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The Works of Mahler Trivia Quiz

A run-through of the works of one of the top composers of the early 20th century. Good luck!

A multiple-choice quiz by op47b. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
op47b

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
207,555

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
501

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Several of Mahler's symphonies have subtitles. Which of them did he name himself? Hint

No. 1, "Titan," No. 2, "Resurrection," and No. 6, "Tragic."

No. 2, "Resurrection," and No. 8, "Of a Thousand."

No. 1, "Titan," and No. 5, "Giant."

No. 5, "Giant," No. 7, "Song of the Night," and No. 8, "Of a Thousand."

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of the following Mahler symphonies does NOT end triumphantly? Hint

Second Symphony

Fifth Symphony

Third Symphony

Fourth Symphony

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which of Mahler's works is his longest? Hint

Ruckert Lieder

Fifth Symphony

Third Symphony

Das Lied von der Erde

4. Speaking of long pieces of music, the movement that Mahler had planned to use as the last of the "Third Symphony" was used somewhere else in order to keep the former (relatively) short. Where was that last movement placed? Hint

Fourth Symphony, final movement

Tenth Symphony, Adagio

Sixth Symphony, second movement

Kindertotenlieder

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which symphony uses the smallest orchestra? Hint

Sixth Symphony

Fourth Symphony

First Symphony

Ninth Symphony

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Question 6 of 10

6. Mahler drew much of his inspiration from what literary work? Hint

Des Knaben Wunderhorn

Candide

Titan

Das Lied von der Erde

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which of Mahler's compositions includes an extended solo by the tenorhorn? Hint

Kindertotenlieder

Fifth Symphony, "Giant"

Seventh Symphony, "Song of the Night"

Des Knaben Wunderhorn

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Question 8 of 10

8. According to legend, what did Mahler think about composing symphonies? Hint

He loved it more than his wife

He would die after writing nine

They were a lower musical form than the cantata

Wagner probably wrote a symphony that was since lost

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Question 9 of 10

9. Despite its pessimistic name, Mahler wrote this work during one of the happiest portions of his life. Hint

Kindertotenlieder

Ruckert Lieder

Seventh Symphony, "Song of the Night"

The Ruin of Athens

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Question 10 of 10

10. Which symphony ends with a recollection of its first movement, suggesting an ascension to heaven? Hint

Second Symphony, "Resurrection"

First Symphony, "Titan"

Eighth Symphony, "Of a Thousand"

Sixth Symphony, "Tragic"

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Several of Mahler's symphonies have subtitles. Which of them did he name himself?

Answer: No. 1, "Titan," No. 2, "Resurrection," and No. 6, "Tragic."

The First Symphony is named "Titan" for a novel by Jean Paul. The Second derives its name from its supposed storyline. The Fifth was not named by Mahler but was given its name for its large symphonic scope (particularly when contrasted with the Fourth).

The Seventh is named from its "Nachtmusik" sections, but not by Mahler, and the Eighth was named for the huge number of people needed to perform it, a name which Mahler himself despised.

2. Which of the following Mahler symphonies does NOT end triumphantly?

Answer: Fourth Symphony

The Sixth and Ninth symphonies also end quietly. All the others go out in a "blaze of glory."

3. Which of Mahler's works is his longest?

Answer: Third Symphony

"The Third Symphony" also holds the Guinness record for the longest piece of music ever composed.

Answer: Fourth Symphony, final movement

The movement is meant to represent heaven through a child's point of view. Mahler felt that it didn't fit with his celebration of nature in the Third Symphony.

5. Which symphony uses the smallest orchestra?

Answer: Fourth Symphony

The Fourth is Mahler's quietest work, leaving out the low brass section and much of the percussion that Mahler normally contains. The others are all large orchestras, including the low brass and often multiple percussionists, keyboards, or harps.

6. Mahler drew much of his inspiration from what literary work?

Answer: Des Knaben Wunderhorn

"Des Knaben Wunderhorn," or "The Boy's Magical Horn," was directly used in its own song as well as symphonies 2 through 4. "Titan" was used only for the First Symphony, while "Das Lied" was Mahler's own symphonic poem, not established literature. "Candide," by Voltaire, had no relation at all to Mahler.

7. Which of Mahler's compositions includes an extended solo by the tenorhorn?

Answer: Seventh Symphony, "Song of the Night"

The tenorhorn is a rare, obscure variation on the French horn. In performances, conductors often substitute a trombone solo for the tenorhorn.

8. According to legend, what did Mahler think about composing symphonies?

Answer: He would die after writing nine

The belief is known as the curse of Beethoven. Composers who have died after writing nine symphonies include Beethoven, Schubert, and Mahler, among others.

9. Despite its pessimistic name, Mahler wrote this work during one of the happiest portions of his life.

Answer: Kindertotenlieder

"Kindertotenlieder" translates to "Songs on the Death of Children." After writing it, Mahler felt acutely responsible when his own daughter died.

10. Which symphony ends with a recollection of its first movement, suggesting an ascension to heaven?

Answer: Eighth Symphony, "Of a Thousand"

The first section is titled "Hymnus: Veni, Creator Spiritus" ("Hymn: I am coming, Creator"). The second movement, based on von Goethe's "Faust", ends with a restatement of this theme as Faust escapes from Mephistophanes and travels to heaven.

Source: Author op47b

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