20th-century Classical Music Quiz

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  • 1/12 Questions

    Concepts such as polytonality, polyrhythm, tone clusters and quarter tones were much used and experimented with by 20th century composers such as Charles Ives.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Music in the 20th century underwent great change when compare to the past times. The composers came out with different sounds that would define them. This is the century that gave us jazz music. Test what else you can remember about classical music in this century by taking the quiz below.

20th-century Classical Music Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Expressionist music is often based on the psychology of the unconscious

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Expressionist music is often based on the psychology of the unconscious. This means that it aims to convey emotions, feelings, and ideas that are not easily expressed through conscious thought. Expressionist composers often use dissonant harmonies, unconventional melodies, and unpredictable rhythms to create a sense of unease and intensity. By tapping into the unconscious mind, expressionist music seeks to evoke a raw and visceral response from the listener. Therefore, the statement that expressionist music is often based on the psychology of the unconscious is true.

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  • 3. 

    20th century classical music was a lot about "breaking up"

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In the 20th century, classical music saw a significant shift towards experimentation and pushing the boundaries of traditional composition. Composers during this time were known for "breaking up" traditional forms, tonality, and structure, resulting in new and innovative styles of music. This departure from the conventions of classical music in previous centuries is what characterizes 20th-century classical music as a lot about "breaking up." Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 4. 

    Impressionism started in France as a rection against the German romantic tradition with overly epic and exuberant themes. Write down the last name of the main pioneer!

    Correct Answer
    Debussy
    Explanation
    Impressionism started in France as a reaction against the German romantic tradition with overly epic and exuberant themes. Debussy, a French composer, is considered one of the main pioneers of Impressionism in music. He rejected the traditional rules of harmony and form, instead focusing on creating atmospheric and evocative musical landscapes. His compositions are characterized by their use of color, texture, and subtle harmonies, which parallel the visual techniques used by Impressionist painters. Therefore, Debussy is the correct answer as the main pioneer of Impressionism.

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  • 5. 

    The twelve-tone technique (also known as 12-tone serialism) was devised by [...] and used by many composers during the 20th century, including the inventor's own students Webern and Berg.

    • Igor Stravinsky

    • Edward Elgar

    • Arnold Schoenberg

    • Gustav Mahler

    Correct Answer
    A. Arnold Schoenberg
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Arnold Schoenberg. The twelve-tone technique, also known as 12-tone serialism, was developed by Schoenberg and used by many composers in the 20th century, including his own students Webern and Berg. Schoenberg's innovative approach to composition revolutionized contemporary music and had a significant impact on the development of modern classical music.

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  • 6. 

    Which one of the following composers are not associated with impressionism?

    • Maurice Ravel

    • Paul Dukas

    • Ottorino Respighi

    • Igor Stravinsky

    Correct Answer
    A. Igor Stravinsky
    Explanation
    Stravinsky is more expressionism

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  • 7. 

    Another type of music, associated with the breaking of traditions, lack of sequence, lack of tonality, lack of balance and lack of cadence, is identified with Arnold Schoenberg and his atonal music. This type of music is known as ...

    • Impressionism

    • Minimalism

    • Futurism

    • Expressionism

    Correct Answer
    A. Expressionism
    Explanation
    Expressionism is the correct answer because it is a type of music that is associated with the breaking of traditions, lack of sequence, lack of tonality, lack of balance, and lack of cadence. Arnold Schoenberg is known for his atonal music, which is a key characteristic of expressionism in music. Expressionism in music aims to convey intense emotions and inner experiences, often through dissonant and unconventional sounds. This style of music emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the traditional rules of composition and tonality.

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  • 8. 

    Minimalists drew inspirations from (among others) the simplistic music style of Eric Satie. Notable minimalist composers include all the following except one. Which one?

    • Philip Glass

    • Henry Cowell

    • Steve Reich

    • Terry Riley

    Correct Answer
    A. Henry Cowell
    Explanation
    The three correct alternatives are the most famous minimalists. They were all born during the 30s and are still alive.

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  • 9. 

    John Cage is associated with a particular type of piano playing, with its origins in futurism (music using experimental sounds, often from machinery). It is known as [...] piano.

    Correct Answer
    prepared
    Explanation
    John Cage is associated with a particular type of piano playing known as "prepared piano." This technique involves placing various objects, such as screws, bolts, or pieces of rubber, on or between the strings of the piano to alter the sound produced. By doing so, Cage was able to create unique and experimental sounds, often resembling those produced by machinery. This technique became a defining characteristic of his compositions and contributed to the development of avant-garde and experimental music.

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  • 10. 

    The style in which music is "stripped down" to its fundamental features, and small phrases are repeated in a continuous chain of sounds is known as ...

    Correct Answer
    minimalism
    Explanation
    Minimalism is a style of music where the focus is on stripping down the music to its most essential elements. It involves repetitive patterns and phrases that are continuously repeated throughout the composition. This style aims to create a sense of simplicity and clarity by minimizing the number of musical elements and emphasizing repetition.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following composers is not associated with expressionism?

    • Igor Stravinsky

    • Béla Bartók

    • Paul Hindemith

    • Paul Dukas

    Correct Answer
    A. Paul Dukas
    Explanation
    Dukas was more of an impressionist

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  • 12. 

    Some composers of this period drew inspiration from 18th century music (Vienna classical) in many of their works (for instance, Paul Hindemith and Igor Stravinsky). What is this type of music called?

    Correct Answer
    Neoclassical music
    Neoclassical
    Neoclassicism
    Neo-classical
    Neo-classical music
    Explanation
    During this period, composers like Paul Hindemith and Igor Stravinsky were influenced by the music of the 18th century, specifically the Vienna classical style. They incorporated elements of this style into their own compositions, which is why this type of music is referred to as neoclassical. The terms "Neoclassical," "Neoclassicism," "Neo-classical," and "Neo-classical music" all describe this particular style of music that draws inspiration from the Vienna classical period.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 05, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    IBLindman
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