Classical Music History Quiz

Musical Compositions

• A concerto is a composition for an orchestra and one or more solo instruments, typically in three movements.
• An overture is an instrumental piece that plays before the start of an opera or one of its acts.
• A polonaise is a composition showing nationalism for piano.
• An etude is a short musical composition, typically for one instrument, designed as an exercise to improve technique or demonstrate skill.
• A scherzo is a vigorous, light, or playful composition, typically comprising a movement in a symphony or sonata.

Musical Periods

• The Romantic Period stressed emotion, imagination, individualism, and freedom of expression.
• The Renaissance was a European cultural, artistic, political, and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages, taking place from the 14th to the 17th century.

Famous Composers

• Ludwig van Beethoven is considered the bridge between the Classical and Romantic periods.
• Camille Saint-Saens created elegant, clean, and polished music.
• Niccolo Paganini was the most famous violin virtuoso in the world.
• Franz Liszt was a virtuoso pianist and the busiest musician in the Romantic period, composing “La Campanella”.
• Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky was famous for his ballet music, composing “Romeo and Juliet”.
• Frederic Chopin is referred to as the Poet of the Piano.
• Robert Schumann combined music and words during the Romantic Period.
• Hector Berlioz composed Symphonie Fantastique.