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Quiz about 20th Century Music Around the USA

20th Century Music Around the USA Quiz

A trip around the United States, looking at famous (and not-yet-famous) composers of the last century.

A multiple-choice quiz by PianoWilmer. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
PianoWilmer

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
179,103

Updated
Jan 27 23

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
412

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Since American classical music seems to center around New York City, we'll start our trip there. Which of the following composers wrote these three pieces about the Big Apple: the musical "On the Town", the score for the film "On the Waterfront", and the ballet "Fancy Free"? Hint

Leonard Bernstein

Virgil Thompson

George Gershwin

Aaron Copland

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Question 2 of 10

2. The Tanglewood Music Festival has been an important institution in American classical music for many years. In what mountain range is Tanglewood located? Hint

Berkshires

Ozarks

Catskills

Adirondacks

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Question 3 of 10

3. This composer with a strong connection to the University of Pennsylvania has a compositional style all his own. Some of his well-known techniques include electronically amplified stringed instruments, strummed piano strings, and theatrical instructions to performers. Hint

Milton Babbitt

Charles Ives

Elliot Carter

George Crumb

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Question 4 of 10

4. We'll make a skip clear across the country to California, the world capital of filmmaking. Which of the following films featured a score by Aaron Copland? Hint

Grapes Of Wrath

Psycho

True Grit

The Heiress

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Question 5 of 10

5. One of the greatest of film composers, John Williams, has scored many films by Steven Spielberg. Which of the following films includes the excerpt titled "Concert Piece for Motorcycle and Orchestra"? Hint

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Hook

Jurassic Park

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

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Question 6 of 10

6. "The Grand Canyon Suite" was written by Ferde Grofe. What piece (by a different composer) did Grofe orchestrate? Hint

Suite from "West Side Story"

Porgy and Bess

Rhapsody in Blue

Appalachian Spring

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Question 7 of 10

7. George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" is set on the islands off the southern Atlantic coast. Which of the following is not one of the characters in the opera? Hint

Big Charlie

Crown

Sportin' Life

Bess

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Question 8 of 10

8. Finally, some all-around American music questions. Which of the following composers is NOT from the United States? Hint

Steve Reich

William Grant Still

Marc Blitzstein

Michael Tippett

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Question 9 of 10

9. Alan Hovahnness is well known for his symphonies. His "Symphony #2" carries what title? Hint

"Mountain Mists"

"Mysterious Mountain"

"Dark Mountain"

"Mountain of Doom"

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Question 10 of 10

10. What event prompted American composer John Adams to compose the Pulitzer Prize-winning piece "On the Transmigration of Souls"? Hint

The end of the Cold War

The Columbia space shuttle disaster

The SARS epidemic

The September 11 terrorist attacks

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: Leonard Bernstein

He also wrote "West Side Story". But that would have been a dead giveaway, now, wouldn't it?

2. The Tanglewood Music Festival has been an important institution in American classical music for many years. In what mountain range is Tanglewood located?

Answer: Berkshires

Serge Koussevitzky, longtime director of the festival, was an accomplished composer himself.

Answer: George Crumb

Some of Crumb's most popular works include "Black Angels" and "Makrokosmos".

4. We'll make a skip clear across the country to California, the world capital of filmmaking. Which of the following films featured a score by Aaron Copland?

Answer: The Heiress

Copland also scored "The Red Pony" and "Of Mice and Men".

Answer: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

As you may expect, this piece is not often heard in live performance!

6. "The Grand Canyon Suite" was written by Ferde Grofe. What piece (by a different composer) did Grofe orchestrate?

Answer: Rhapsody in Blue

The "Rhapsody in Blue" was written by George Gershwin at a time when he was still unfamiliar with the art of orchestration.

7. George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" is set on the islands off the southern Atlantic coast. Which of the following is not one of the characters in the opera?

Answer: Big Charlie

"Porgy and Bess" was the only full-length opera that Gershwin wrote during his tragically short life.

8. Finally, some all-around American music questions. Which of the following composers is NOT from the United States?

Answer: Michael Tippett

Michael Tippett is a British composer.

9. Alan Hovahnness is well known for his symphonies. His "Symphony #2" carries what title?

Answer: "Mysterious Mountain"

This symphony certainly lives up to the "mysterious" part of its title!

10. What event prompted American composer John Adams to compose the Pulitzer Prize-winning piece "On the Transmigration of Souls"?

Answer: The September 11 terrorist attacks

In addition to a full orchestra, this emotionally powerful piece also calls for full choir, children's choir, recorded voices, and recorded street sounds.

Source: Author PianoWilmer

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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