Classical Music Quiz

1. After the exposition of a sonata-form movement, the main themes are fragmented, recombined, and taken through changing keys. Which section is being heard?

2. In an opera, the same distinctive musical idea returns whenever a particular character or object becomes important. What is this recurring idea called?

3. A choir performs a piece entirely without instrumental accompaniment. Which term best describes the performance?

4. A three-movement work centers on a solo pianist exchanging and developing musical ideas with an orchestra. Which genre best matches this description?

5. A score tells the orchestra to become gradually louder over several measures. Which marking communicates this change?

6. The famous “Hallelujah” chorus belongs to which large-scale vocal work?

7. In the traditional Latin Requiem text, what does “Dies irae” mean?

8. Who composed the four violin concertos collectively known as “The Four Seasons”?

9. Which composer wrote the symphony whose opening is often represented as “da-da-da-DUM”?

10. During rehearsal, the conductor asks the violin section to play a passage pizzicato. What should the players do?

11. A nineteenth-century orchestral work uses expanded brass and percussion, sweeping emotional contrasts, and a story described in the program. Which period best fits it?

12. At a standard modern orchestra rehearsal, which instrument traditionally sounds the tuning A for the ensemble?

13. In a staged opera, one character sings an extended solo that expresses their emotions while the dramatic action pauses. What type of piece is this?

14. Which Mozart opera is sung primarily in German and includes the Queen of the Night?

15. You hear an ensemble featuring harpsichord continuo, ornamented melodies, and interweaving contrapuntal lines. Which musical period best fits these features?

16. A concert program includes the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker. Who composed the music?