Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

Mozart's theatrical masterpiece

"Don Giovanni" premiered in Prague in 1787, with Mozart conducting the first performance himself. The opera blends comedy and tragedy in a way that was unusual for its time, telling the story of the legendary seducer through some of the most demanding vocal writing in the repertoire. It remains a cornerstone of opera houses worldwide.

The spine of South America

The Andes form the longest continental mountain range on Earth, stretching roughly 7,000 kilometres along the western edge of South America. They pass through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. This immense range shapes climate, agriculture, and culture from the Caribbean coast to the southern tip of the continent.

A novel that scandalised late Victorian Britain

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" appeared in a magazine in 1890 before being published as a book the following year. Oscar Wilde's only novel shocked many contemporary readers with its themes of beauty, morality, and hidden corruption. The story became central evidence in Wilde's later trials, where passages were read aloud in court.

Watt and the engine that powered a revolution

James Watt did not invent the steam engine, but his improvements in the late 18th century transformed it into a practical source of industrial power. His separate condenser dramatically reduced energy waste, making steam engines efficient enough to drive factories, mills, and eventually locomotives.