Composer Trivia

Question 1

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 1

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer, who despite his early death was praised by the likes of Franz Liszt, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms among others.

Question 2

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 2

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a Polish composer, virtuoso pianist, and music teacher, was one of the great masters of Romantic music.

Question 3

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 3

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was an Italian Romantic composer specializing in opera. 150 years after his death, Verdi’s masterworks continue to dominate his field of composition.

Question 4

Identify this 18th century composer

Answer 4

Johan Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist, who over the years created several of the most famous classical Baroque pieces of all time, bringing the genre to its peak.

Question 5

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 5

Johannes Brahms (1833-1891), a German composer and pianist, was a leader of the Romantic period.

Question 6

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 6

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist, regarded as one of the most famous and influential composer of all time. His great fame rests in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music.

Question 7

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 7

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) was a German composer, conductor, theater director, and essayist known most notably for his operas, having produced such works as “Ride of the Valkyries” and “Here Comes the Bride”.

Question 8

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 8

Robert Schumann (1810-1856) was a German composer and influential music critic, who later worked with Johannes Brahms, helping him establish himself as an extraordinary pianist and composer.

Question 9

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 9

Franz Liszt (1811-1886), a Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist, was known for his extraordinary skills as a performer, and during his life was said to be the greatest pianist of all time.

Question 10

Identify this 18th century composer

Answer 10

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was arguably the most established composer of the Classical era, having created over 600 works, and was regarded as the pinnacle of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music.

Question 11

What was the last piece of music that Mozart had ever created?

Answer 11

“Requiem” in D minor was said to be his last piece, of which he had written and dedicated to himself.

Question 12

In December of 1791, Mozart died at the young age of 35. Where was this great composer buried?

Answer 12

Unfortunately, Mozart was buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in Vienna, Austria. Although it is common belief that he died in poverty and was in turn put to an unmarked grave, this was actually common practice for all but the wealthiest members of society at the time.

Question 13

At what age was it that Mozart was considered an accomplished pianist?

Answer 13

The age of 5. Mozart’s father, being a concertmaster, started his children with music lessons at an extremely early age. Unlike most children, Mozart enjoyed his teachings very much, which attributed to his musical greatness throughout the rest of his life.

Question 14

Between the ages of 8 and 19, how many symphonies did Mozart compose?

Answer 14

Mozart composed 33 symphonies, representing over one half of of his written symphonies in his lifetime.

Question 15

On tour with his father and sister in Western Europe, what city was it in that took young Mozart two months to complete his first complete symphony?

Answer 15

The city of London. During this time, Mozart’s father was recuperating from a serious throat ailment, and neither he nor his sister were allowed to touch the keyboard. In order to keep busy, Wolfgang would compose music in his head, and would have his sister transcribe it to paper.

Question 16

Symphony No. 1 in E Flat, Mozart’s first symphony, was composed at what age?

Answer 16

Symphony No. 1 was composed at the age of 8. His first complete symphony consisting of three parts: allegro molto, andante, and presto.

Question 17

What does Mozart’s opera, “Die Zauberflote”, translate to in English.

Answer 17

“Die Zauberfote” translates to “The Magic Flute”.

Question 18

Upon the death of Christoph Gluck, Mozart was promoted to ‘Composer of the Imperial Chamber’ to Emperor Joseph II in Vienna, and was shortly awarded the Order of the Golden Spur by which Pope?

Answer 18

Pope Clement the XVI gave Mozart the prestigious award. The award is a papal order of chivalry awarded to those who have contributed to the glory of the Church by feat of arms, writings, and many other illustrious acts.

Question 19

One of Mozart’s most famous works and world class operas, titled ‘Don Giovanni’, is the story of an infamous womanizer who gets what is coming to him. Who is this legendary man?

Answer 19

The man, Don Juan, is a fictional character, written about by many. He may or may not be based upon a real character.

Question 20

Early in Mozart’s traveling career, he performed at the Schonbrun Palace, where he was well received and regarded very highly. At the end of one of his concerts, he jumped into the lap of a young lady and playfully asked for her hand in marriage. Who was this young lady?

Answer 20

The young lady was the future Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. At the time known as the Archduchess Maria Antonia, she was captivated by Mozart’s words and extremely pleased with his performance.

Question 21

Identify this 17th century composer

Answer 21

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (1678 -1741) was an Italian Baroque composer, priest, and virtuoso violinist born in Venice. His best known work is a series of violin concertos known as ‘The Four Seasons’, and he is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, his influence widespread over Europe during his life.

Question 22

Which 18th century composer used a chiroplast, a mechanism meant to strengthen the finger by stretching and lengthening?

Answer 22

Robert Schumann. Unfortunately, instead of helping his playing, the device ruined his playing hands, leaving him unable to properly play piano for the rest of his life.

Question 23

Which German composer was it that founded the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (New journal for music), which is still published to this day?

Answer 23

Robert Schumann, editing and writing much of the journal up until 1844, became a famous critic and advocate for up and coming new music.

Question 24

Which German composer from the 1800’s attempted suicide two years before his death, and admitted himself into an insane asylum for the remainder of his days?

Answer 24

Robert Schumann. Ultimately he died from either syphilis or mercury poisoning. Mercury was at the time, a supposed cure for syphilis.

Question 25

Which German composer wrote *Carnaval* in 1834, its entirety connected by the same recurring motif that creates a musical cryptogram related to the festival, Carnival, that takes place prior to Lent?

Answer 25

Robert Schumann created this brilliant work, going on to say that "deciphering my masked ball will be a real game for you."

Question 26

In 1856, East Germany mistakenly issued a set of postage stamps with the music of Franz Schubert alongside which 19th century German composer?

Answer 26

Robert Schumann. The two were commonly mismatched because of the likeness in name. After the stamps were in circulation, they were quickly replaced by ones featuring the music of Schumann.

Question 27

Identify this 19th century composer

Answer 27

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was a Russian composer during the Romantic era, specializing in symphonies, operas, ballets, as well as instrumental and chamber music. Some of his most famous works include *1812 Overture* and *The Nutcracker. *

Question 28

Which 19th century composer was it who, although dying at the early age of 31, managed to create over 600 songs?

Answer 28

Franz Schubert managed to create all of these songs, yet during his lifetime not a one of them were published while he was still alive!

Question 29

Which composer and virtuoso pianist of the 1800's preferred giving smaller and more intimate concerts to the higher class?

Answer 29

Frédéric Chopin, despite his virtuosity on his instrument, disliked performing for large groups of people, and usually shied away at the opportunity.

Question 30

Which 19th century composer and pianist was it that invented the musical form known as the instrumental ballad.

Answer 30

Frédéric Chopin, among creating the instrumental ballad, made spectacular innovations to the piano sonata, mazurka, nocturne, waltz, the polonaise, étude, impromptu and prélude.

Question 31

Which composer, while still a child at age 7, moved with his family to the Saxon Palace, living on the grounds where his father taught French at the Warsaw Lyceum?

Answer 31

Frédéric Chopin. In 1817, the Saxon Palace was requisitioned for military purposes by Grand Duke Constantine, and the Lyceum was moved to the Kazimierz Palace, which was also home to the newly founded Warsaw University

Question 32

Which Polish composer wrote the "Revolutionary Etude", and what was the even that inspired it?

Answer 32

Frédéric Chopin wrote the piece after the Russian-controlled Poland attempted a revolt, whereas Russia immediately captured Warsaw. Under control of the tsar, Nicholas the First, Russian soldiers suppressed the revolt and slaughtered several Poles including friends and family of Chopin.

Question 33

During his short life, which 19th century composer, after living with tuberculosis his whole life, finally succumbed to the disease and died in 1849?

Answer 33

Frédéric Chopin. The funeral march from his "Sonata in B Flat Minor" was played at his funeral to commemorate his passing.

Question 34

What was the pen name of Aurore Dudevant, the novelist with whom Frédéric Chopin shared a long personal relationship with?

Answer 34

Dudevant, better known by her pen name George Sand, was greatly impressed with Chopin's musical prowess and creativity, and they spent eight years together, departing from one another towards the end of Chopin's life.

Question 35

Attempting to attain fame, Frédéric Chopin left his home country of Poland and traveled to which city?

Answer 35

Chopin traveled to Paris in the1830's, which was then the center of the new movement known as Romanticism. During this period, Paris was a hotspot for up and coming novelists, composers, and other artists.

Question 36

Which city was it in that Frédéric Chopin received his childhood musical education?

Answer 36

Chopin received his early education in Warsaw, Poland.

Question 37

Which 19th century composer had his own vocabulary for the different stages of his written works as he was working on them?

Answer 37

Giuseppe Verdi would call his first sketch of librettos 'the forest' because he knew that he would be cutting and clearing a lot, as well as having other interesting names for his many other stages of creation.

Question 38

Stated in his official documents, Giuseppe Verdi recorded what profession as his own?

Answer 38

Verdi, one of the 19th century's most influential operatic composers, recorded his official profession as 'farmer'. Although he was a musical leader, the yield of his farm at home was one of his closest concerns.

Question 39

Which 19th century operatic composer created one of his greatest masterpieces titled "Rigoletto", which premiered in Venice in 1851.

Answer 39

Giuseppe Verdi created this master work, which had to go under extreme revision before able to satisfy the epoch's censorship, so much so that Verdi was on the brink of giving up its performance entirely.

Question 40

Born in Le Roncole, Lombardy in 1813, Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was established as an accomplished composer by the appearance of which two works in 1843-44?

Answer 40

His production of "Lombardi" and "Emani" established his repute, which was later set in stone with "Rigoletto" in 1851.

Question 41

Which composer's final work was "The Art of Fugue", published posthumously and unfinished?

Answer 41

This piece was Johan Sebastian Bach's final work, said to be written in the 1740's, several years before his death in 1750.

Question 42

In what way was Maria Barbara, Bach's first wife, related to him?

Answer 42

Bach and Barbara were actually second cousins. During their marriage they had seven children, of which four survived childhood. Two of these went on to become important composers, carrying on the family tradition.

Question 43

Bach's second wife, Anna Magdalena Wilcke, who was seventeen years younger than he, bore him how many children?

Answer 43

Wilcke had thirteen children with Bach, of which six survived. Including his first wife, Maria Barbara, Bach was father to twenty children!

Question 44

Which style of classical music is Bach known for composing?

Answer 44

Baroque music, it's period lasting from 1600 to 1750, is the style Bach is known for.

Question 45

Going to extremes to keep his virtuosic composer, what kind of 'present' did Bach receive from his soon-to-be former employer in 1717 before leaving his position?

Answer 45

Because he didn't want to let him go, Bach's employer put him into prison! Bach was imprisoned from November 6th to December 2nd, and it was there that he wrote his famous _Organ Works_, a learning book for the organ.

Question 46

The majorities of Bach's cantatas were composed in which decade?

Answer 46

1721-1730. Early in his life, Bach focused more on music for harpsichord, organ, and various other instrumental combinations. In the later years, he devoted all of his compositional efforts to grand compilations meant for publication.

Question 47

What is the main difference between Bach's cantatas and his motets?

Answer 47

In the motets, instruments were used only for doubling voices, and were more appropriate for special occasions such as funerals. His cantatas were written for the purpose of Sunday services.

Question 48

In which German city was Bach the chief musician?

Answer 48

Leipzig. It was here that Bach produced most of his cantatas under the title Director Musices (Director of Music).

Question 49

Over the course of his life, about how many cantatas did Johan Sebastian Bach compose?

Answer 49

For a period of several years, Bach was putting out nearly one cantata per week! He ultimately created more than 200 works.

Question 50

The "Sonatas" and "Partitas" for solo violin are a set of six works composed by which famous composer?

Answer 50

Johann Sebastian Bach. Today his "Sonatas" and "Partitas" are an essential part of the violin repertoire.

Question 51

Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludvig van Beethoven, and which other 19th century composer made up the trio known as the "Three B's" ?

Answer 51

Johannes Brahms, virtuoso pianist and a leading musician of the Romantic period.

Question 52

Due to his family's poverty, which 19th century composer and virtuoso pianist started by performing in dance halls and brothels surrounded by drunken sailors and prostitutes?

Answer 52

Johannes Brahms, here shown in 1853, was said to have attributed his youthful experiences surrounded by the low-lives of Hamburg to his unsuccessful relationships with women and marriage.

Question 53

Upon being introduced to Franz Liszt, which famous composer supposedly fell asleep during his performance of "Sonata in B Minor"?

Answer 53

Johannes Brahms fell asleep during Liszt's performance, and later excused himself, accounting it to being exhausted by his travels.

Question 54

Robert Schumann, the founder of a musical journal entitled the "Neue Zeitschrift für Musik," was visited and amazed by this twenty-year-old's talent, and published an article called "Neue Bahnen" (New Paths) in the October 28, 1853 issue.

Answer 54

Johannes Brahms was introduced to Schumann through Joseph Joachim, a world famous violinist from Austria. Joachim had given Brahms a letter of introduction to Schumann, whereas Brahms travelled to Düsseldorf by train to meet the Schumann family.

Question 55

With whom did Johannes Brahms carry out a lifelong and emotionally intimate relationship with after meeting and becoming close with the Schumann family?

Answer 55

Believe it or not, the woman was Schumann's wife, Clara! Clara was fourteen years his senior, and after Schumann's death Brahms sacrificed his art and career for her sake. The extent of their love is unknown, yet they were said to be very close.

Question 56

A total of how many symphonies did Johannes Brahms write?

Answer 56

Brahms wrote four symphonies, which are among his best works.

Question 57

Which famous 19th century composer was famous for his large beard and rotund physique, despite the fact that he could not grow a beard until 45?

Answer 57

Johannes Brahms. As a youth, he was quite thin, with fair blonde hair, blue eyes, and baby-smooth cheeks.

Question 58

Always one who loved a fine cigar, which 19th century composer was caught smuggling tobacco stuffed into his stockings in his luggage?

Answer 58

Johannes Brahms. Because import taxes were so high, he would do his best to sneak it with him whenever possible.

Question 59

Which 19th century composer lost his sense of hearing later in life?

Answer 59

Ludvig van Beethoven. As his hearing became progressively worse, he fought between despair and defiance, until at last it was completely gone.

Question 60

To whom is 'Immortal Beloved' referenced with, and what is it's significance?

Answer 60

Immortal Beloved is the name given by Ludvig van Beethoven to an unknown woman in three famous and passionate love letters. Her identification remains one of the greater musical mysteries.

Question 61

How many operas did Beethoven write?

Answer 61

Beethoven wrote just one, named "Fidelio" (written in 1805 and revised to completion in 1814).

Question 62

How many symphonies did Beethoven write?

Answer 62

Nine. Although all nine of his written symphonies are performed today, the most popular continue to be the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th (all odd numbered).

Question 63

Many an artist needs to partake in an activity that refreshes the mind and provides inspiration. Who was it that would take long walks in the country to get away from the day's problems?

Answer 63

Ludwig van Beethoven would take long walks in the Vienna woods. Being the respected composer that he was, the villagers would leave him to himself when they passed him. His "Pastoral Symphony" is one work originating from his countryside hikes.

Question 64

Which famous composer has been credited as the bridge between the Classical period and the Romantic?

Answer 64

Ludvig van Beethoven. He combined the mathematical properties of the Classical era and fused them with the more emotional aspect of the Romantic.

Question 65

The opening notes of Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony" depicts whose knocking at the door?

Answer 65

The knocking depicts fate. The concept of fate played a very dramatic role in Beethoven's life. It had made him an extremely brilliant composer as well as stripping him from his most precious of senses-his hearing.

Question 66

Which 19th century composer's wife literally held on to his corpse a full twenty-four hours after his death?

Answer 66

Richard Wagner. His wife Cosima clenched Wagner's body until one day after his death.

Question 67

Cosima Liszt, daughter of the famous Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, was the wife to which famous 19th century composer?

Answer 67

Cosima Liszt was the second wife to the well known German composer, conductor, and theater director Richard Wagner.

Question 68

Which German composer was responsible for works such as "Ride of the Valkyries", "Here Comes the Bride", and "The Flying Dutchman"?

Answer 68

Richard Wagner, unique for his use of complex texture, rich harmonies, as well as the elaborate use of leitmotifs (musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas, or plot elements), was responsible for these great works.

Question 69

During which event did Richard Wagner garner his inspiration to write "The Flying Dutchman"?

Answer 69

While on a stormy sea passage to London on a run from debt collectors with his dog, Robber, and wife, Minna, Wagner drew his inspiration here at sea.

Question 70

Which 19th century operatic conductor wrote _The Ring Cycle_, and what is so peculiar about this particular piece?

Answer 70

_The Ring Cycle_, written by Richard Wagner, is the worlds longest opera, lasting over 18 hours!

Question 71

Whose famous opera is the origin for the term, 'it ain't over til the fat lady sings'?

Answer 71

The term was coined from Richard Wagner's 18 hour opera, The Ring Cycle. It is in reference to the very large Brunhilde's 10-minute aria at the closing of the opera.

Question 72

For the entertainment of his students, Franz Liszt would sometimes play private shows for them, playing most of his songs except for which extremely popular tune?

Answer 72

Liszt refused to play "Hungarian Rhapsody 2" because of its immense popularity. Liszt simply became sick of hearing it.

Question 73

Which 19th century composer wrote only one opera, and what were its two titles?

Answer 73

In actuality an operetta, Franz Liszt wrote "Don Sanche", or "The Castle of Love". The actual music for the piece is extremely difficult to find, as it is not a very well known piece.

Question 74

Which 19th century composer and virtuoso pianist was portrayed by cartoonists as having four hands and twenty fingers?

Answer 74

The dazzling and virtuous Franz Liszt. With his music sounding like he needed the extra appendages, cartoonists had good reason to exaggerate so.

Question 75

After attending a charity concert played by Niccolò Paganini on April 20, 1832, which 19th century composer became determined to become as a great virtuoso on the piano as Paganini was on the violin?

Answer 75

Franz Liszt was inspired by Paganini, which drove him to the heights of his technical abilities on the piano.

Question 76

After the death of his son and daughter within a three year span, which 19th century composer retreated to solitary living in 1863 at the monastery *Madonna del Rosario*, just outside Rome?

Answer 76

Franz Liszt, later adapting the title Abbé Liszt, 'Abbé' being the French equivalent of 'Father', remained at the monastery until 1869.

Question 77

"Most of all, he wants truth in musical sentiment, and so he makes a psychological study of his emotions to convey them as they are. Thus, a strong expression is often followed by a sense of fatigue and dejection, a kind of coldness, because this is the way nature works..."

Answer 77

More of a statement than question, this impacting quote was said of Franz Liszt's awe inspiring piano playing by the mother of one of his piano students around 1831.

Question 78

Who is said to be the originator of the symphonic poem, and what is it?

Answer 78

A symphonic poem is a piece of orchestral music consisting of a single movement based off of a poem, story, novel, painting, or some other non-musical medium. Franz Liszt is credited with it's creation.

Question 79

Which Italian Baroque composer, nicknamed "Il Prete Rosso", meaning "The Red Priest", was a virtuoso violinist and priest?

Answer 79

Antonio Vivaldi. This name caught on not only because of his priesthood, but also his red hair.

Question 80

What series of violin concertos is Vivaldi best known for?

Answer 80

*The Four Seasons*. Composed in 1723, these concertos are among the most popular pieces of Baroque music.

Question 81

As well as operas and sacral work, how many concerti did Vivaldi compose?

Answer 81

Vivaldi was a busy and productive composer, writing about 500 concerti in his lifetime!

Question 82

What were the origins of Vivaldi leaving church employment and becoming a music director?

Answer 82

Throughout his life Vivaldi suffered from intense asthma. At church he would conduct mass, and many times in the middle of doing so, would have an asthma attack. The cardinal excused Vivaldi of his having to say mass, and so his being relieved of duties at the church caused him to look for other employment.

Question 83

Which famous 19th century composer wrote the ballets *Swan Lake*, *The Sleeping Beauty*, *1812 Overture*, and *The Nutcracker*?

Answer 83

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created these great works, which are some of the most popular concert and theatrical music of the classical repertoire.

Question 84

Which 19th century composer, maintained a 13 year relationship with wealthy widow, Nadezhda von Meck, purely through letters and with no face to face meet?

Answer 84

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky harbored this strange relationship, only for it to collapse for reasons of supposed bankruptcy and illness in 1890.

Question 85

Who was it that, as well as writing letters, sent payments to Tchaikovsky of 6,000 rubles annually to have him commission chamber pieces?

Answer 85

Exchanging a good deal over 1000 letters, Nadezhda von Meck was Tchaikovsky's close friend, their relationship created only from writing each other.

Question 86

Tchaikovsky died in Saint Petersburg on November 6th, 1893, nine days after the premier of his Sixth Symphony, titled what?

Answer 86

His Sixth Symphony was titled the *Pathétique,* and was received with a bit of confusion by its audience due to its overwhelming emotional content, but when played again 20 days later, it received much praise.

Question 87

Which 19th century composer and conductor would hold his chin with his left hand while conducting in fear of his head falling off?

Answer 87

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky would do this when vigorously conducting. Overcoming life long stage fright, he went to America in 1891 to lead the New York Music Society's orchestra in his Festival Coronation March at the inaugural concert of New York's Carnegie Hall.

Question 88

Who were "The Five", and what were they known for?

Answer 88

"The Five" was a group of five Russian nationalist composers: Mily Balakirev (leader), César Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and Alexander Borodin. They aimed at creating music with Russian pride and influence outside of Southern and Western European music.

Question 89

Identify this 20th Century Composer

Answer 89

Béla Viktor János Bartók (1881-1945), was a Hungarian composer and pianist, and is considered to be one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

Question 90

Which 20th century composer of Hungarian descent was able to play 40 pieces on the piano by the time he was only four?

Answer 90

Béla Viktor János Bartók. Before he could even speak whole sentences, he could distinguish between the different dance rhythms his mother would play on the piano.

Question 91

A statue of which famous 20th century composer stands in Brussels, Belgium near the central train station, with another in London opposite South Kensington Underground Station?

Answer 91

Béla Viktor János Bartók. There is also a statue of him in front of a house owned by him in Budapest, now operating as a house museum.

Question 92

With the Nazi's coming to power in the 1930's, which Hungarian composer fled Hungary with his wife Ditta Pásztory to settle in New York City?

Answer 92

Béla Viktor János Bartók. Before fleeing, Bartók refused to give concerts in Germany due to his opposition to the Nazis, and was harassed by the Hungarian establishment.

Question 93

Identify this 18th century composer

Answer 93

Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), was an Austrian composer, close friend of Amadeus Mozart and teacher to Ludvig van Beethoven. He is considered one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period.

Question 94

Which 18th century composer was often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet"?

Answer 94

These names were given to Joseph Haydn, as some of his most important contributions to music were in these genres.

Question 95

At the age of 17, Joseph Haydn was caned and kicked out of his choir for what offense?

Answer 95

Thinking it funny, he pulled a prank and snipped off the pigtails of a fellow chorister (member of the choir). Kicked out on the streets, he took refuge with a close friend to live in his crowded home and begin his career as a freelance musician.

Question 96

Which 18th century composer had Mozart's Requiem played at his funeral?

Answer 96

Joseph Haydn, said to be a good friend of Mozart. They occasionally played together in a string quartet.

Question 97

This famous composer of the 18th century kept a parrot that could sing the opening lines of the Austrian Hymn.

Answer 97

Joseph Haydn. The parrot resided in his studio.