📙 Chapter 4: A Modern, Thriving Society
Who composed the 'Messiah'?
Correct answer: Handel
A Elgar
B Purcell
✓ Handel
D Britten
💡 Explanation
George Frideric Handel composed the 'Messiah'.
Key facts to remember
- Famous composers: Purcell, Handel, Elgar, Holst, Walton, Britten
- Handel — 'Messiah', 'Music for the Royal Fireworks'
- Elgar — 'Pomp and Circumstance', 'Land of Hope and Glory'
- The Proms — annual classical music season at Royal Albert Hall
- Last Night of the Proms is famous celebration
- Pop: Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bowie, Elton John, Queen, Adele
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 4.5.1 Music:
Britain has a rich musical heritage. Famous classical composers include Henry Purcell, George Frideric Handel (German-born but lived in Britain), Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Sir William Walton, and Benjamin Britten. Handel wrote the 'Messiah' and the 'Music for the Royal Fireworks'. Elgar composed the 'Pomp and Circumstance Marches', including 'Land of Hope and Glory'.
The Proms (the BBC Promenade Concerts) is an annual eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The Last Night of the Proms is a famous celebration. In popular music, Britain has produced globally influential artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John, Queen, and Adele.
More questions from this topic
Ready to practice more?
Take a full mock exam with 24 questions - just like the real test.
Take a Practice Test