3 - Composer History Trivia Flashcards
Learn about the history of great composers, their accomplishments and their contributions to the musical world. Over the years, the greatest composers of our time have created countless works of art, inspired thousands and shown the world that the boundaries for music are limitless. UltimateMusicTheory.com
Identify this 19th-century composer.
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.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), a Polish composer, virtuoso pianist and music teacher, was one of the great masters of Romantic music.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was an Italian Romantic composer who specialized in opera. Over 100 years after his death, Verdi’s masterworks continue to dominate his field of composition.
Identify this 18th-century composer.
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.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Johannes Brahms (1833-1891), a German composer and pianist, was a leader of the Romantic period.
Identify this 18th-century composer.
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) was a German-born British baroque composer. He became famous through his operas, oratoriums, anthems and organ concertos. He composed over 40 operas in the course of more than 30 years. He gained fame through works such as Music for the Royal Fireworks, Water Music and Messiah.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist. He was regarded as one of the most famous and influential composers of all time. His great fame rests in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Richard Wagner (1813-1883) was a German composer, conductor, theater director and essayist known most notably for his operas. He produced such works as “Ride of the Valkyries” and “Here Comes the Bride”.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
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.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was a German composer, conductor, pianist and organist of the early Romantic period. One of the most popular compsers of the Romantic period, he is noted for such works as his Overture and his work on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Franz Liszt (1811-1886), a Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist, was known for his extraordinary skills as a performer. During his life, he was called the greatest pianist of all time.
Identify this 18th-century composer.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was arguably the most established composer of the Classical era, having created over 600 works. His music is regarded as the pinnacle of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic and choral music.
Identify this 17th-century composer.
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’. He is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers. His influence was widespread over Europe during his life.
Identify this 20th-century composer.
Béla Viktor János Bartók (1881-1945) was a Hungarian composer and pianist. He is considered to be one of the most important composers of the 20th century.
Identify this 19th-century composer.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was a Russian composer during the Romantic era. He specialized in symphonies, operas, ballets, as well as instrumental and chamber music. Some of his most famous works include 1812 Overture and The Nutcracker.
Identify this 18th-century composer.
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was an Austrian composer, close friend of Amadeus Mozart and teacher to Ludwig van Beethoven. He is considered one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period.
Identify this late 18th/ early 19th-century composer.
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was a prominent French composer associated with Impressionist music. He is known by most from his orchestral work Boléro, as well as his piano compositions that consistently demand a great deal of virtuosity from the performer.
Identify this 19th century composer.
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was a Czech composer greatly influenced by Moravian and Bohemian folk music. He was largely known as one of the first composers to combine aspects of folk music into the 19th century Romantic era.
Identify this 19th/20th century composer.
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was a French composer known for his Impressionist work in the 19th and early 20th century. Alongside Maurice Ravel, he is considered one of the most prominent composers of Impressionist music.
Identify this 19th/20th century composer.
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was widely known as one of the last greats of the Russian period of Romanticism. He was a composer and conductor, as well as one of the finest pianists of his time.
Which 19th-century composer and pianist was it that invented the musical form known as the instrumental ballad?
Frédéric Chopin. Along with creating the instrumental ballad, he also made spectacular innovations to the piano sonata, mazurka, nocturne, waltz, the polonaise, étude, impromptu and prélude.
This famous composer of the 18th-century kept a parrot that could sing the opening lines of the Austrian Hymn.
Joseph Haydn. The parrot resided in his studio.
Who was it that, in addition to writing letters, sent payments to Tchaikovsky of 6,000 rubles annually to have him commission chamber pieces?
Exchanging a good deal over 1000 letters, Nadezhda von Meck was Tchaikovsky’s close friend. They never met in person - their relationship was created only from writing each other.
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?
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
Upon being introduced to Franz Liszt, which famous composer supposedly fell asleep during his performance of “Sonata in B Minor”?
Johannes Brahms fell asleep during Liszt’s performance, and later excused himself, accounting it to being exhausted by his travels.
Of whom was it said “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…”?
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.
What was the pen name of Aurore Dudevant, the novelist with whom Frédéric Chopin shared a long personal relationship with?
Dudevant, better known by her pen name George Sand, was greatly impressed with Chopin’s musical prowess and creativity. They spent eight years together, departing from one another towards the end of Chopin’s life.
In December of 1791, Mozart died at the young age of 35. Where was this great composer buried?
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 into an unmarked grave, this was actually common practice for all but the wealthiest members of society at the time.
At the young age of 17, which 19th-century composer wrote the overture for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
Felix Mendelssohn, one of the most popular composers of the Romantic era, wrote the overture for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
In which German city was Bach the chief musician?
Leipzig. It was here that Bach produced most of his cantatas under the title Director Musices (Director of Music).
Which Polish composer wrote the “Revolutionary Etude”, and what was the event that inspired it?
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.
Always one who loved a fine cigar, which 19th-century composer was caught smuggling tobacco stuffed into his stockings in his luggage?
Johannes Brahms. Because import taxes were so high, he would do his best to sneak it with him whenever possible.
During his short life, which 19th-century composer, after living with tuberculosis his whole life, finally succumbed to the disease and died in 1849?
Frédéric Chopin. The funeral march from his “Sonata in B Flat Minor” was played at his funeral to commemorate his passing.
Which 19th-century composer and virtuoso pianist was portrayed by cartoonists as having four hands and twenty fingers?
The dazzling and virtuous Franz Liszt. With his music sounding like he needed the extra appendages, cartoonists had good reason to exaggerate so.
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?
His production of “Lombardi” and “Emani” established his reputation, which was later set in stone with “Rigoletto” in 1851.
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?
The young lady was the future Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. At that time, she was known as the Archduchess Maria Antonia. She was captivated by Mozart’s words and extremely pleased with his performance.
Attempting to attain fame, Frédéric Chopin left his home country of Poland and traveled to which city?
Chopin traveled to Paris in the 1830’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.
Which 19th-century composer had his own vocabulary for the different stages of his written works as he was working on them?
Giuseppe Verdi would call his first sketch of librettos ‘the forest’ because he knew that he would be cutting and clearing a lot. He also created other interesting names for the many other stages of his creations.
Which 19th century composer, after being given the job of teaching a Goldsmith’s daughters, later took one’s hand in marriage in 1873?
Antonin Dvořák, assigned as a piano teacher to two daughers of a goldsmith in 1865, fell in love with the goldsmith’s daughter Josefína Čermáková. She refused to return his love and married another man. He then married Josefína’s younger sister Anna in 1873.
As well as operas and sacral work, how many concerti did Vivaldi compose?
Vivaldi was a busy and productive composer, writing about 500 concerti in his lifetime!
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?
Johannes Brahms. As a youth, he was quite thin, with fair blonde hair, blue eyes, and baby-smooth cheeks.
Which famous composer has been credited as the bridge between the Classical period and the Romantic?
Ludwig van Beethoven. He combined the mathematical properties of the Classical era and fused them with the more emotional aspect of the Romantic.
Which 18th-century composer used a chiroplast, a mechanism meant to strengthen the finger by stretching and lengthening?
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.
Stated in his official documents, Giuseppe Verdi recorded what profession as his own?
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.
Cosima Liszt, daughter of the famous Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, was the wife to which famous 19th-century composer?
Cosima Liszt was the second wife to the well known German composer, conductor, and theater director Richard Wagner.
Created for Oberon’s wedding in Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which famous 19th-century Romantic composer wrote The Wedding March?
The Wedding March, which can be heard at most weddings, was written by Felix Mendelssohn in the year 1842.
Which 19th-century operatic composer created one of his greatest masterpieces titled “Rigoletto”, which premiered in Venice in 1851.
Giuseppe Verdi created this masterwork, 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).
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?
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.
Which 19th-century composer and conductor would hold his chin with his left hand while conducting…in fear of his head falling off?
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.
Upon undergoing an unsuccessful surgury to remove his cataracts, which 18th-century Baroque composer went blind in one eye, and then later in two?
George Frideric Handel, at the age of 65, lost sight in one eye, and then later in two. Despite his disability, he continued to play organ and concertos from memory.
Whose famous opera is the origin for the term, ‘it ain’t over til the fat lady sings’?
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.
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?
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.
Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and which other 19th-century composer made up the trio known as the “Three B’s” ?
Johannes Brahms, virtuoso pianist and a leading musician of the Romantic period.
Which composer’s final work was “The Art of Fugue”, published posthumously and unfinished?
This piece was Johan Sebastian Bach’s final work. It is said to be written in the 1740’s, several years before his death in 1750.
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?
Robert Schumann. Ultimately he died from either syphilis or mercury poisoning. Mercury was, at the time, a supposed cure for syphilis.
Which 19th/20th century Impressionist composer’s wife, after he admitted that their marriage had come to an end, made a failed attempt at committing suicide, only to spend the rest of her days with a bullet lodged in her vertebrae?
Claude Debussy notified his then wife, Rosalie Texier, of the end of their marriage after having met and fallen for one of his student’s mothers, Emma Bardac. It was the student that introduced them and, shortly after, the two spent a holiday together unbeknownst to his current wife Rosalie.
During which event did Richard Wagner garner his inspiration to write “The Flying Dutchman”?
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.
Which 19th century composer wrote his ninth and final symphony, entitled “From the New World”, after having moved to America in 1892?
Considered by many to be one of his greatest works, Antonín Dvořák composed “From the New World” and released it to the world in 1893. He was quoted as saying he had “written original themes embodying the peculiarities of the Indian music”, and that is what had given it its American Indian influence.
With whom did Johannes Brahms carry out a lifelong and emotionally intimate relationship with after meeting and becoming close with the Schumann family?
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.
At what age was it that Mozart was considered an accomplished pianist?
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.
Which Italian Baroque composer, nicknamed “Il Prete Rosso”, meaning “The Red Priest”, was a virtuoso violinist and priest?
Antonio Vivaldi. This name caught on not only because of his priesthood, but also his red hair.
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?
Franz Liszt, later adapting the title Abbé Liszt (‘Abbé’ being the French equivalent of ‘Father’) remained at the monastery until 1869.
Bach’s second wife, Anna Magdalena Wilcke, who was seventeen years younger than he, bore him how many children?
Wilcke had thirteen children with Bach, of which six survived. Including his first wife, Maria Barbara, Bach was father to twenty children!
Which style of classical music is Bach known for composing?
Baroque music, it’s period lasting from 1600 to 1750, is the style Bach is known for.
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?
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.
Which city was it in that Frédéric Chopin received his childhood musical education?
Chopin received his early education in Warsaw, Poland.
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?
The man, Don Juan, is a fictional character, written about by many. He may or may not be based upon a real character.
The majorities of Bach’s cantatas were composed in which decade?
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.
In 1856, East Germany mistakenly issued a set of postage stamps with the music of Franz Schubert alongside which 19th-century German composer?
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.
Which 18th-century Baroque composer was nicknamed the “Great Bear” throughout England?
Because of his awkward walk, bulky size, and gruff demeanor, George Frideric Handel was nicknamed the “Great Bear” throughout England.
Over the course of his life, about how many cantatas did Johan Sebastian Bach compose?
For a period of several years, Bach was putting out nearly one cantata per week! He ultimately created more than 200 works.
Which 19th-century composer wrote only one opera, and what were its two titles?
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.
Which famous 19th-century composer, in a letter to a stranger, described death as a place “where it is to be hoped there is still music, but no more sorrow or partings”?
The letter was written by the Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn. His death taking place in the year 1847 at the age of 38 in Leipzig, Mendelssohn was buried in Berlin.
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?
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.
What series of violin concertos is Vivaldi best known for?
The Four Seasons. Composed in 1723, these concertos are among the most popular pieces of Baroque music.
The “Sonatas” and “Partitas” for solo violin are a set of six works composed by which famous composer?
Johann Sebastian Bach. Today his “Sonatas” and “Partitas” are an essential part of the violin repertoire.
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?
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.
How many operas did Beethoven write?
Beethoven wrote just one, named “Fidelio” (written in 1805 and revised to completion in 1814).
Symphony No. 1 in E Flat, Mozart’s first symphony, was composed at what age?
Symphony No. 1 was composed at the age of 8. His first complete symphony consisted of three parts: allegro molto, andante, and presto.
A member of the Russian bourgeoisie, which Romantic composer of the 19th and 20th century fled his homeland with his family following the 1917 Russian Revolution?
With naught but his wife, two daughters, and only a few notebooks of uncompleted works, Sergei Rachmaninoff fled Petrograd heading for Helsinki by means of an open sled! Being a member of the Russian bourgeoisie, the revolution brought the destruction of his estate as well as his livelihood.
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.
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.
What was the last piece of music that Mozart had ever created?
“Requiem” in D minor was said to be his last piece, of which he had written and dedicated to himself.
After hearing “Moravian Duets”, Johnannes Brahms submitted the work to his publisher in hopes of helping which 19th century up and coming composer to broaden the audience of his works outside of their origin in Czech?
As a judge for the Austrian Prize competition in 1877, Johannes Brahms submitted Antonin Dvořák’s piece to his publisher, who published it with great success. Dvořák was a great admirer of Brahms and, after this, his works only met with more success.
In what way was Maria Barbara, Bach’s first wife, related to him?
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.
A total of how many symphonies did Johannes Brahms write?
Brahms wrote four symphonies, which are among his best works.
Who is said to be the originator of the symphonic poem, and what is it?
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.
Which composer and virtuoso pianist of the 1800’s preferred giving smaller and more intimate concerts to the higher class?
Frédéric Chopin, despite his virtuosity on his instrument, disliked performing for large groups of people, and usually shied away at the opportunity.
To whom is ‘Immortal Beloved’ referenced with, and what is it’s significance?
Immortal Beloved is the name given by Ludwig van Beethoven to an unknown woman in three famous and passionate love letters. Her identification remains one of the greater musical mysteries.
Which 19th-century composer was it who, although dying at the early age of 31, managed to create over 600 songs?
Franz Schubert managed to create all of these songs, yet not one of them were published while he was still alive!
Which 19th-century composer lost his sense of hearing later in life?
Ludwig van Beethoven. As his hearing became progressively worse, he fought between despair and defiance, until at last his hearing was completely gone.
Between the ages of 8 and 19, how many symphonies did Mozart compose?
Mozart composed 33 symphonies, representing over one half of of his written symphonies in his lifetime.
Which 19th-century composer founded the Leipzig Conservatory of Music, now known as the University of Music and Theatre “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” Leipzig?
The oldest university school of music in Germany, the Leipzig Conservatory of Music was founded by Felix Mendelssohn in 1843.
How many symphonies did Beethoven write?
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).
Tchaikovsky died in Saint Petersburg on November 6th, 1893, nine days after the premier of his Sixth Symphony, titled what?
His Sixth Symphony was titled the Pathétique, and was received with a bit of confusion by its audience due to its overwhelming emotional content. When played again 20 days later, it received much praise.
The opening notes of Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony” depicts whose knocking at the door?
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.
Which 19th-century composer’s wife literally held on to his corpse a full twenty-four hours after his death?
Richard Wagner. His wife Cosima clenched Wagner’s body until one day after his death.
Which 18th-century composer went bankrupt and then, immediately following, suffered partial paralysis of his right arm most likely due to stress and overwork?
The great opera composer, known for such works as Messiah, Agrippina, and Rodelinda, George Frideric Handel.
Which 20th-century composer of Hungarian descent was able to play 40 pieces on the piano by the time he was only four?
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.
Which 19th-century operatic conductor wrote The Ring Cycle, and what is so peculiar about this particular piece?
The Ring Cycle, written by Richard Wagner, is the worlds longest opera, lasting over 18 hours!
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?
Liszt refused to play “Hungarian Rhapsody 2” because of its immense popularity. Liszt simply became sick of hearing it.
Which German composer was it that founded the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (New journal for music), which is still published to this day?
Robert Schumann, editing and writing much of the journal up until 1844, became a famous critic and advocate for up and coming new music.
What were the origins of Vivaldi leaving church employment and becoming a music director?
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.
Which French Impressionist composer was widely known for works such as Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) and Ibéria, as well as a single movement from one of his works entitled Claire de lune?
Active in the 19th and 20th centuries, Claude Debussy was the creator of such works. They were considered some of his most prominent masterpieces.
Which famous 19th-century composer wrote the ballets Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, 1812 Overture, and The Nutcracker?
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created these great works, which are some of the most popular concert and theatrical music of the classical repertoire.
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?
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky harbored this strange relationship, only for it to collapse for reasons of supposed bankruptcy and illness in 1890.
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?
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.
Who were “The Five”, and what were they known for?
“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 to create music with Russian pride and influence outside of Southern and Western European music.
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?
Franz Liszt was inspired by Paganini, which drove him to the heights of his technical abilities on the piano.
Which German composer was responsible for works such as “Ride of the Valkyries”, “Here Comes the Bride” and “The Flying Dutchman”?
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.
What is the main difference between Bach’s cantatas and his motets?
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.
In 1892, which 19th century composer moved to America, taking a job as the artistic director for the National Conservatory of Music in New York, in which he received a considerable pay raise from his previous position?
From 1892 to 1895, Antonin Dvořák held a position as the artistic director for the National Conservatory of Music in New York for a phenomenal 15,000 dollars per year, approximately 25 times more than he had been earning previously in Prague. Shortly after his employment, a severe economic depression hit, lowering his salary to 8,000 dollars per year.
Which 18th-century composer was often called the “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet”?
These names were given to Joseph Haydn, as some of his most important contributions to music were in these genres.
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?
Robert Schumann created this brilliant work, going on to say that “deciphering my masked ball will be a real game for you”.
At the age of 17, Joseph Haydn was caned and kicked out of his choir for what offense?
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 began his career as a freelance musician.
What does Mozart’s opera, “Die Zauberflote”, translate to in English.
“Die Zauberfote” translates to “The Magic Flute”.
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?
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.
Which 18th-century composer had Mozart’s Requiem played at his funeral?
Joseph Haydn, said to be a good friend of Mozart. They occasionally played together in a string quartet.
On March 11th, 1829, which Romantic era composer conducted the first complete rendition of Bach’s St Matthew Passion since his death in 1750?
Marking the beginning of Johan Sebastian Bach’s musical revival, Felix Mendelssohn conducted St Matthew Passion, which received great success and praise.
Which Impressionist composer, active in both the 18th and 19th century, was a member of a group known as “Les Apaches”, a group of French artistic outcasts?
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was a member of “Les Apaches”, in French translating roughly to “hooligans”. Ravel dedicated the different movements of his piano piece Miroirs to members of the group.
Having originally fused Czech folk influences within his music due to his heritage, which 19th century composer, after relocating to America, was intent on discovering “American Music”, believing that its foundation comes from that of Native American and African-American music?
Antonin Dvořák composed Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, as a figure head for his idea of traditional “American Music”. His last symphony, it is built upon Native American and African-American musical ideas, just as his earlier works used partial melodies of old Bohemian folk tunes.
