General Awareness · History

Music History and Composers

3,808 Questions

Music history surveys the evolution of musical compositions, ranging from Renaissance madrigals and Baroque concertos to modern film scores. This topic covers notable composers, iconic operas, and the historical development of musical forms. It frequently appears in the general awareness and cultural sections of competitive exams.

Baroque composersRenaissance madrigalsFilm score composersClassical opera historyJazz and swing era

Music History and Composers Questions

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Chinese opera musical ensemble that accompanies performances?

  1. Guzheng

  2. Pipa

  3. Erhu

  4. Zhongruan
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Zhongruan is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a round body and four strings, commonly used in the musical ensemble that accompanies Chinese opera performances.

Multiple choice

Which Chinese opera genre is known for its use of shadow puppets?

  1. Kunqu

  2. Peking Opera

  3. Cantonese Opera

  4. Piyingxi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Piyingxi, also known as shadow puppet theater, is a traditional Chinese opera genre that uses shadow puppets to tell stories and perform dramas.

Multiple choice

Which Chinese opera genre is known for its use of spoken dialogue instead of singing?

  1. Kunqu

  2. Peking Opera

  3. Cantonese Opera

  4. Huju
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Huju is a Chinese opera genre that originated in Shanghai and is known for its use of spoken dialogue instead of singing, making it more accessible to audiences.

Multiple choice

Which Chinese opera genre is known for its emphasis on singing and lyrical beauty?

  1. Kunqu

  2. Peking Opera

  3. Cantonese Opera

  4. Yueju
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kunqu is a Chinese opera genre that originated in the 16th century and is known for its emphasis on singing and lyrical beauty, as well as its intricate choreography and elaborate costumes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a major music research center in India?

  1. Centre for Indian Classical Music

  2. Indian Council for Cultural Relations

  3. National Centre for the Performing Arts

  4. Oxford University Press
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Oxford University Press is a British publisher and not a music research center in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a major music library in India?

  1. Sangeet Natak Akademi Library

  2. National Library of India

  3. British Library

  4. Library of Congress
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The British Library is a national library of the United Kingdom and not located in India.

Multiple choice

Who is the founder of the Flamenco company 'La Cuadra de Sevilla'?

  1. Antonio Gades

  2. Mario Maya

  3. José Granero

  4. Rafael Amargo
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Antonio Gades founded the Flamenco company 'La Cuadra de Sevilla' in 1973. The company was dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Flamenco.

Multiple choice

Which composer is widely regarded as a master of creating horror-themed music?

  1. John Williams

  2. Ennio Morricone

  3. Bernard Herrmann

  4. Hans Zimmer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Bernard Herrmann is known for his iconic scores for horror movies such as 'Psycho', 'Vertigo', and 'Taxi Driver', which effectively heighten the tension and suspense.

Multiple choice

Which composer is widely regarded as a master of creating horror-themed music?

  1. John Williams

  2. Ennio Morricone

  3. Bernard Herrmann

  4. Hans Zimmer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Bernard Herrmann is known for his iconic scores for horror movies such as 'Psycho', 'Vertigo', and 'Taxi Driver', which effectively heighten the tension and suspense.

Multiple choice

Which artist received the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album in 2021?

  1. The Dry (Music from the Motion Picture) by Antony Partos

  2. Penguin Bloom (Music from the Motion Picture) by Antony Partos

  3. The Sapphires (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Antony Partos

  4. The Water Diviner (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Antony Partos
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Antony Partos' soundtrack for the film "The Dry" won the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album in 2021.

Multiple choice

What is the origin of hip hop culture?

  1. Bronx, New York City

  2. Los Angeles, California

  3. Detroit, Michigan

  4. Atlanta, Georgia
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hip hop culture originated in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s.

Multiple choice

Which hip hop group released the first commercially successful rap album?

  1. Sugarhill Gang

  2. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

  3. Run-DMC

  4. Beastie Boys
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sugarhill Gang released the first commercially successful rap album, 'Rapper's Delight', in 1979.

Multiple choice

Who is the Cameroonian saxophonist and composer known for his innovative use of traditional African rhythms and melodies in jazz music?

  1. Manu Dibango

  2. Fela Kuti

  3. Youssou N'Dour

  4. Angélique Kidjo
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Manu Dibango was a Cameroonian saxophonist and composer who gained international recognition for his innovative use of traditional African rhythms and melodies in jazz music.

Multiple choice

Who composed the music for the film 'The Godfather'?

  1. John Williams

  2. Ennio Morricone

  3. Nino Rota

  4. Hans Zimmer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Nino Rota composed the music for the film 'The Godfather'.

Multiple choice

Who composed the music for the film 'Star Wars'?

  1. John Williams

  2. Ennio Morricone

  3. Nino Rota

  4. Hans Zimmer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

John Williams composed the music for the film 'Star Wars'.