Johann Sebastian Bach Quiz

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3. Bach began his career as a church organist.

True

False

Bach's career did indeed start as a church organist. He was appointed as an organist at various churches throughout his early career, including the Arnstadt and Mühlhausen churches. This position allowed him to showcase his talent and develop his skills as a musician. Bach's work as a church organist laid the foundation for his later achievements as a composer and conductor.

Explanation

Bach's career did indeed start as a church organist. He was appointed as an organist at various churches throughout his early career, including the Arnstadt and Mühlhausen churches. This position allowed him to showcase his talent and develop his skills as a musician. Bach's work as a church organist laid the foundation for his later achievements as a composer and conductor.

4. Which of the following works is not a composition by Bach?

Israel in Egypt

Mass in B minor

St. Matthew Passion

The Well Tempered Clavier

Israel in Egypt is a choral work composed by George Frideric Handel, not Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach is known for his compositions such as Mass in B minor, St. Matthew Passion, and The Well Tempered Clavier.

Explanation

Israel in Egypt is a choral work composed by George Frideric Handel, not Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach is known for his compositions such as Mass in B minor, St. Matthew Passion, and The Well Tempered Clavier.

5. Which of the following letters would be found in a listing of Bach's music?

BWV

Hob.

Op.

RV

BWV stands for Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, which is a catalog of Johann Sebastian Bach's compositions. It is commonly used by musicologists and musicians to identify and categorize Bach's music. Therefore, the letter combination "BWV" would definitely be found in a listing of Bach's music.

Explanation

BWV stands for Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, which is a catalog of Johann Sebastian Bach's compositions. It is commonly used by musicologists and musicians to identify and categorize Bach's music. Therefore, the letter combination "BWV" would definitely be found in a listing of Bach's music.

6. In which city was Bach born?

Cothen

Eisenach

Leipzig

Weimar

Bach was born in Eisenach.

Explanation

Bach was born in Eisenach.

7. Because Bach travelled all over Europe, he was indisputably the most popular composer of his day.

True

False

Bach's popularity may have been limited to certain regions or countries, rather than being universally popular throughout Europe. Additionally, there may have been other composers who were equally or even more popular during his time. Therefore, it cannot be stated that Bach was indisputably the most popular composer of his day.

Explanation

Bach's popularity may have been limited to certain regions or countries, rather than being universally popular throughout Europe. Additionally, there may have been other composers who were equally or even more popular during his time. Therefore, it cannot be stated that Bach was indisputably the most popular composer of his day.

8. Which of the following people was not associated with Bach?

Anna Magdalena

Dietrich Buxtehude

Juditha Triumphans

Maria Barbara

Juditha Triumphans was not associated with Bach. Anna Magdalena was Bach's second wife and a talented musician herself. Dietrich Buxtehude was a composer and organist who influenced Bach's music. Maria Barbara was Bach's first wife and a soprano singer. However, Juditha Triumphans is an oratorio composed by Antonio Vivaldi, not Bach.

Explanation

Juditha Triumphans was not associated with Bach. Anna Magdalena was Bach's second wife and a talented musician herself. Dietrich Buxtehude was a composer and organist who influenced Bach's music. Maria Barbara was Bach's first wife and a soprano singer. However, Juditha Triumphans is an oratorio composed by Antonio Vivaldi, not Bach.

9. What is the compositional technique involving a sustained note over which the harmonies change?

Pedal point is a compositional technique where a sustained note or tone is played while the harmonies change around it. This technique creates a sense of tension and stability, as the sustained note acts as a focal point while the harmonies shift and evolve. It is commonly used in various genres of music, such as classical, jazz, and rock, to add depth and complexity to the overall sound.

Explanation

Pedal point is a compositional technique where a sustained note or tone is played while the harmonies change around it. This technique creates a sense of tension and stability, as the sustained note acts as a focal point while the harmonies shift and evolve. It is commonly used in various genres of music, such as classical, jazz, and rock, to add depth and complexity to the overall sound.

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10. What is the compositional technique of overlapping subject entries within a fugue?

Augmentation

Countersubject

Diminution

Stretto

Stretto is the compositional technique of overlapping subject entries within a fugue. It involves the overlapping of different voices, with one voice starting the subject before the previous voice has completed it. This creates a sense of increased intensity and urgency in the music. Stretto is often used towards the end of a fugue to heighten the tension and create a climactic effect. It adds complexity and depth to the overall texture of the composition.

Explanation

Stretto is the compositional technique of overlapping subject entries within a fugue. It involves the overlapping of different voices, with one voice starting the subject before the previous voice has completed it. This creates a sense of increased intensity and urgency in the music. Stretto is often used towards the end of a fugue to heighten the tension and create a climactic effect. It adds complexity and depth to the overall texture of the composition.