

(xi) The bassoon is a double reed instrument.

(b) False

(xii) Which of the statements is true for the snare drum?

(a) It is a pitched percussion instrument

(b) It is an unpitched percussion instrument

(c) It can be tuned to only one or two notes

(d) It can be tuned in fifths

(xiii) What type of dynamic changes can the harpsichord produce?

(a) Crescendo

(b) Decrescendo

(c) Both crescendo and decrescendo

(d) It cannot produce any dynamic changes

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(xiv) The oboe is responsible for providing the concert pitch A 440 Hz for an
orchestra to tune before a performance.

(b) False

(xv) The composer J. S. Bach used which of these instruments prominently in his
music?

(a) Mouth organ

(b) Harpsichord

(c) Pianoforte

(d) Synthesizer

(xvi) Pick the odd one.

(a) Trumpet

(b) Saxophone

(c) Tuba

(d) Trombone

(xvii) ‘Arco’ means to pluck the strings using fingers.

(b) False

(xviii) Which of these is a transposing instrument?

(a) Viola

(b) Harp

(c) Clarinet

(d) Marimba

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(xix) Playing two notes at the same time on a violin is called:

(a) Chord

(b) Double Stopping

(c) Strumming

(d) Harmonics

(xx) Which of these is NOT a membranophone?

(a) Snare drum

(b) Chimes

(c) Bass drum

(d) Djembe

SECTION B (80 Marks)
(Answer any four questions from this Section.)

Question 2 [20]
What do you understand by ‘Sonata Allegro form’? Give a detailed example from a
symphony or concerto that you have studied with a focus on the structure, instrumentation,
theme, and modulations.

Question 3
Write a brief life sketch of any two of the following composers. [20]
(i) J. Brahms

(ii) G. F. Handel

(iii) A. Dvorak

(iv) P. I. Tchaikovsky

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Question 4
Write short notes on any four of the jazz styles given below. Refer to any music that you [20]
have enjoyed listening to.

(i) Ragtime

(ii) New Orleans / Dixieland

(iii) Swing Era

(iv) Bebop

(v) Free Jazz

(vi) Acid Jazz

Question 5
J.S. Bach is known as the ‘father’ of music. Outline his life and comment on his unique [20]
contributions to the field of classical music.

Question 6
How have DAWs impacted the music making process today? With reference to a DAW [20]
that you have learnt about, comment on its advantages and disadvantages.

Question 7
Summarise the contributions and life of any two modern musicians / bands from popular [20]
genres that have inspired your musical journey.

Question 8
How have your musical experiences impacted you in your life so far? Write an essay on [20]
what being a student of music has taught you, including challenges you have faced.

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Question 9

Explain the features of the following electronic music genres. Refer to artists you have [20]
heard.

(i) House music

(ii) Dubstep

(iii) Drum & Bass

(iv) Industrial

Question 10

Which large scale musical form is composed for a solo instrument and the orchestra? How [20]
is it structured? Give an example that you have listened to and write short notes on its
movements.

Question 11

Write short notes on any four of the following with examples from music that you have [20]
listened to and studied:

(i) Frontline group

(ii) Rhythm Section

(iii) Swing feel

(iv) Improvisation

(v) Scatting

(vi) Jazz form (32 bar head)

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