European Music Quiz

1.

This artist is best known for his Four Seasons, which is intended to tell a story. The music not only portrays the seasons, but it also recreates sound effects, such as storms, birds singing, and dogs barking. Which artist is it?

https://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/greatcomposers/index.html

John Lennon

Amadeus Mozart

Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi is best known for his Four Seasons, a set of four violin concertos that depict the different seasons of the year. The music is not only meant to represent the changing seasons but also includes elements of nature such as storms, birds singing, and dogs barking. Vivaldi's Four Seasons is a prime example of program music, where the music tells a story or depicts specific imagery.

Explanation

Antonio Vivaldi is best known for his Four Seasons, a set of four violin concertos that depict the different seasons of the year. The music is not only meant to represent the changing seasons but also includes elements of nature such as storms, birds singing, and dogs barking. Vivaldi's Four Seasons is a prime example of program music, where the music tells a story or depicts specific imagery.

2.

Who is the Belgian luthier inventor of the Saxophone and 50 other instruments?

https://www.playmusic.org/woodwinds/index.html

Adolphe Sax.

Saxon Smith.

Stradivarius.

Adolphe Sax is the correct answer because he was a Belgian luthier who invented the Saxophone and 50 other instruments. His contributions to the world of music and instrument-making are significant, making him a renowned figure in the field. The other options, Saxon Smith and Stradivarius, are not associated with the invention of the Saxophone or any other significant musical instruments.

Explanation

Adolphe Sax is the correct answer because he was a Belgian luthier who invented the Saxophone and 50 other instruments. His contributions to the world of music and instrument-making are significant, making him a renowned figure in the field. The other options, Saxon Smith and Stradivarius, are not associated with the invention of the Saxophone or any other significant musical instruments.

3.

Tchaykowsky wrote The Nutcracker Suite. In it, he used a strange musical instrument that he described as "something between a piano and a glockenspiel." What is it called?

https://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/greatcomposers/tchaikovsky.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSx9nDwbD_w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5Y0wFJDFOg&feature=fvw

Trumpet

Synthethiser

Celesta

Tchaikovsky used a strange musical instrument in The Nutcracker Suite that he described as "something between a piano and a glockenspiel." This instrument is called a celesta. The celesta is a keyboard instrument that produces a soft, bell-like sound. It is often used in orchestral music to create a magical or ethereal atmosphere. Tchaikovsky used the celesta in The Nutcracker Suite to depict the delicate and enchanting character of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Explanation

Tchaikovsky used a strange musical instrument in The Nutcracker Suite that he described as "something between a piano and a glockenspiel." This instrument is called a celesta. The celesta is a keyboard instrument that produces a soft, bell-like sound. It is often used in orchestral music to create a magical or ethereal atmosphere. Tchaikovsky used the celesta in The Nutcracker Suite to depict the delicate and enchanting character of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

4.

Piotr Ilich Tchaikowsky was born in Russia in 1840. He loved and created great music throughout his life, but what happened when he was a young music student?

https://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/greatcomposers/index.html

He broke his arm and could never play the piano again.

He stopped playing the piano because he won the lottery.

Tchaikovsky's piano teacher didn't think he was very talented.

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Explanation

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5.

Haydn wrote many symphonies and in one of them, the audience expects to hear a pianissimo (soft) ending repeated, but instead they get a fortissimo (loud) blast. What’s the name of this Symphony?

https://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/greatcomposers/haydn.html

Surprise Symphony

Horror Symphony

Dracula Symphony

The correct answer is Surprise Symphony. This symphony is known for its unexpected loud blast at the end, which surprises the audience who were expecting a soft ending.

Explanation

The correct answer is Surprise Symphony. This symphony is known for its unexpected loud blast at the end, which surprises the audience who were expecting a soft ending.

6.

Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. One of them begins with an unforgettable "da-da-da-daaah" sound, a 4-note pattern which became famous. Which Symphony is it?

https://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/greatcomposers/beethoven.html

Symphony number 5

Symphony number 11

Symphony number 9

The correct answer is Symphony number 5. Beethoven's Symphony number 5 is famous for its iconic opening motif, which is often referred to as "da-da-da-daaah." This 4-note pattern is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most well-known and frequently referenced musical phrases in classical music.

Explanation

The correct answer is Symphony number 5. Beethoven's Symphony number 5 is famous for its iconic opening motif, which is often referred to as "da-da-da-daaah." This 4-note pattern is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most well-known and frequently referenced musical phrases in classical music.

7.

The European anthem was originally a part of a famous European composer’s Symphony. Who is this composer?

https://europa.eu/abc/symbols/anthem/index_en.htm

Yokuro Tagamashi.

Mozart.

Beethoven.

The correct answer is Beethoven. The European anthem, also known as the "Ode to Joy," was originally a part of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. This symphony is considered one of Beethoven's greatest works and has become a symbol of unity and brotherhood in Europe.

Explanation

The correct answer is Beethoven. The European anthem, also known as the "Ode to Joy," was originally a part of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. This symphony is considered one of Beethoven's greatest works and has become a symbol of unity and brotherhood in Europe.

8.

The composer Maurice Ravel was French born but his mother was Spanish, so he heard Spanish music in his youth at home. Ravel wrote three "Spanish" pieces specifically for the orchestra. Which ones are they?

https://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/greatcomposers/ravel.html

La Valse, El Bolero, Rapsodia.

Carmen, El Barbero de Sevilla, Scaramouche.

Aranjuez, Granada, Asturias.

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Explanation

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9.

The European competition, the Eurovision Song Contest, has an anthem by a French composer. What is the name of this composer and the title of the song?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc-Antoine_Charpentier

Charpentier. Te Deum.

Charpentier. Europe song.

Charpentier. Europe people

The correct answer is Charpentier. Te Deum. The Eurovision Song Contest has an anthem composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and the title of the song is "Te Deum".

Explanation

The correct answer is Charpentier. Te Deum. The Eurovision Song Contest has an anthem composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and the title of the song is "Te Deum".

10.

What is the title of the German national anthem and who is the composer?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutschlandlied

Beethoven. Opera La Traviatta, Adagio.

Haydn. Adagio of the Symphony 94

Haydn. Adagio of the String Quartet

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Explanation

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