Music — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover Music, part of the A modern, thriving society chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Which work by Gustav Holst is a suite themed around the planets of the solar system?
- Pomp and Circumstance Marches
- Water Music
- ✓ The Planets — Correct answer
- Façade
Holst’s suite about the planets is called The Planets. Water Music is by Handel, Pomp and Circumstance Marches are by Elgar, and Façade is by William Walton.
Which composer wrote The Planets?
- Sir William Walton
- Ralph Vaughan Williams
- ✓ Gustav Holst — Correct answer
- Benjamin Britten
Gustav Holst’s work includes The Planets, a suite themed around the planets of the solar system. Jupiter from that suite was adapted as the tune for I vow to thee my country.
Which event is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music?
- The Brit Awards
- ✓ The Proms — Correct answer
- The National Eisteddfod of Wales
- The Mercury Music Prize
The Proms is the eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music. The other events are awards or a cultural festival.
Which organisation has organised the Proms since 1927?
- ✓ The BBC — Correct answer
- The National Eisteddfod of Wales
- The Royal Albert Hall
- The Home Office
The Proms have been organised by the BBC since 1927. The Last Night of the Proms is the best-known concert in the series.
Which composer is best known for Peter Grimes and Billy Budd?
- Sir Edward Elgar
- ✓ Benjamin Britten — Correct answer
- George Frederick Handel
- Henry Purcell
Benjamin Britten is best known for his operas Peter Grimes and Billy Budd. He also wrote A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.