20th Century Music History

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| By Eklinpink16

Eklinpink16

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 2,490

Questions: 20 | Attempts: 2,109 | Updated: Mar 20, 2023

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Test your knowledge of everything Ms. Ham said might be on the test! But don't use this as your only resource. . . You should still study. If you fail, it might be time to review some things. . .

Questions and Answers

1.

What ritual is depicted in The Rite of Spring? Why did it cause an uproar?
2.

Name 5 key trends in 20th century music.
3.

Choose 4 of the following elements of music and give at least 3 points for how they changed during the 20th century: Melody, Tonality, Orchestration, Rhythm, Timbre, Form, Texture
4.

Expressionism originated in what county?
- A.
  
  France
- B.
  
  Germany
- C.
  
  Poland
- D.
  
  United States
Correct Answer
B. Germany

Explanation
Expressionism originated in Germany. This artistic movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the social and political changes happening in Germany at that time. Expressionist artists sought to convey their subjective emotions and experiences through distorted and exaggerated depictions of reality. They aimed to express their inner feelings and explore the human psyche through their art. Germany, with its vibrant cultural scene and intellectual climate, provided the perfect environment for the development and flourishing of Expressionism.

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5.

Which Norwegian painter painted the expressionist work The Scream?
- A.
  
  Munch
- B.
  
  Da Vinci
- C.
  
  Monet
- D.
  
  Manet
Correct Answer
A. Munch

Explanation
Edvard Munch is the correct answer because he was a Norwegian painter known for his expressionist works, including the famous painting "The Scream." Munch's style of painting, characterized by bold colors, distorted figures, and intense emotions, perfectly captures the sense of anxiety and despair depicted in "The Scream." This iconic artwork has become a symbol of existential angst and is widely recognized as one of the most important works of art in modern history.

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6.

In interrupted intermezzo, from concerto for orchestra by Bartok, the intermezzo is a theme from which country? What is it interrupted by?
- A.
  
  Hungary, A flamenco dance
- B.
  
  France, A Flamenco dance
- C.
  
  Austria, Nazi invasion
- D.
  
  Hungary, Nazi invasion
Correct Answer
D. Hungary, Nazi invasion

Explanation
The correct answer is Hungary, Nazi invasion. In Bartok's interrupted intermezzo from concerto for orchestra, the intermezzo is a theme from Hungary. It is interrupted by the Nazi invasion, which refers to the historical context in which the composition was created.

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3
0
7.

A well-known post-romantic composer was:
- A.
  
  Debussy
- B.
  
  Berg
- C.
  
  Mahler
- D.
  
  Cage
Correct Answer
C. Mahler

Explanation
Mahler is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as a post-romantic composer. His compositions, such as his symphonies and song cycles, exhibit the emotional intensity and expressive qualities characteristic of the post-romantic era. Mahler's music often explores themes of love, nature, and the human condition, reflecting the introspective and deeply personal nature of post-romanticism. His works, such as Symphony No. 5 and Das Lied von der Erde, continue to be celebrated for their rich orchestration and profound emotional depth.

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8.

What were Stravinsky's three periods?
- A.
  
  Expressionism
- B.
  
  Nationalism
- C.
  
  Primitivism
- D.
  
  Neoclassicism
- E.
  
  Aleatoricism
- F.
  
  Serialism
Correct Answer(s)
B. Nationalism
D. Neoclassicism
F. Serialism

Explanation
Stravinsky's three periods were Nationalism, Neoclassicism, and Serialism. Nationalism refers to the period in which Stravinsky incorporated folk melodies and rhythms from his native Russia into his compositions. Neoclassicism represents a shift towards classical forms and structures, drawing inspiration from the music of the past. Serialism is a compositional technique that involves organizing pitches and other musical elements based on a predetermined series. These three periods highlight the evolution and experimentation in Stravinsky's style throughout his career.

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9.

Name the three Stravinsky ballets in compositional order

Correct Answer(s)
Firebird
Petrushka
Rite of Spring

Explanation
The correct answer is Firebird, Petrushka, Rite of Spring. These three ballets were composed by Stravinsky in the order mentioned. Firebird was composed in 1910, Petrushka in 1911, and Rite of Spring in 1913. Each ballet showcases Stravinsky's unique compositional style and innovative use of rhythm, harmony, and orchestration. Firebird is known for its lush melodies and fantastical story, Petrushka for its vibrant and energetic music, and Rite of Spring for its groundbreaking and controversial exploration of primal themes. Together, these ballets represent important milestones in the development of 20th-century music.

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4
10.

Debussy strived to recreate the sound of the Javanese Gamelan.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
John Cage did.

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11.

Schoenberg uses diatonic harmonic language in Pierrot Lunaire.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
He uses atonal harmonic language.

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12.

List the members of the Second Viennese School in alphabetical order.

Correct Answer
Berg
Schoenberg
Webern

Explanation
The members of the Second Viennese School are listed in alphabetical order, with Berg, Schoenberg, and Webern.

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1
4 2
13.

We studied a piece written in honour of Frederico Garcia Lorca. Which composer used Lorca's poetry?
- A.
  
  Webern
- B.
  
  Crumb
- C.
  
  Revueltas
- D.
  
  Berg
Correct Answer
B. Crumb

Explanation
Crumb used Frederico Garcia Lorca's poetry in his compositions.

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14.

Alexander Nevsky was originally a film score. What form did Prokofiev turn it into?

Correct Answer
Cantata

Explanation
Prokofiev turned Alexander Nevsky into a cantata. A cantata is a musical composition for voices and instruments, typically consisting of multiple movements and often based on a religious or secular theme. In this case, Prokofiev adapted his original film score for the 1938 movie "Alexander Nevsky" into a cantata, which allowed the music to be performed in a concert setting without the accompanying visuals of the film.

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4
15.

Stravinsky's l'Histoire du Soldat is what genre?
- A.
  
  Opera
- B.
  
  Cantata
- C.
  
  Small scale theatre work
- D.
  
  Chamber symphony
Correct Answer
C. Small scale theatre work

Explanation
Stravinsky's l'Histoire du Soldat is classified as a small scale theatre work because it is a theatrical piece that combines music, spoken dialogue, and dance. It is performed by a small ensemble of musicians and typically features a small cast of characters. The work tells the story of a soldier who makes a deal with the devil, and it is often performed in a theatrical setting rather than a traditional opera house.

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16.

20^th century composers felt the need to appeal to the masses.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
They didn't care.

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17.

While a prisoner in a war camp, Messaien wrote a piece called symphony for the end of time.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
quartet for the end of time

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18.

Nationalism was important in the romantic era, but not in the 20^th century.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Nationalism was an important trend in the 20th century.

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Current Version
Mar 20, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Jan 21, 2013

Quiz Created by
Eklinpink16

20th Century Music History

What ritual is depicted in The Rite of Spring? Why did it cause an uproar?

Name 5 key trends in 20th century music.

Choose 4 of the following elements of music and give at least 3 points for how they changed during the 20th century: Melody, Tonality, Orchestration, Rhythm, Timbre, Form, Texture

Expressionism originated in what county?

Which Norwegian painter painted the expressionist work The Scream?

In interrupted intermezzo, from concerto for orchestra by Bartok, the intermezzo is a theme from which country? What is it interrupted by?

A well-known post-romantic composer was:

What were Stravinsky's three periods?

Name the three Stravinsky ballets in compositional order

Debussy strived to recreate the sound of the Javanese Gamelan.

Schoenberg uses diatonic harmonic language in Pierrot Lunaire.

List the members of the Second Viennese School in alphabetical order.

We studied a piece written in honour of Frederico Garcia Lorca. Which composer used Lorca's poetry?

Alexander Nevsky was originally a film score. What form did Prokofiev turn it into?

Stravinsky's l'Histoire du Soldat is what genre?

20th century composers felt the need to appeal to the masses.

While a prisoner in a war camp, Messaien wrote a piece called symphony for the end of time.

Nationalism was important in the romantic era, but not in the 20th century.

20^th century composers felt the need to appeal to the masses.

Nationalism was important in the romantic era, but not in the 20^th century.