- 1. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a prominent Russian composer of the late 19th century, celebrated for his profound emotional depth and innovative orchestral compositions. Born on April 25, 1840, in Votkinsk, Russia, Tchaikovsky displayed an early affinity for music, studying at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he was influenced by Western musical traditions. His body of work spans a variety of genres, including symphonies, operas, ballets, and chamber music, with notable masterpieces such as the ballets 'Swan Lake,' 'The Nutcracker,' and 'Sleeping Beauty' showcasing his unique ability to blend exquisite melodies with rich orchestral textures. Tchaikovsky's music often reflects his struggles with personal relationships and societal expectations, particularly concerning his sexuality in a conservative Russia. His remarkable emotional intensity has led to his music being both beloved and misunderstood, placing him at a pivotal point between the Romantic and modern musical eras. Despite facing criticism during his lifetime, Tchaikovsky's legacy endures, making him one of the most performed and revered composers in the classical repertoire. He passed away on November 6, 1893, leaving a lasting impact on music that resonates with audiences around the world.
What was the cause of Tchaikovsky's death?
A) Pneumonia
B) Heart attack
C) Cholera
D) Tuberculosis
- 2. How old was Tchaikovsky when he died?
A) 53
B) 60
C) 56
D) 44
- 3. In which year was Tchaikovsky born?
A) 1840
B) 1855
C) 1865
D) 1825
- 4. What is the title of Tchaikovsky's first Piano Concerto?
A) Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major
B) Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-flat major
C) Piano Concerto No. 4 in C minor
D) Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor
- 5. Which famous ballet did Tchaikovsky compose?
A) Cinderella
B) The Nutcracker
C) Romeo and Juliet
D) Swan Lake
- 6. What was Tchaikovsky's occupation?
A) Composer
B) Painter
C) Physicist
D) Architect
- 7. What was the title of Tchaikovsky's only opera that is part of the standard opera repertoire?
A) Mazeppa
B) Eugene Onegin
C) The Enchantress
D) The Queen of Spades
- 8. Who did Tchaikovsky marry in 1877?
A) Alexandra Davydova
B) Antonina Miliukova
C) Olga Kondratyeva
D) Anna Pavlova
- 9. What was Tchaikovsky's nationality?
A) German
B) French
C) Russian
D) Italian
- 10. Which of the following is NOT a work composed by Tchaikovsky?
A) 1812 Overture
B) Moonlight Sonata
C) Marche Slave
D) Piano Concerto No. 2
- 11. Which of Tchaikovsky's works is known for its celebratory use of cannons and church bells?
A) Sleeping Beauty Suite
B) Symphony No. 5
C) Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
D) 1812 Overture
- 12. Which ballet choreographer did Tchaikovsky collaborate with for The Nutcracker?
A) Vaslav Nijinsky
B) Marius Petipa
C) George Balanchine
D) Rudolf Nureyev
- 13. What was the title of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor inspired by?
A) Fate
B) Nature
C) Love
D) War
- 14. Which act of Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker features the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy?
A) Act II
B) Act I
C) Act III
D) Act IV
- 15. Which director used Tchaikovsky's score for Swan Lake in his film Black Swan?
A) Alfred Hitchcock
B) Darren Aronofsky
C) Steven Spielberg
D) Martin Scorsese
- 16. Where did Tchaikovsky die?
A) Saint Petersburg, Russia
B) Paris, France
C) Vienna, Austria
D) Moscow, Russia
- 17. In which month did Tchaikovsky die?
A) January
B) July
C) November
D) March
- 18. How many symphonies did Tchaikovsky compose before his death?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 9
D) 6
- 19. Who was the dedicatee of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6?
A) Mily Balakirev
B) Nadezhda von Meck
C) Sergei Taneyev
D) Anton Rubinstein
- 20. Which Russian ruler was in power at the time of Tchaikovsky's death?
A) Alexander III
B) Nicholas II
C) Ivan the Terrible
D) Alexander II
- 21. What is the title of Tchaikovsky's best-known ballet suite?
A) The Nutcracker
B) Swan Lake
C) The Sleeping Beauty
D) Giselle
- 22. Who conducted the premiere of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6?
A) Sergei Taneyev
B) Nikolai Rubinstein
C) Alexander Glazunov
D) Eduard Nápravník
|