Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The very first twelve bars of Beethoven's first symphony did something that, at its time, was a serious break of tradition. Which breach of musical protocol did Beethoven commit here?
2. Beethoven's second symphony was even more controversial than the first and received scathing reviews. Which of these has it been likened to in a quote from an actual contemporary review?
3. The finale of the third "Eroica" symphony mostly consists of variations on a theme Beethoven had originally used in a different work. Which work was it?
4. Beethoven's fourth symphony is, along with the eighth, one of the less famous works in the cycle. It is much more a successor to the second than to the third symphony - what is the link between symphonies number two and four?
5. Probably the most famous and most often quoted classical symphony of all, Beethoven's fifth symphony in c minor opens with what is often called the "fate motif" - three 1/8 notes followed by a 1/2 note a major third below. Let's however take a look at the finale - which of these is NOT true about that movement?
6. Beethoven's sixth, "Pastoral", symphony marks the transition between the classical and the romantic period. It is in many ways a symphonic poem annotated with evocative movement titles. Which of these is a CORRECT pairing of movement number and title or title excerpt?
7. Beethoven's seventh symphony is often overshadowed its two famous predecessors, even though it is a powerful work in its own right which Beethoven himself considered one of his best. As a rather unusual gesture for its time, this work was premiered at a charity concert. Who were the beneficiaries of this charity?
8. In spite of being another brilliant work highlighting the often subtle and even humorous perfection of Beethoven's composing techniques, his eighth symphony is among his least played works. It is comparatively short and upbeat and lacks something universally considered a vital part of a classical symphony performance. What is that part?
9. We've arrived at Beethoven's ninth symphony and its glorious choral finale based on the "Ode to Joy" by Friedrich Schiller. In the symphony, the original poem is preceded by three additional lines "O Freunde, nicht diese Töne! / Sondern laßt uns angenehmere anstimmen, / und freudenvollere" sung by the baritone soloist. Who wrote these lyrics?
10. There is strong historic evidence that Beethoven had planned and begun work on a tenth symphony. He had at least a fragmentary version of one movement finished which he played to a friend. Judging from the known sources, which of Beethoven's finished symphonies would the tenth have resembled most?
Source: Author
WesleyCrusher
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ertrum before going online.
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