Q 01/05

Which instrument traditionally plays the note to which the whole orchestra tunes?

A) The first violin

B) The oboe

C) The clarinet

D) The piano

Answer · why

B) The oboe

Its pitch is stable and its penetrating tone carries, and the custom is about 300 years old.

Q 02/05

To what frequency is the tuning A set under the international standard?

A) 440 Hz

B) 415 Hz

C) 432 Hz

D) 466 Hz

Answer · why

A) 440 Hz

Highland pipe bands play well above it, around 470 to 480 Hz, closer to a B-flat.

Q 03/05

How many main sections does a typical symphony orchestra have?

A) Three

B) Five

C) Four

D) Six

Answer · why

C) Four

The strings are the fourth and by far the largest group.

Q 04/05

The word 'orchestra' comes from the Greek name for what?

A) A circle of dancing priests

B) A large hall for public feasts

C) The area in front of a stage where the chorus performed

D) A tuned set of bronze bells

Answer · why

C) The area in front of a stage where the chorus performed

'Philharmonic' is Greek too, meaning 'loving harmony'.

Q 05/05

What is the leader of the first violins, who sits to the conductor's left, called in the United States?

A) The concertmaster

B) The maestro

C) The principal

D) The soloist

Answer · why

A) The concertmaster

In the UK the same player is simply called the leader.