Free Classical Music quiz: 30 trivia questions and answers — guess the great works. Easy to hard, with explained answers. No sign-up.

From Beethoven's 5th Symphony to Mozart's Requiem, by way of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries, this quiz puts you to the test on classical music's greatest masterpieces: can you recognize the work and its composer just by ear?

Each question plays an audio clip: a symphony, a concerto, an opera aria or a piano piece. Your job is to name the work and its composer, from Bach and Vivaldi to Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Satie and Gershwin. A classical music blind test that finally puts a name to the melodies everyone has heard in films and commercials.

Did you know?

The opening motif of Beethoven's 5th Symphony — four repeated notes — is one of the most recognizable musical passages in the world, composed as Beethoven was already losing his hearing.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons come with accompanying sonnets precisely describing the scenes the music evokes, from thunderstorms to hunting to ice-skating.
Mozart's Requiem was left unfinished at his death in 1791; it was completed by his student Franz Xaver Süssmayr from his sketches.
Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah reportedly so moved King George II that he stood up during its performance, starting a tradition still followed today.

This quiz currently has 30 questions, ranging from easy to hard, available in French, English and Spanish when the Spanish translation is available.

Sample questions and answers

What image did Beethoven reportedly associate with the opening motif of his 5th Symphony?

Answer: 'Fate knocking at the door'. The symphony was composed between 1804 and 1808.

Who completed the Requiem that Mozart left unfinished at his death in 1791?

Answer: His pupil Franz Xaver Süssmayr.

How many times is the melodic motif of Ravel's Boléro repeated?

Answer: 18 times. Only the volume and orchestration change, ever since its 1928 premiere.

Which Carl Orff work does the 'O Fortuna' chorus come from?

Answer: Carmina Burana (1936), now ubiquitous in advertising and film.

In which Bizet opera does the heroine compare love to 'a rebellious bird'?

Answer: Carmen (1875), in the Habanera aria.

Which tenor made 'Nessun Dorma' famous during the 1990 World Cup?

Answer: Luciano Pavarotti. The aria comes from Turandot, Puccini's final, unfinished opera.

All the other questions are waiting for you in the quiz!

Great Musical Works Quiz

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Sample questions and answers

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