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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On what date did the Beatles gather to record their first record?
(a) July 9, 1961.
(b) July 22, 1962.
(c) September 11, 1962.
(d) August 12, 1963.

2. According to George Martin in Chapter 2, what was the great challenge faced by classical composers in the late twentieth century?
(a) They must create a new sound, or else risk being categorized by the style they emulate.
(b) Finding enough talented musicians to form an orchestra.
(c) Making a living.
(d) Not being influenced by pop music.

3. According to George Martin in Chapter 4, why is a human voice more interesting than a synthesizer?
(a) The human voice is male or female.
(b) The human voice touches one's soul.
(c) The human voice enunciates words better.
(d) The human voice includes variations in pitch and tone.

4. George Martin perceived which Beatle to be the leader of the group, early in their relationship, as described in Chapter 7?
(a) John Lennon.
(b) George Harrison.
(c) No one.
(d) Paul McCartney.

5. Who were the four Beatles who first met with George Martin in 1962?
(a) John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best.
(b) Brian Epstein, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Pete Best.
(c) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best, and Ringo Starr.
(d) John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Brian Epstein, and Pete Best.

6. During their first meeting with George Martin, which Beatle did not speak a word?
(a) Pete Best.
(b) George Harrison.
(c) Paul McCartney.
(d) John Lennon.

7. What was the scandal at EMI, involving sopranos Kirsten Flagstad and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf?
(a) The two had a secret affair.
(b) Flagstad recorded songs that were released under the Schwarzkopf name.
(c) Schwarzkopf had throat trouble during a recording session, and Flagstad was secretly brought in to dub in the high C note for her.
(d) Flagstad had throat trouble during a recording session, and Schwarzkopf was secretly brought in to dub in the high C note for her.

8. In Chapter 7 George Martin and Judy took their first trip to which club, where the Beatles often performed?
(a) The Cave.
(b) The Cavern Club.
(c) The Liverpool Lounge.
(d) Studio Fifty-Four.

9. In 1977, how did Paul McCartney compensate for sound differences when performing "Live and Let Die" in concert?
(a) He compensated for less orchestration by adding more guitars and drums.
(b) He compensated for less orchestration by adding lasers and explosions.
(c) He encouraged the audience to sing along.
(d) He lip-synched to a recording of the song.

10. Before George Martin joined the Fleet Air Arm he worked briefly at what occupation?
(a) Dishwasher.
(b) Carpenter.
(c) Baker.
(d) Surveyor.

11. During the Beatles' first recording session, George Martin wanted to replace which Beatle with a studio musician?
(a) Ringo Starr.
(b) John Lennon.
(c) George Harrison.
(d) Pete Best.

12. Whom does George Martin refer to as his fairy godfather?
(a) Sidney Harrison.
(b) Eric Harrison.
(c) George Harrison.
(d) Oscar Preuss.

13. Chapter 1 begins with George Martin waking up where?
(a) A Paris hotel room.
(b) A house he purchased in London.
(c) His childhood home.
(d) A recording studio.

14. What two career paths did George Martin consider before joining the Fleet Air Arm?
(a) Baking and woodworking.
(b) Aircraft design and baking.
(c) Architecture and aircraft design.
(d) Architecture and woodworking.

15. What was the profession of George Martin's father?
(a) Actor.
(b) Baker.
(c) Musician.
(d) Carpenter.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the mathematical relationship between middle A, the octave above middle A, and the octave below middle A on a standard piano?

2. What was George Martin's day job at the BBC Music Library, after he finished music school?

3. The Beatles first signed with which publisher in America?

4. How, according to George Martin in Chapter 7, was the collaboration of Lennon and McCartney different from Rodgers and Hart?

5. As explained in Chapter 7, why was George Martin first skeptical about the Beatles?

(see the answer keys)

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