Classical Music Quiz

What is the historical development of symphonies from the 17th to the 18th century?

• They were initially just an introduction to operatic scenes, but by the 18th century, they became a self-contained working form with melodic development.

• They started as background music for court orchestras and remained that way throughout the 18th century.

• They were primarily used as anthems and oratorios in the 17th century, and this continued into the 18th century.

• They were popular forms of music in the 17th century, but lost their popularity by the 18th century.

What was the function of the fast overexcited music at the start of an overture?

• To create a calming atmosphere before the drama begins.

• To grab the audience's attention and signal the start of the performance.

• To showcase the virtuosity of the orchestra.

• To introduce the main characters of the performance.

What was the significance of the Mannheim Orchestra in the 1740s and 1750s?

• It was a traditional orchestra that did not experiment with new musical ideas.

• It was focused on preserving the old style of music and did not adapt to new trends.

• It was famous for its chaotic performances and lack of precision in playing.

• It was known for its unanimity of purpose and precision, exploring new ideas of extremes of emotion in music.

What was unique about the opening of Haydn's Symphony?

• It had a steamy nature and was incredibly simple yet effective.

• It had a slow and calming introduction before building up to a dramatic climax.

• It featured complex harmonies and intricate melodies.

• It was known for its chaotic and dissonant sound.

What was the specific task that Haydn set for himself in Symphony number 49?

• To incorporate a different theme in each movement to showcase his compositional skills.

• To experiment with different keys in each movement to create variety.

• To keep every movement in F minor and start each movement with the same two notes.

• To use a different time signature in each movement to challenge the orchestra.

What was the focus of public performance of symphonic music towards the end of the 18th century?

• People wanted to go to concerts and hear the latest music, leading to a rise in the importance of orchestras and symphonies.

• The focus shifted to solo performances, and orchestras became less popular.

• Public interest in symphonic music declined, and there was a shift towards smaller chamber music performances.

• There was a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music, leading to a decline in symphonic music.

What was the significance of the Paris concert spiritual in the middle of the 18th century?

• It was a platform for the latest music, and composers like Mozart had their works performed there.

• It was known for its emphasis on solo performances rather than orchestral music.

• It focused on preserving traditional music and did not showcase new compositions.

• It was a platform for experimental avant-garde music, but it did not gain popularity.

What was unique about the texture of the slow movement in Mozart's Symphony?

• It featured complex counterpoint and intricate harmonies, creating a rich texture.

• It was known for its use of unconventional instruments, creating a unique texture.

• It had a simple texture with upper strings gently throbbing in triplets, creating a specific sound.

• It had a chaotic and dissonant texture, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

What was special about the first symphony composed by the young Mozart?

• It was a traditional symphony with no unique features, composed under the guidance of his father.

• It was a simple piece with no distinct characters or operatic elements.

• It showcased all the characters and operatic nature that Mozart would later become known for.

• It was a complex and experimental piece, showcasing Mozart's early compositional skills.

What was the significance of the middle symphonies composed by Haydn in the 1760s and 1770s?

• They were known for their chaotic and dissonant sound, deviating from the traditional symphonic form.

• They were traditional symphonies that did not experiment with new musical ideas.

• They were amazing bits of modern composition, exploring new ideas and motivic inventions within the symphony.

• They were focused on preserving the old style of music and did not adapt to new trends.