General Awareness ยท 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

Who is the author of the book 'Indian Pop: The Next Generation'?

  1. Ashish Manchanda

  2. Devarsi Ghosh

  3. Namrata Joshi

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

Ashish Manchanda is an Indian music journalist and author. He is the author of the book 'Indian Pop: The Next Generation', which examines the future of Indian pop music.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson in 1947 and became a major force in rhythm and blues and soul music?

  1. Atlantic Records

  2. Motown Records

  3. Stax Records

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

Atlantic Records was founded in New York City and released influential albums by artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Ray Charles.

Multiple choice

In the 1950s, which record label was known for its rock and roll and rhythm and blues music, releasing hits by artists like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Howlin' Wolf?

  1. Chess Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Chess Records was founded in Chicago and became a major player in the development of electric blues and rock and roll.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by Isaac Hayes and David Porter in 1968 and became known for its soul and funk music, releasing albums by artists like Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, and Rufus Thomas?

  1. Stax Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Stax Records was founded in Memphis, Tennessee, and became a major force in soul music during the 1960s and 1970s.

Multiple choice

In the 1970s, which record label was known for its punk rock and new wave music, releasing albums by artists like The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads?

  1. Sire Records

  2. Columbia Records

  3. Verve Records

  4. Warner Bros. Records
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sire Records was founded in 1966 and became a major player in the punk rock and new wave movements.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by Neil Bogart in 1975 and became known for its disco and pop music, releasing hits by artists like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and The Village People?

  1. Casablanca Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Casablanca Records was founded in New York City and became a major force in the disco era.

Multiple choice

In the 1980s, which record label was known for its hip hop and rap music, releasing albums by artists like Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy?

  1. Def Jam Recordings

  2. Columbia Records

  3. Verve Records

  4. Warner Bros. Records
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 and became a major player in the development of hip hop music.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by Chris Blackwell in 1959 and became known for its reggae and ska music, releasing albums by artists like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Desmond Dekker?

  1. Island Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Island Records was founded in Jamaica and became a major force in the global reggae scene.

Multiple choice

In the 1990s, which record label was known for its grunge and alternative rock music, releasing albums by artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden?

  1. Sub Pop Records

  2. Columbia Records

  3. Verve Records

  4. Warner Bros. Records
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sub Pop Records was founded in Seattle, Washington, and played a major role in the grunge movement.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by Clive Davis in 1967 and became known for its pop and rock music, releasing albums by artists like Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston?

  1. Arista Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Arista Records was founded in New York City and became a major force in the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s.

Multiple choice

In the 2000s, which record label was known for its indie rock and electronic music, releasing albums by artists like The Strokes, Interpol, and LCD Soundsystem?

  1. DFA Records

  2. Columbia Records

  3. Verve Records

  4. Warner Bros. Records
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

DFA Records was founded in New York City and became a major player in the indie dance and electronic music scenes.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by Brian Eno and David Byrne in 1978 and became known for its experimental and avant-garde music, releasing albums by artists like Brian Eno, David Byrne, and Talking Heads?

  1. Eno Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Eno Records was founded in New York City and became a major force in the experimental music scene.

Multiple choice

In the 1940s, which record label was known for its jazz and blues music, releasing albums by artists like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Coltrane?

  1. Blue Note Records

  2. Columbia Records

  3. Verve Records

  4. Warner Bros. Records
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Blue Note Records was founded in New York City and became a major force in the jazz scene.

Multiple choice

Which record label was founded by George Wein and Orrin Keepnews in 1954 and became known for its jazz and classical music, releasing albums by artists like Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Duke Ellington?

  1. Verve Records

  2. Atlantic Records

  3. Motown Records

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

Verve Records was founded in New York City and became a major force in the jazz scene.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Shinto musical tradition that is used to tell religious stories?

  1. Gagaku

  2. Noh theatre

  3. Kabuki theatre

  4. Bunraku puppet theatre
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Gagaku is a musical tradition from Japan that is used to tell religious stories.