Everyone loves a quiz, and besides having fun doing it, one may learn facts that are meaningful (or useless, sometimes). Here is a quiz about classical composers that will not overtax the brain but will give enjoyment. The rules are few. Just find the answer without looking at the bottom of the page. Go for it!
Information about Classical Composers
Information can be found in any musical dictionary or other book on musical lore.Some answers are a part of general knowledge. Some are either fact or perhaps have come down to us through the ages in a misquoted manner.
Questions about Classical Music
- What red-headed priest-composer taught at a school for girls all four seasons of each year?
- Who is the pianist-composer who said “The Germans think I am Russian, and the Russians think that I am a German; The Christians think I am a Jew, and the Jews think I am a Christian.”
- Who was the pianist who was chosen by Peter Ilytch Tchaikovsky to present his new Piano Concerto in B flat minor to the American public at an opening concert at the newly-finished Carnegie Hall in New York City?
- This composer of “Whispering Hope” and “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” was known by his own name as well as a female pseudonym. Name them both.
- Who was the American composer who was awarded a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship in 1930 which enabled her to go to Europe to study. She married her composition teacher in 1932. Name both people.
- This famous pianist-composer was the piano teacher of the celebrated soprano Pauline Viardot. Name the teacher.
- This European composer (who had great difficulty with a womens' committee of the symphony he directed), insisted that his wife be dressed elegantly from morning to evening. Who was he?
- Who was the American female composer who wrote over 1,000 works, including songs, piano pieces, a piano concerto, a violin concerto, a piano trio and operas?
- Who was the European pianist-composer who thought of London, England as his second home? He appeared with Ignaz Moscheles in a performance of his own Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in London in 1829.
- What violinist, who wrote five violin concertos, was thought to have made a pact with the devil, because his playing was so fantastic.
Answers to questions
Here's how to score:
If the question is answered in full...10 points. If there is a partial answer to a two-part question ...5 points. Total points for a perfect score is 100.
1 Antonio Vivaldi
2 Anton Rubinstein
3 Adele Aus der Ohe
4 Alice Hawthorne and Septimus Winner
5 Ruth Crawford and Charles Seeger
6 Frederic Chopin
7 Gustav Mahler
8 Mana-Zucca
9 Felix Mendelssohn
10 Nicolo Paganini
Anya Laurence - A writer, teacher and classical pianist, Anya Laurence has had three books published, as well as many articles in various magazines and ...
