Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The most ancient historical event narrated in opera is probably the story of a biblical person who was sold by his relatives and climbed the social ladder by explaining dreams. Etienne Nicolas Méhul composed an opera based upon this story. This opera had its first night in 1807. What was its French title?
2. Rossini composed an opera in 1818 based upon one of the most famous Bible books. Which book of the Bible inspired Rossini's "Mosè in Egitto"?
3. Darius Milhaud named a 1954 opera after a great king of Israel. There are several notorious statues of this king, especially in Florence, Italy. Who was this Jewish King?
4. Karl Goldmark named an opera after a woman that King Solomon fell in love with. Many people believed during the 19th Century that she possessed large diamond mines. Who was this woman, subject of an opera that premiered in 1875?
5. Only a few ancient Greek women made their way into history. One of them was a well-known poetess. The island on which she lived has given its name to an even more famous notion. Who was this poet, subject of an opera by Giovanni Pacini?
6. On Giuseppe Verdi's funeral, the people spontaneously sang his most famous chorus: "Va' pensiero sull'ali dorate" ("Fly, thought, on golden wings"). This chorus stems from his 1842 opera on a Babylonian king. What is the title of this opera?
7. In 1923 Emil von Reznicek completed an opera named after a man killed by Judith, whose adventures are described in the Bible book named after her. However, we want to know the name of her victim. Who was beheaded in his sleep?
8. Handel's "Largo" is a tragic melody from his opera (composed in 1738) on a Persian king. It is quite popular in funeral masses. What is the title of Handel's opera in which the "Largo" features?
9. Christoph Willibald von Gluck completed an opera in 1744, based upon the history of one of the great ancient conquerors. Between 336 BC and 323 BC, this man subdued the largest part of the known world. Who was this conqueror?
10. Alessandro Scarlatti composed in 1707 an opera named after a king of a region in the Near East. Who was this king of Pontus, who lived in the second and first century BC and fought three wars against the Romans?
11. "Casta Diva" is a very popular aria out of Bellini's most famous opera. This opera had its first night in 1831 and tells the story of a Gallic priestess in love with a Roman general. Who was this priestess - many times interpreted by Maria Callas?
12. In 1789 Domenico Cimarosa composed an opera named after the last Egyptian queen, who (as historical gossip says) had a splendid nose. Who was this queen, who committed suicide in 31 BC? (Do NOT give any number, just her name).
13. Richard Strauss named one of his operas after a biblical character, famous for her sensual dances. The gospel states that her dancing was rewarded with John the Baptist's head on a silver platter. Who was she?
14. In 1920 an opera by Vincent d'Indy had its first night. This opera tells the story of one of the first Christian martyrs and patron saint of the travellers. His name-day is celebrated July 24th. Who is this saint?
15. Jules Massenet will always be remembered for his opera "Thais", named after a Greek "hetaera" that was quite famous. In ancient Greek times, hetaerae (mostly women) occupied a paid profession. What was their profession?
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JanIQ
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