Johann Sebastian Bach — Questions and answers

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What was the name of the very big musical piece Bach conducted in 1729?

Choices

  1. St. Matthew Passion ✓
  2. Brandenburg Concertos
  3. The Musical Offering
  4. The Art of Fugue

Answer: St. Matthew Passion

From page 1

What job did Bach's father, Johann Ambrosius Bach, have?

Choices

  1. A baker and farmer
  2. A doctor and teacher
  3. A town trumpeter and court musician ✓
  4. A painter and sculptor

Answer: A town trumpeter and court musician

From page 2

What instrument did Bach become famous for playing amazingly well in Weimar?

Choices

  1. The violin
  2. The piano
  3. The organ ✓
  4. The trumpet

Answer: The organ

From page 4

What famous group of concertos did Bach compose while working for Prince Leopold?

Choices

  1. The Leipzig Sonatas
  2. The Brandenburg Concertos ✓
  3. The Weimar Symphonies
  4. The Cöthen Cantatas

Answer: The Brandenburg Concertos

From page 5

Which of these was not one of Bach's responsibilities as Cantor in Leipzig?

Choices

  1. Composing a new cantata almost every week.
  2. Teaching Latin and music at the school.
  3. Overseeing musical performances in four churches.
  4. Baking bread for the entire city. ✓

Answer: Baking bread for the entire city.

From page 6

What was needed for the St. Matthew Passion to be performed?

Choices

  1. Just Bach playing the organ by himself.
  2. Two choirs, two orchestras, and many soloists. ✓
  3. A small group of friends singing quietly.
  4. Only one singer and a piano.

Answer: Two choirs, two orchestras, and many soloists.

From page 7

What did King Frederick the Great challenge Bach to do?

Choices

  1. Write a song for a party.
  2. Improvise a fugue on a difficult musical theme. ✓
  3. Teach him how to play the flute.
  4. Paint a portrait of the King.

Answer: Improvise a fugue on a difficult musical theme.

From page 8

Who are some famous musicians that Bach's music later influenced?

Choices

  1. Mozart and Beethoven ✓
  2. Shakespeare and Leonardo da Vinci
  3. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
  4. Elvis Presley and The Beatles

Answer: Mozart and Beethoven

From page 10