Birth of the Symphony Quiz 2

What is the historical development of symphonies in the 17th century?

• They were popular forms with melodic development between movements

• They were introduced as an operatic scene

• They were used as background music for court orchestras

• They were self-contained working forms

What was the function of the fast overexcited music at the start of an overture?

• To calm the audience down

• To signal the start of the performance

• To create a gentle lyrical atmosphere

• To introduce the main characters

What was the role of court orchestras in the early days of symphonies?

• To provide background music for court events

• To perform as the main focus of the event

• To play as a company to car playing

• To entertain the audience with virtuosic performances

What was the significance of the Mannheim Orchestra in the 1740s and 1750s?

• It was renowned for its traditional symphonic music

• It was popular for its subtle harmonic content

• It was famous for its avant-garde compositions

• It was known for its chaotic performances

What was the unique task that Haydn set for himself in Symphony number 49?

• To use a different key for each movement

• To relate all the movements together through themes

• To keep every movement in F minor

• To explore motivic inventions within the symphony

What was the focus of public performance of symphonic music towards the end of the 18th century?

• To entertain the audience with virtuosic performances

• To present the latest music compositions

• To showcase traditional symphonies

• To provide background music for court events

What was the significance of the Paris concert spiritual in the middle of the 18th century?

• It was where the Mannheim Orchestra gained fame

• It was where the latest symphonies were composed

• It was where Haydn's music was officially allowed to be performed

• It was where Mozart's Paris symphony was performed

What was the unique feature of the opening of Haydn's Symphony?

• It had a very complex texture

• It was incredibly simple but effective

• It had a fast and hyperactive start

• It had a slow and soothing start

What was the role of the violins in the symphonies of Mozart and Haydn?

• To create a chaotic atmosphere

• To entertain the audience with virtuosic performances

• To provide subtle harmonic content

• To play with perfect precision

What was the significance of the middle symphonies of Haydn and the composers at Mannheim?

• They explored new ideas of extremes of emotion

• They focused on traditional symphonic music

• They were known for their subtle harmonic content

• They were famous for their chaotic performances