How Well Do You Know Beethoven?
Everyone seems to be talking about, playing, and listening to Beethoven this year. Take this quiz and have some Beethofun!
- 1.
Who was one of the torchbearers at Beethoven's funeral and ended up being buried next to him a year later?
- A.
Haydn
- B.
Schubert
- C.
Liszt
- D.
Hummel
Correct Answer
B. SchubertExplanation
Schubert was one of the torchbearers at Beethoven's funeral and ended up being buried next to him a year later. This suggests that Schubert had a close connection and admiration for Beethoven, as he was chosen to participate in his funeral procession. The fact that Schubert was buried next to Beethoven further emphasizes their connection and suggests that Schubert's contributions to music were highly regarded.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The film 'Beethoven' (1992) is:
- A.
A biopic of the composer
- B.
A documentary of the Beethoven Institute in Germany
- C.
An animated short film featuring Beethoven's compositions
- D.
A comedy about a dog named Beethoven
Correct Answer
D. A comedy about a dog named BeethovenExplanation
The film 'Beethoven' (1992) is a comedy about a dog named Beethoven. This means that the film revolves around the antics and adventures of a dog named Beethoven, rather than being a biopic of the composer, a documentary of the Beethoven Institute in Germany, or an animated short film featuring Beethoven's compositions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Beethoven studied composition with
- A.
Bach
- B.
Handel
- C.
Mozart
- D.
Haydn
Correct Answer
D. HaydnExplanation
Beethoven studied composition with Haydn. Haydn was a renowned composer during Beethoven's time and was known for his expertise in classical music. Beethoven admired Haydn's work and sought his guidance to further develop his own compositional skills. Under Haydn's tutelage, Beethoven honed his craft and learned important techniques and principles of composition. This mentorship played a significant role in shaping Beethoven's musical style and contributed to his eventual prominence as one of the greatest composers in history.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Why is this year so special with regards to this great composer?
- A.
It is the 200th anniversary of his birth.
- B.
It is the 200th anniversary of his death.
- C.
It is the 250th anniversary of his birth.
- D.
It is the 250th anniversary of his death.
Correct Answer
C. It is the 250th anniversary of his birth.Explanation
This year is special because it marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the great composer.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Where was Beethoven born and where did he die?
- A.
Bonn; Bonn
- B.
Leipzig; Bonn
- C.
Bonn; Vienna
- D.
Vienna; Bonn
Correct Answer
C. Bonn; ViennaExplanation
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, and he died in Vienna, Austria. Bonn is his birthplace and Vienna is where he spent most of his life and where he achieved great success as a composer.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Beethoven's Third Symphony, composed during his middle period and originally dedicated to Napoleon, is also known as:
- A.
'Emperor'
- B.
'Eroica'
- C.
'Archduke'
- D.
'Pastoral'
Correct Answer
B. 'Eroica'Explanation
Beethoven's Third Symphony, originally dedicated to Napoleon, is also known as 'Eroica'. This title reflects the heroic and grand nature of the symphony, which was a departure from the traditional symphonic style of the time. The symphony is considered a landmark in Beethoven's career and in the development of symphonic music, showcasing his innovative approach to composition and his ability to convey powerful emotions through music.Rate this question:
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- 7.
For his only opera 'Fidelio', how many versions of overtures did Beethoven write before he was satisfied with one of those as an opening to the opera?
- A.
Three
- B.
Four
- C.
FIve
- D.
Six
Correct Answer
B. FourExplanation
Beethoven wrote four versions of overtures before he was satisfied with one of them as an opening to his opera 'Fidelio'.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In his late works, Beethoven often included
- A.
Scherzos
- B.
Rondos
- C.
Fugues
- D.
Hemiolas
Correct Answer
C. FuguesExplanation
In his late works, Beethoven often included fugues. A fugue is a complex musical composition technique that involves a main theme (known as the subject) that is introduced and then imitated by different voices or instruments. Beethoven's inclusion of fugues in his late works showcases his mastery of musical composition and his ability to create intricate and sophisticated pieces. Fugues require a high level of skill and musical understanding, and Beethoven's use of them in his later works demonstrates his musical genius and innovation.Rate this question:
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- 9.
'Waldstein', 'Tempest', and 'Les adieux/Das Lebewohl' are the names of which genre of works that Beethoven wrote?
- A.
Violin sonata
- B.
Piano sonata
- C.
String quartet
- D.
Symphony
Correct Answer
B. Piano sonataExplanation
Beethoven wrote numerous piano sonatas throughout his career, and "Waldstein", "Tempest", and "Les adieux/Das Lebewohl" are three of his most famous piano sonatas. Therefore, the correct answer is Piano sonata.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In Vikram Seth's novel 'An Equal Music', which piece is mentioned throughout the book because the main characters played it together in college?
- A.
Symphony No.5, Op.67
- B.
String Quartet Op.18/4
- C.
Piano Trio Op.1/3
- D.
Violin Sonata No.5, Op.24 'Spring'
Correct Answer
C. Piano Trio Op.1/3Explanation
In Vikram Seth's novel 'An Equal Music', the main characters played the Piano Trio Op.1/3 together in college. This piece is mentioned throughout the book because it holds significance to their shared past and their connection as musicians. It represents a pivotal moment in their lives and serves as a symbol of their friendship and musical bond.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following was based on the 'Ode to Joy' in the finale of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony?
- A.
National Anthem of Germany
- B.
National Anthem of Hungary
- C.
National Anthem of Austria
- D.
Anthem of Europe
Correct Answer
D. Anthem of EuropeExplanation
The correct answer is Anthem of Europe. The 'Ode to Joy' melody from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was adapted and used as the Anthem of Europe. This anthem was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972 and later by the European Union in 1985. It represents the ideals of unity, peace, and solidarity among the member countries of Europe.Rate this question:
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- 12.
How old was Beethoven when he died?
- A.
48
- B.
52
- C.
56
- D.
60
Correct Answer
C. 56Explanation
Beethoven was 56 years old when he died. This can be inferred from the information provided in the question.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What was Beethoven's last completed work?
- A.
The finale (Allegro in B flat major) of the String Quartet Op.130
- B.
The finale (Allegro) of the String Quartet Op.131
- C.
Große Fuge Op.133
- D.
The first movement (Allegretto) of the String Quartet Op.135
Correct Answer
A. The finale (Allegro in B flat major) of the String Quartet Op.130Explanation
Beethoven's last completed work was the finale (Allegro in B flat major) of the String Quartet Op.130.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Named after the composer, Beethoven is also:
- A.
An element discovered in 2007
- B.
A casserole in Austrian cuisine
- C.
The third largest crater on Mercury
- D.
The name of a syndrome in which hearing loss is caused by a deformed eardrum
Correct Answer
C. The third largest crater on MercuryExplanation
Beethoven is not an element discovered in 2007, a casserole in Austrian cuisine, or the name of a syndrome in which hearing loss is caused by a deformed eardrum. However, it is the name of the third largest crater on Mercury.Rate this question:
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- 15.
'Fur Elise' is one of Beethoven's most well-known compositions. It is:
- A.
A bagatelle for solo piano
- B.
A movement from a piano sonata
- C.
A set of theme and variations for solo piano
- D.
A minuet for solo piano based on a melody from an earlier string quartet
Correct Answer
A. A bagatelle for solo pianoExplanation
'Fur Elise' is a well-known composition by Beethoven that is categorized as a bagatelle for solo piano. A bagatelle is a short, light-hearted piece of music, often characterized by its playful and melodic nature. In this case, 'Fur Elise' is a relatively short piece that showcases Beethoven's mastery of creating catchy and memorable melodies. It is typically performed on the piano and is loved by audiences worldwide for its charm and elegance.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Beethoven wrote 31 piano sonatas.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Beethoven actually wrote 32 piano sonatas, not 31. This is a well-known fact in classical music history. His piano sonatas are considered some of the most important and influential works in the genre, showcasing his mastery of composition and innovation.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Unlike most masses set in five movements, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is in four movements.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is not in four movements, but rather in five movements. This statement contradicts the information provided in the question, which states that most masses are set in five movements. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is the Heiligenstadt Testament?
- A.
A letter Beethoven wrote to his patron Karl Alois, Prince Lichnowsky, stating that he cannot complete the commissioned work because of the political sentiment at the time.
- B.
A love letter addressed to his 'Immortal Beloved', who was thought to be Josephine, one of the daughters of the Hungarian Countess Anna Brunsvik.
- C.
A letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers telling them of his suffering due to his hearing loss, his thoughts of suicide, and yet his desire to continue composing.
- D.
A legal document that allowed Beethoven to take custody of his nephew Karl after Beethoven's brother Kaspar died.
Correct Answer
C. A letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers telling them of his suffering due to his hearing loss, his thoughts of suicide, and yet his desire to continue composing.Explanation
The Heiligenstadt Testament refers to a letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers, in which he expressed his deep suffering caused by his deteriorating hearing and his contemplation of suicide. However, he also conveyed his determination to continue composing despite his hardships. This letter is significant because it provides insight into Beethoven's personal struggles and the immense emotional turmoil he experienced during this period of his life.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Beethoven was the only musician in his family.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that Beethoven was the only musician in his family, but the correct answer is False. This means that there were other musicians in Beethoven's family besides him.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Beethoven never married.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Beethoven never married. This statement is true because there is no historical evidence or record of Beethoven ever getting married. Throughout his life, Beethoven remained single and dedicated himself entirely to his music and compositions.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 18, 2020Quiz Created by
Nicolette Wong