Q 01/05

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is written in which key?

A) E-flat major

B) D minor

C) A minor

D) C minor

Answer · why

D) C minor

The key came to symbolise Beethoven's stormy, heroic side; the finale switches to the major.

Q 02/05

What is the opus number of the Fifth Symphony?

A) Op. 55

B) Op. 60

C) Op. 67

D) Op. 58

Answer · why

C) Op. 67

Op. 68 is the Pastoral Symphony, completed at the same time and premiered at the same concert.

Q 03/05

The Fifth is occasionally known by which nickname, Schicksalssinfonie in German?

A) Tragic Symphony

B) Storm Symphony

C) Heroic Symphony

D) Fate Symphony

Answer · why

D) Fate Symphony

The name comes from the tale that Beethoven described the opening motif as fate knocking at the door.

Q 04/05

The famous opening motif of the Fifth follows what rhythmic pattern?

A) Short-long-short-long

B) Short-short-short-long

C) Long-long-short-short

D) Long-short-short-long

Answer · why

B) Short-short-short-long

It is often remembered as da-da-da-DUM, and its rhythm happens to match the Morse code for the letter V.

Q 05/05

In which year did the Fifth Symphony receive its premiere in Vienna?

A) 1808

B) 1810

C) 1812

D) 1815

Answer · why

A) 1808

The first sketches date from 1804, just after the Third Symphony was finished, and the work was repeatedly set aside for other pieces.

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