Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz (Paris, France — 1830) — Questions and answers

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What did Berlioz do when his letters to Harriet Smithson went unanswered?

Choices

  1. He stopped composing music.
  2. He wrote new letters to her.
  3. He channeled his feelings into a symphony. ✓
  4. He went on a trip to escape.

Answer: He channeled his feelings into a symphony.

From page 3

What did Berlioz imagine Harriet Smithson doing at the witches' sabbath?

Choices

  1. Playing a beautiful song
  2. Joining the infernal revelry ✓
  3. Calling for his help
  4. Dancing alone gracefully

Answer: Joining the infernal revelry

From page 5

How did the music critic Fétis feel about Berlioz's symphony?

Choices

  1. He thought it was boring.
  2. He found it both fascinating and disturbing. ✓
  3. He immediately loved it without question.
  4. He felt it was too traditional.

Answer: He found it both fascinating and disturbing.

From page 6

How did Berlioz feel after the premiere of his Symphonie Fantastique?

Choices

  1. Disappointed that nobody understood it.
  2. Angry because of the mixed reactions.
  3. Happy that the world responded to his work. ✓
  4. Tired and wanted to go home.

Answer: Happy that the world responded to his work.

From page 7

What happened when Harriet Smithson heard the Symphonie Fantastique?

Choices

  1. She thought it was too loud.
  2. She didn't like the music at all.
  3. She recognized Berlioz's genius and wanted to meet him. ✓
  4. She left the concert before it ended.

Answer: She recognized Berlioz's genius and wanted to meet him.

From page 8

What caused problems in Berlioz and Smithson's marriage?

Choices

  1. They lived too far apart.
  2. They had financial struggles and artistic differences. ✓
  3. They stopped loving each other.
  4. They decided to move to another country.

Answer: They had financial struggles and artistic differences.

From page 9

What makes the Symphonie Fantastique still popular today?

Choices

  1. It is a very short and simple piece.
  2. Its groundbreaking orchestration and emotional intensity. ✓
  3. It is played only by very famous musicians.
  4. It is the only symphony ever written.

Answer: Its groundbreaking orchestration and emotional intensity.

From page 10