Key Historical Events and Great Composers Quiz

Composers and Their Works

• Franz Joseph Haydn's symphonies are nicknamed "papa" symphonies.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was known for living a life in poverty and dying young.
• Mozart was recognized as an exceptional pianist at the age of 6.
• Haydn was hired by rich patrons and eventually became a musical director for the Esterhazy family for 30 years.
• Haydn is known as the 'Father of the Symphony'.
• Haydn composed over 100 symphonies and developed them into long forms for a large orchestra.
• Mozart composed operas such as “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, and “The Magic Flute”.

Musical Styles and Forms

• Ludwig van Beethoven bridged the late classical era and the early romantic era.
• Beethoven began to go deaf in 1796 but continued composing with the help of an assistant and a hearing gadget.
• Beethoven's music veered toward large orchestras.
• The term "sonata" is applied to a variety of works for a solo instrument such as keyboard or violin.
• The most important form that developed during the classical era is the sonata, consisting of 3 distinct sections.

Famous Compositions

• Mozart composed Symphony No. 40 in G Major and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.
• Beethoven's known symphonies include no. 3 (Eroica), 5 (Pastoral), 6 (Pastoral), and 9 (Choral).

Test your knowledge on important historical events including the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the American Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution. Also, learn about prominent classical composer Franz Joseph Haydn, his life, and his musical contributions.