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Handel Trivia Quiz

German born Handel became an English court musician and composer. See what you know about this great musical icon.

A multiple-choice quiz by stetienne. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
stetienne

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
295,045

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
501

Last 3 plays: Guest 81 (4/10), saratogarox (7/10), Guest 79 (9/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. When was Handel born? Hint

August 13, 1692

March 22 , 1661

February 23 , 1685

December 24, 1647

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Question 2 of 10

2. In 1702, when he was 17, Handel started studying at the University of Halle. What subject did he study? Hint

Medicine

Law

Philosophy

Music

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Question 3 of 10

3. In 1712, Handel moved to what European city? Hint

Paris

Warsaw

Berlin

London

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Question 4 of 10

4. What was the title of Handel's opera about a King of Persia? Hint

Darius

Xerxes

Etienne

Alexander the Great

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Question 5 of 10

5. In 1753 what permanent disability did Handel suffer? Hint

Deafness

Blindness

Loss of his left arm

Loss of his right arm

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Question 6 of 10

6. Who was "Suite No. 2 in D", also known as the "Water Music" written for? Hint

King George II

King George l

King Louis IV

Peter the Great

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Question 7 of 10

7. In his later years, what form of musical composition did Handel favor? Hint

Ballet

Fugue

Opera

Oratorio

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Question 8 of 10

8. Handel wrote "Messiah" in less than a month?

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. In what capital city did Handel die? Hint

Berlin

Paris

London

Washington D.C.

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Question 10 of 10

10. Where is Handel's tomb? Hint

St. Paul's Cathedral, London

Notre Dame, Paris

Westminster Abbey, London

Cologne Cathedral, Germany

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 24 2024 : Guest 81: 4/10
Apr 17 2024 : saratogarox: 7/10
Mar 15 2024 : Guest 79: 9/10
Mar 15 2024 : kkt: 9/10
Mar 12 2024 : Guest 102: 9/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. When was Handel born?

Answer: February 23 , 1685

Handel was born in Halle, Saxony, in northern Germany. His father, aged 63 when Handel was born, was a local barber-surgeon.

2. In 1702, when he was 17, Handel started studying at the University of Halle. What subject did he study?

Answer: Law

During Law School, Handel began playing the organ at a local church. Handel studied law for one year, then moved to Hamburg and began composing music.

3. In 1712, Handel moved to what European city?

Answer: London

This began a life-long love affair with the city. In 1726, Handel became a naturalized British subject.

4. What was the title of Handel's opera about a King of Persia?

Answer: Xerxes

Handel's opera "Xerxes", or "Serse", was first produced in 1738. The opera is named for Xerxes I, king of Persia, though the libretto has very little to do with his life.

The first aria of the opera has been orchestrated and is sometimes performed as "Handel's Largo".

5. In 1753 what permanent disability did Handel suffer?

Answer: Blindness

His blindness was caused by a unsuccessful operation on his cataracts. Handel continued to compose music in spite of this handicap.

6. Who was "Suite No. 2 in D", also known as the "Water Music" written for?

Answer: King George l

King George I ruled from 1714-1727 A.D. Handel was King George's favorite composer. During its debut, an orchestra was put on a barge floating beside the King's vessel on the Thames river. King George liked the "Water Music" so much that he had it played three times that day.

7. In his later years, what form of musical composition did Handel favor?

Answer: Oratorio

An oratorio is a musical composition for solo voices, choir, and orchestra that tells a sacred story. There are no costumes, scenery, or dramatic action. After a series of failed operas, Handel turned to this form of composition. Among his most famous oratorios are: "Solomon", "Judas Maccabaeus", "Belshazzar", and his most famous, "Messiah"

8. Handel wrote "Messiah" in less than a month?

Answer: true

The Messiah, which premiered in Dublin in 1742, is the story of the life of Christ. The oratorio is in three parts, the first of which tells of Christ's birth, the second tells the Easter story, and the third part tells of his triumphant return.

9. In what capital city did Handel die?

Answer: London

Handel left a legacy of more than 40 operas, 29 oratorios, and many other works.

10. Where is Handel's tomb?

Answer: Westminster Abbey, London

He was given a ceremonial burial with honors. The sculptor Roubiliac decorated his tomb.

Source: Author stetienne

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