Music History - That Time Mozart Stole Music From The Pope

The video explores the story of a young Mozart who, during a trip to Rome, memorized and transcribed the Miserere, a sacred piece by Gregorio Allegri, which was closely guarded by the Vatican. Despite the risk of excommunication, Mozart's transcription led to his recognition by Pope Clement XIV, who awarded him the Order of the Golden Spur. The Miserere's publication and popularity were influenced by Mozart's actions.

What was the primary purpose of Gregorio Allegri's composition, the Miserere?

• To be performed at the Vatican's Christmas service

• To be used in the tenebrae service during Holy Week

• To be played at royal weddings

• To celebrate the Pope's birthday

What distinguishes the Miserere from other plainchant music?

• It uses a single voice throughout

• It is accompanied by a full orchestra

• It incorporates complex harmonies and multiple voices

• It is performed only in Latin

Why were the embellishments in the Miserere considered a secret?

• They were performed only once a year

• They were only known to the Pope

• They were never written down and passed orally

• They were written in a hidden code

What was the consequence of copying or performing the Miserere outside the Sistine Chapel?

• A fine of 100 gold coins

• A ban from entering the Vatican

• Excommunication from the church

• A public apology

How many authorized copies of the Miserere existed by the time Mozart visited Rome?

• One

• Four

• Two

• Three

What skill did Mozart use to transcribe the Miserere from memory?

• Improvisation

• Melodic dictation

• Harmonic analysis

• Sight-reading

What did Mozart's father reveal in his letter about the Miserere?

• They had an authorized copy

• They planned to sell the music

• Wolfgang had transcribed it by ear

• They performed it in Rome

How did Pope Clement XIV respond to Mozart's transcription of the Miserere?

• He banned Mozart from the Vatican

• He excommunicated Mozart

• He ignored the incident

• He made Mozart a knight of the Vatican

What is the Order of the Golden Spur?

• A prize for musical excellence

• A recognition for contributions to the church

• An award for military service

• A title given to all Vatican visitors

What is still debated by music historians regarding the Miserere's publication?

• If Mozart's transcription was the source of the first publication

• Whether it was ever performed outside the Vatican

• The language in which it was first written

• The original composer of the Miserere