35 Classical Music Trivia Questions and Answers

Classical music has a rich history spanning many centuries. From the Baroque period to the Romantic era, classical compositions and composers have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

Test your knowledge of classical music trivia with our collection of easy to challenging classical music quiz questions and answers!

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Table of Contents

Classical Music History Questions

  1. Who is considered the father of classical music?
  2. What time period was classical music most popular?
  3. What instrument was Antonio Vivaldi known for playing and composing concertos for?
  4. Which Baroque composer became famous after his music was featured in the film A Clockwork Orange?
  5. Which early Classical period composer helped establish the string quartet as a prominent chamber ensemble?

Famous Composers Trivia

  1. Which composer's nine symphonies are among the most performed orchestral works today?
  2. Which iconic German composer went deaf near the end of his life?
  3. What Austrian composer's work included over 600 lieder as well as nine symphonies?
  4. Which experimental 20th century composer used prepared pianos and non-traditional rhythms in his compositions?
  5. Which Polish composer wrote 24 Preludes and Fugues in all major and minor keys?

Opera Trivia Questions

  1. What is the full name of the famous opera The Barber of Seville?
  2. Which two opera composers famously collaborated on the opera The Mastersingers of Nuremberg?
  3. Which Bizet opera features the famous Habanera aria "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle”?
  4. What is the real first name of the famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti?
  5. Which Puccini opera tells the story of Cio-Cio San, a Japanese girl who marries an American Naval officer?

Terms and Concepts

  1. What does “Legato” mean in classical music?
  2. What tempo marking indicates to play very slowly and solemnly?
  3. What is a coda in a piece of classical music?
  4. What are the two sections of a sonata form composition called?
  5. What term refers to playing the melody in a higher octave?

Instruments and Ensembles

  1. How many musicians typically make up a string quartet?
  2. What family of instruments does the cello belong to?
  3. What percussion instrument consists of a set of tuned bells played with mallets?
  4. Which woodwind instrument uses a double reed to produce sound?
  5. What is the largest member of the brass family with tubing over 15 feet long?

More Classical Music Questions

  1. Which Russian composer infamously obsessed over his Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique", continually revising it until his death?
  2. What are the opening four notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony that signify "fate knocking at the door”?
  3. Who composed the famous "Spring" violin concerto, one of the most well-known pieces in classical music?
  4. What musical term means "a little faster" and is commonly seen in sheet music?
  5. Which early keyboard instrument was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque eras before the piano?
  6. Which romantic era pianist and composer wrote "Songs Without Words" and Für Elise?
  7. What does the Latin term "fortissimo" translate to in musical terminology?
  8. Which 20th century British composer of choral works also hosted a music appreciation television show?
  9. Which famous classical music venue in Vienna is home to the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra?
  10. Which Hungarian composer incorporated folk music into his famous 19 piano concertos?

Classical Music Trivia Answers

History Answers:

  1. Johann Sebastian Bach
  2. The Classical period from 1750-1825
  3. Violin
  4. Ludwig van Beethoven
  5. Joseph Haydn

Composer Answers:

  1. Ludwig van Beethoven
  2. Ludwig van Beethoven
  3. Franz Schubert
  4. John Cage
  5. Frederic Chopin

Opera Answers:

  1. Il Barbiere di Siviglia
  2. Richard Wagner and Hans von Bulow
  3. Carmen
  4. Luciano
  5. Madame Butterfly

Terms and Concepts Answers:

  1. Smooth and connected playing between notes
  2. Largo
  3. A concluding section or passage added at the end of a composition.
  4. Exposition and Development
  5. Octavating

Instruments and Ensembles Answers:

  1. 4 musicians
  2. String family
  3. Glockenspiel
  4. Oboe
  5. Tuba

More Classical Music Questions

  1. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  2. G-G-G-E flat
  3. Antonio Vivaldi
  4. Poco più mosso
  5. Harpsichord
  6. Felix Mendelssohn
  7. Very loud
  8. Benjamin Britten
  9. Musikverein
  10. Franz Liszt

Conclusion

Classical music is a treasure trove of remarkable compositions, talented composers, and fascinating history. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious beginner, exploring the world of classical music can be a rewarding and enriching experience. So, keep listening, discovering, and embracing the timeless beauty of classical music!

How did you do on the classical music trivia? Let me know if you need any clarification on the questions or answers! Classical music provides a rich trove of fascinating facts and history to explore.

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Mark

Mark is a co-founder and admin of Trivia Plane, bringing his passion for trivia and technology to the website. With a background in software engineering, Mark handles the quiz research side of Trivia Plane, working to bring the best of knowledge to our users. When he's not working behind-the-scenes on the website, Mark enjoys travelling, listening to podcasts, and spending time with family and friends. As a co-founder, Mark wants Trivia Plane to spread joy, bring people together, and create a sense of community around his favorite hobby - discovering fascinating facts through trivia questions.

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