How Well Do You Know Beethoven?

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| By Nicolette Wong
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Nicolette Wong
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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 5,116
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  • 1/20 Questions

    Beethoven never married.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Everyone seems to be talking about, playing, and listening to Beethoven this year. Take this quiz and have some Beethofun!

How Well Do You Know Beethoven? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Beethoven's Third Symphony, composed during his middle period and originally dedicated to Napoleon, is also known as:

    • 'Emperor'

    • 'Eroica'

    • 'Archduke'

    • 'Pastoral'

    Correct Answer
    A. 'Eroica'
    Explanation
    Beethoven's Third Symphony, originally dedicated to Napoleon, is also known as 'Eroica'. This title reflects the heroic and grand nature of the symphony, which was a departure from the traditional symphonic style of the time. The symphony is considered a landmark in Beethoven's career and in the development of symphonic music, showcasing his innovative approach to composition and his ability to convey powerful emotions through music.

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  • 3. 

    'Waldstein', 'Tempest', and 'Les adieux/Das Lebewohl' are the names of which genre of works that Beethoven wrote?

    • Violin sonata

    • Piano sonata

    • String quartet

    • Symphony

    Correct Answer
    A. Piano sonata
    Explanation
    Beethoven wrote numerous piano sonatas throughout his career, and "Waldstein", "Tempest", and "Les adieux/Das Lebewohl" are three of his most famous piano sonatas. Therefore, the correct answer is Piano sonata.

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  • 4. 

    Beethoven studied composition with

    • Bach

    • Handel

    • Mozart

    • Haydn

    Correct Answer
    A. Haydn
    Explanation
    Beethoven studied composition with Haydn. Haydn was a renowned composer during Beethoven's time and was known for his expertise in classical music. Beethoven admired Haydn's work and sought his guidance to further develop his own compositional skills. Under Haydn's tutelage, Beethoven honed his craft and learned important techniques and principles of composition. This mentorship played a significant role in shaping Beethoven's musical style and contributed to his eventual prominence as one of the greatest composers in history.

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  • 5. 

    'Fur Elise' is one of Beethoven's most well-known compositions.  It is:

    • A bagatelle for solo piano

    • A movement from a piano sonata

    • A set of theme and variations for solo piano

    • A minuet for solo piano based on a melody from an earlier string quartet

    Correct Answer
    A. A bagatelle for solo piano
    Explanation
    'Fur Elise' is a well-known composition by Beethoven that is categorized as a bagatelle for solo piano. A bagatelle is a short, light-hearted piece of music, often characterized by its playful and melodic nature. In this case, 'Fur Elise' is a relatively short piece that showcases Beethoven's mastery of creating catchy and memorable melodies. It is typically performed on the piano and is loved by audiences worldwide for its charm and elegance.

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  • 6. 

    The film 'Beethoven' (1992) is:

    • A biopic of the composer

    • A documentary of the Beethoven Institute in Germany

    • An animated short film featuring Beethoven's compositions

    • A comedy about a dog named Beethoven

    Correct Answer
    A. A comedy about a dog named Beethoven
    Explanation
    The film 'Beethoven' (1992) is a comedy about a dog named Beethoven. This means that the film revolves around the antics and adventures of a dog named Beethoven, rather than being a biopic of the composer, a documentary of the Beethoven Institute in Germany, or an animated short film featuring Beethoven's compositions.

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  • 7. 

    Why is this year so special with regards to this great composer?

    • It is the 200th anniversary of his birth.

    • It is the 200th anniversary of his death.

    • It is the 250th anniversary of his birth.

    • It is the 250th anniversary of his death.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is the 250th anniversary of his birth.
    Explanation
    This year is special because it marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the great composer.

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  • 8. 

    Where was Beethoven born and where did he die?

    • Bonn; Bonn

    • Leipzig; Bonn

    • Bonn; Vienna

    • Vienna; Bonn

    Correct Answer
    A. Bonn; Vienna
    Explanation
    Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, and he died in Vienna, Austria. Bonn is his birthplace and Vienna is where he spent most of his life and where he achieved great success as a composer.

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  • 9. 

    Beethoven was the only musician in his family.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that Beethoven was the only musician in his family, but the correct answer is False. This means that there were other musicians in Beethoven's family besides him.

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  • 10. 

    How old was Beethoven when he died?

    • 48

    • 52

    • 56

    • 60

    Correct Answer
    A. 56
    Explanation
    Beethoven was 56 years old when he died. This can be inferred from the information provided in the question.

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  • 11. 

    Beethoven wrote 31 piano sonatas.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Beethoven actually wrote 32 piano sonatas, not 31. This is a well-known fact in classical music history. His piano sonatas are considered some of the most important and influential works in the genre, showcasing his mastery of composition and innovation.

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  • 12. 

    Who was one of the torchbearers at Beethoven's funeral and ended up being buried next to him a year later?

    • Haydn

    • Schubert

    • Liszt

    • Hummel

    Correct Answer
    A. Schubert
    Explanation
    Schubert was one of the torchbearers at Beethoven's funeral and ended up being buried next to him a year later. This suggests that Schubert had a close connection and admiration for Beethoven, as he was chosen to participate in his funeral procession. The fact that Schubert was buried next to Beethoven further emphasizes their connection and suggests that Schubert's contributions to music were highly regarded.

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  • 13. 

    Which of the following was based on the 'Ode to Joy' in the finale of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony?

    • National Anthem of Germany

    • National Anthem of Hungary

    • National Anthem of Austria

    • Anthem of Europe

    Correct Answer
    A. Anthem of Europe
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Anthem of Europe. The 'Ode to Joy' melody from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was adapted and used as the Anthem of Europe. This anthem was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972 and later by the European Union in 1985. It represents the ideals of unity, peace, and solidarity among the member countries of Europe.

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  • 14. 

    What is the Heiligenstadt Testament?

    • A letter Beethoven wrote to his patron Karl Alois, Prince Lichnowsky, stating that he cannot complete the commissioned work because of the political sentiment at the time.

    • A love letter addressed to his 'Immortal Beloved', who was thought to be Josephine, one of the daughters of the Hungarian Countess Anna Brunsvik.

    • A letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers telling them of his suffering due to his hearing loss, his thoughts of suicide, and yet his desire to continue composing.

    • A legal document that allowed Beethoven to take custody of his nephew Karl after Beethoven's brother Kaspar died.

    Correct Answer
    A. A letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers telling them of his suffering due to his hearing loss, his thoughts of suicide, and yet his desire to continue composing.
    Explanation
    The Heiligenstadt Testament refers to a letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers, in which he expressed his deep suffering caused by his deteriorating hearing and his contemplation of suicide. However, he also conveyed his determination to continue composing despite his hardships. This letter is significant because it provides insight into Beethoven's personal struggles and the immense emotional turmoil he experienced during this period of his life.

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  • 15. 

    In his late works, Beethoven often included

    • Scherzos

    • Rondos

    • Fugues

    • Hemiolas

    Correct Answer
    A. Fugues
    Explanation
    In his late works, Beethoven often included fugues. A fugue is a complex musical composition technique that involves a main theme (known as the subject) that is introduced and then imitated by different voices or instruments. Beethoven's inclusion of fugues in his late works showcases his mastery of musical composition and his ability to create intricate and sophisticated pieces. Fugues require a high level of skill and musical understanding, and Beethoven's use of them in his later works demonstrates his musical genius and innovation.

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  • 16. 

    Named after the composer, Beethoven is also:

    • An element discovered in 2007

    • A casserole in Austrian cuisine

    • The third largest crater on Mercury

    • The name of a syndrome in which hearing loss is caused by a deformed eardrum

    Correct Answer
    A. The third largest crater on Mercury
    Explanation
    Beethoven is not an element discovered in 2007, a casserole in Austrian cuisine, or the name of a syndrome in which hearing loss is caused by a deformed eardrum. However, it is the name of the third largest crater on Mercury.

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  • 17. 

    Unlike most masses set in five movements, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is in four movements.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is not in four movements, but rather in five movements. This statement contradicts the information provided in the question, which states that most masses are set in five movements. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • 18. 

    For his only opera 'Fidelio', how many versions of overtures did Beethoven write before he was satisfied with one of those as an opening to the opera?

    • Three

    • Four

    • FIve

    • Six

    Correct Answer
    A. Four
    Explanation
    Beethoven wrote four versions of overtures before he was satisfied with one of them as an opening to his opera 'Fidelio'.

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  • 19. 

    In Vikram Seth's novel 'An Equal Music', which piece is mentioned throughout the book because the main characters played it together in college?

    • Symphony No.5, Op.67

    • String Quartet Op.18/4

    • Piano Trio Op.1/3

    • Violin Sonata No.5, Op.24 'Spring'

    Correct Answer
    A. Piano Trio Op.1/3
    Explanation
    In Vikram Seth's novel 'An Equal Music', the main characters played the Piano Trio Op.1/3 together in college. This piece is mentioned throughout the book because it holds significance to their shared past and their connection as musicians. It represents a pivotal moment in their lives and serves as a symbol of their friendship and musical bond.

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  • 20. 

    What was Beethoven's last completed work?

    • The finale (Allegro in B flat major) of the String Quartet Op.130

    • The finale (Allegro) of the String Quartet Op.131

    • Große Fuge Op.133

    • The first movement (Allegretto) of the String Quartet Op.135

    Correct Answer
    A. The finale (Allegro in B flat major) of the String Quartet Op.130
    Explanation
    Beethoven's last completed work was the finale (Allegro in B flat major) of the String Quartet Op.130.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 19, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 19, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 18, 2020
    Quiz Created by
    Nicolette Wong
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