Symphony No.5 by Ludwig van Beethoven (Vienna, Austria — 1808) — Questions and answers

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What are the famous opening notes of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5?

Choices

  1. la-la-la-LA
  2. da-da-da-DUM ✓
  3. mi-mi-mi-MUM
  4. do-do-do-DOM

Answer: da-da-da-DUM

From page 1

What did Beethoven decide to do in Heiligenstadt when he was feeling despair?

Choices

  1. He decided to quit composing music forever.
  2. He decided to travel the world to find a cure.
  3. He decided to live for his art and compose. ✓
  4. He decided to ask for more money from patrons.

Answer: He decided to live for his art and compose.

From page 3

What did Joseph Haydn advise Beethoven to strive for, but not to fear?

Choices

  1. Strive for fame, but do not fear failure.
  2. Strive for wealth, but do not fear poverty.
  3. Strive for clarity, but do not fear innovation. ✓
  4. Strive for quiet, but do not fear loud noises.

Answer: Strive for clarity, but do not fear innovation.

From page 4

What did Prince Lichnowsky offer Beethoven that allowed him freedom to compose?

Choices

  1. A new musical instrument.
  2. Financial support. ✓
  3. Lessons on how to conduct.
  4. A quiet place in the mountains.

Answer: Financial support.

From page 5

Why did Beethoven tear up the dedication for his 'Eroica' Symphony?

Choices

  1. He didn't like the color of the paper.
  2. He decided to dedicate it to someone else for more money.
  3. He was angry when Napoleon crowned himself emperor. ✓
  4. He accidentally spilled ink on the dedication page.

Answer: He was angry when Napoleon crowned himself emperor.

From page 6

What were the conditions like at the Theater an der Wien during the premiere of the Fifth Symphony?

Choices

  1. The hall was warm and cozy.
  2. The orchestra was perfectly rehearsed.
  3. It was freezing and the orchestra was under-rehearsed. ✓
  4. There were too many people to fit inside.

Answer: It was freezing and the orchestra was under-rehearsed.

From page 8

What does Symphony No. 5 symbolize today, according to the text?

Choices

  1. Old-fashioned music.
  2. Sadness and despair.
  3. Hope, courage, and the power of art to transform. ✓
  4. Only music for kings and queens.

Answer: Hope, courage, and the power of art to transform.

From page 10