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Quiz about 20th Century Music Around the USA
Quiz about 20th Century Music Around the USA

20th Century Music Around the USA Quiz


A trip around the United States, looking at famous (and not-yet-famous) composers of the last century.

A multiple-choice quiz by PianoWilmer. Estimated time: 4 mins.
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Author
PianoWilmer
Time
4 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
179,103
Updated
Jan 27 23
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
413
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Question 1 of 10
1. Since American classical music seems to center around New York City, we'll start our trip there. Which of the following composers wrote these three pieces about the Big Apple: the musical "On the Town", the score for the film "On the Waterfront", and the ballet "Fancy Free"? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. The Tanglewood Music Festival has been an important institution in American classical music for many years. In what mountain range is Tanglewood located? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. This composer with a strong connection to the University of Pennsylvania has a compositional style all his own. Some of his well-known techniques include electronically amplified stringed instruments, strummed piano strings, and theatrical instructions to performers. Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. We'll make a skip clear across the country to California, the world capital of filmmaking. Which of the following films featured a score by Aaron Copland? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. One of the greatest of film composers, John Williams, has scored many films by Steven Spielberg. Which of the following films includes the excerpt titled "Concert Piece for Motorcycle and Orchestra"? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. "The Grand Canyon Suite" was written by Ferde Grofe. What piece (by a different composer) did Grofe orchestrate? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" is set on the islands off the southern Atlantic coast. Which of the following is not one of the characters in the opera? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Finally, some all-around American music questions. Which of the following composers is NOT from the United States? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Alan Hovahnness is well known for his symphonies. His "Symphony #2" carries what title? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. What event prompted American composer John Adams to compose the Pulitzer Prize-winning piece "On the Transmigration of Souls"? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Since American classical music seems to center around New York City, we'll start our trip there. Which of the following composers wrote these three pieces about the Big Apple: the musical "On the Town", the score for the film "On the Waterfront", and the ballet "Fancy Free"?

Answer: Leonard Bernstein

He also wrote "West Side Story". But that would have been a dead giveaway, now, wouldn't it?
2. The Tanglewood Music Festival has been an important institution in American classical music for many years. In what mountain range is Tanglewood located?

Answer: Berkshires

Serge Koussevitzky, longtime director of the festival, was an accomplished composer himself.
3. This composer with a strong connection to the University of Pennsylvania has a compositional style all his own. Some of his well-known techniques include electronically amplified stringed instruments, strummed piano strings, and theatrical instructions to performers.

Answer: George Crumb

Some of Crumb's most popular works include "Black Angels" and "Makrokosmos".
4. We'll make a skip clear across the country to California, the world capital of filmmaking. Which of the following films featured a score by Aaron Copland?

Answer: The Heiress

Copland also scored "The Red Pony" and "Of Mice and Men".
5. One of the greatest of film composers, John Williams, has scored many films by Steven Spielberg. Which of the following films includes the excerpt titled "Concert Piece for Motorcycle and Orchestra"?

Answer: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

As you may expect, this piece is not often heard in live performance!
6. "The Grand Canyon Suite" was written by Ferde Grofe. What piece (by a different composer) did Grofe orchestrate?

Answer: Rhapsody in Blue

The "Rhapsody in Blue" was written by George Gershwin at a time when he was still unfamiliar with the art of orchestration.
7. George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" is set on the islands off the southern Atlantic coast. Which of the following is not one of the characters in the opera?

Answer: Big Charlie

"Porgy and Bess" was the only full-length opera that Gershwin wrote during his tragically short life.
8. Finally, some all-around American music questions. Which of the following composers is NOT from the United States?

Answer: Michael Tippett

Michael Tippett is a British composer.
9. Alan Hovahnness is well known for his symphonies. His "Symphony #2" carries what title?

Answer: "Mysterious Mountain"

This symphony certainly lives up to the "mysterious" part of its title!
10. What event prompted American composer John Adams to compose the Pulitzer Prize-winning piece "On the Transmigration of Souls"?

Answer: The September 11 terrorist attacks

In addition to a full orchestra, this emotionally powerful piece also calls for full choir, children's choir, recorded voices, and recorded street sounds.
Source: Author PianoWilmer

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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