Famous Operas Quiz
In Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera", what is the opera-within-an-opera that the cast is rehearsing at the beginning?
- Detailing the epic adventure of the Carthaginian general, "Hannibal" is not actually a real opera within the musical.
In Giacomo Puccini's iconic "La Bohème", which remains one of the most popular operas of all time, what Parisian district is it set in?
- The group of main characters lived in a garret in Paris's Latin Quarter, on the left side of the River Seine.
What is the name of one of the most popular songs in "La Traviata", also known as "The Drinking Song"?
- This rollicking and vibrant song is one of the most iconic tunes from Verdi and Piave's "La Traviata".
What year did Georges Bizet's "Carmen" first premiere in Paris?
- Unfortunately, though "Carmen" has stood the test of time and remains popular today, Bizet's premiere night was received with less than rave reviews.
Who wrote the music for "The Barber of Seville" in 1816?
- Paired with lyrics by librettist Cesare Sterbini, the opera was based on a French comedic work by the same name.
In Mozart's incredible work "Don Giovanni", what is the voice part to sing the titular part?
- This classic opera is spearheaded by the voice talent behind the character of Don Giovanni, singing as a baritone.
Who composed "The Marriage of Figaro" in 1786?
- One of Mozart's most famous operas, this title was composed in four acts and accompanied by a story penned by Lorenzo Da Ponte.
In Giacomo Puccini's "Madame Butterfly", what is the real name of the titular character?
- Fittingly, Cio-Cio-San comes from the Japanese word "chōchō", meaning "butterfly".
Which of the following operas is set in ancient Egypt?
- Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" is set in Egypt's Old Kingdom and was first seen in 1871.
What was the name of the composer and author of 1892's "Pagliacci"?
- The name of the opera translates to "clowns" in Italian— which is fitting for the main character being one himself!
