The Usual Classical Suspects Trivia Quiz

Answer:

The incorrect answers include contemporary painters, so you may have been able to use that as a clue to help guide you. If you were looking for the famous musician Bach, the symphony as a popular music form hadn't yet fully developed during his time. Let's take a look at a famous symphony from each of these other musicians, starting with the one born the earliest:

Haydn (1732-1809): Symphony No. 94 in G major ("Surprise")
This symphony is known for its second movement, which features a sudden loud chord (the "surprise") to startle the listener after a quieter theme.

Mozart (1756-1791): Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550
One of Mozart's most famous symphonies, this piece is filled with dramatic contrasts, especially in the minor key, and is known for its emotional depth.

Beethoven (1770-1827): Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ("Ode to Joy")
A landmark in Western music, this symphony features a choral finale with a setting of Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy," symbolizing universal brotherhood.

Schubert (1797-1828): Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 ("Unfinished")
Although incomplete, this symphony is one of Schubert's masterpieces, characterized by its lyrical themes and rich harmonic language.

Berlioz (1803-1869): Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14
A programmatic symphony that tells the story of an artist's obsessive love and descent into madness, this piece is known for its orchestration and storytelling.

Mendelssohn (1809-1847): Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 ("Italian")
Inspired by Mendelssohn's travels to Italy, this symphony is lively and bright, with an energetic finale that evokes the spirit of the Mediterranean.

Liszt (1811-1886): Fausto Symphony, S. 108
This symphony is based on Goethe's "Faust" and is known for its dramatic intensity and use of thematic development to represent the story's philosophical themes.

Wagner (1813-1883): Symphony in C major
Composed in 1832, this is Wagner's only traditional symphony, featuring a classical four-movement structure with energetic themes and elegant contrasts, offering an early glimpse into his orchestral development.

Brahms (1833-1897): Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
Often considered Brahms' symphonic breakthrough, this work is grand and passionate, incorporating Beethoven's influence while developing a distinctive voice.

Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 ("Pathétique")
A deeply emotional symphony that explores themes of despair and resignation, culminating in a slow and somber finale.

Mahler (1860-1911): Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor
Known for its emotional depth and complexity, this symphony includes the famous "Adagietto" movement, often interpreted as a love letter to Mahler's wife.

Rachmaninoff (1873-1943): Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27
Known for its lush, sweeping melodies, this symphony is one of Rachmaninoff's most romantic and beloved compositions.

Stravinsky (1882-1971): Symphony in C
Stravinsky's Symphony in C is neoclassical in style, featuring clear, structured forms and dynamic orchestration.

Prokofiev (1891-1953): Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 100
This symphony is one of Prokofiev's most celebrated works, combining lyricism with bold, heroic themes, especially in its jubilant final movement.

Shostakovich (1906-1975): Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47
Written in response to criticism from the Soviet government, this symphony is a blend of drama and subtle irony, with a triumphant conclusion.