Classical Quiz
Posted by: John Schmidt on 17 October 2000
Woodface is onto a good idea with his music quiz. As that thread is getting a bit long, and leaning mostly towards rock and popular music, perhaps we can start a more classical thread. Judging from the threads on Mahler and Schubert, there's no lack of knowledge. As with the other quiz, if you answer correctly, you can pose the next question. Here's a starter:
In the 1950's Emil Gilels was first allowed out of the Soviet Union to tour. This was the first opportunity for many in the West to hear a performer of the "Russian Piano School", and he played to universal acclaim. Gilels was somewhat overwhelmed, and was heard to say "If you think I'm good, wait until you hear __________" To which other Russian pianist was he referring?
John Schmidt
"95% of everything is crud" - Theodore Sturgeon
Posted on: 19 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
No-you're even further off. Go the other way.
Posted on: 20 March 2001 by Todd A
1.) Benedict Mason
2.) Iannis Xenakis
3.) Witold Lutoslawski
Posted on: 20 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Todd-
1.) No
2.) No
3.) No
Hint: He was born in Aix en Provence
Posted on: 20 March 2001 by Todd A
Milhaud?
Posted on: 20 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Quartets #14 and #15 were designed to also be played together as an octet! Not only that, he was Jewish!
Posted on: 21 March 2001 by Todd A
Name this composer. Hint: He is quite well known for film music.
Posted on: 21 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
That would be Erich Wolfgang Korngold.
BTW, I used to have a vinyl recording of his Violin Concerto, Op. 35, by Ulf Hoelscher. Everyone knows the Heifitz recording, but this one was beautifully recorded and played with real heart. Dick Shahinian turned me on to it many years ago, and I can't seem to find it on CD. Any ideas?
Posted on: 21 March 2001 by Todd A
Your turn, Peter. And no, I have no idea if that performance is available on CD, though now I'm tempted to look. I must say that I am pleased with the Shaham / Previn version I own, so another version may be worthwhile.
Posted on: 22 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Who wrote an opera, based on a comic strip, in which three of the main leads are a dog, a badger, and a fox? Also, what is the opera's name?
Posted on: 23 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
I noticed that this topic has now fallen to a four star ranking, after many months at five stars. Any ideas as to the reason? Are our esoteric questions pissing people off, or what? Just curious for some feedback.
Posted on: 25 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
The comic strip appeared in a Brno newspaper in 1920.
Posted on: 25 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Ross-
I assume you also know the answer to the first part of the question. I knew my hint would give it away. I just love Janacek's operas. The Cunning Little Vixen is probably my favorite. I have the Mackerras recording, which is beautiful. A very moving work.
You're up!
Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Matthew T
Page D'album (Piece Pour Le Vetement Du Blesse)
Still only 4 stars after repeated ratings.
Matthew
Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
"En Blanc et Noir" was also written in 1915, but it was for two pianos. Does this count? Also, I'm not sure of the exact date. Maybe "Pièce pour le Vêtement du blessé" was written later in 1915. Anyone know the exact dates?
Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Elegie?
[This message was edited by Peter Litwack on MONDAY 26 March 2001 at 21:34.]
Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Todd A
Either the 12 Etudes or the Epigraphes antiques. (You didn't specify whether it was for solo or four-hands piano.)
Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Todd A
What exceedingly famous composer began his musical career as one of the "original" Vienna choir boys?
(By original, I mean the initial formation of what is now the Vienna Boys Choir.)
Posted on: 26 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Ross-
According to François Lesure's chronologically ordered "Catalogue de l'oeuvre de Claude Debussy", the "Études pour piano" are listed as L 136, while the "Élégie, pour piano" is listed as L 138, making the "Élégie, pour piano" a later work. What is your reference?
Posted on: 27 March 2001 by Matthew T
Ross,
I think Peter has probably got a better source then you, see below.
So boys choirs...
Matthew
The Truth
Posted on: 27 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Gentlemen-
Thanks for considering my alternative answer to Ross's question. I believe my answer is the correct one. However, I will accede to Ross's ruling and yield the floor to Todd's question.
My guess: Gustav Mahler
Posted on: 27 March 2001 by Todd A
Think a little further back.
Posted on: 27 March 2001 by John Schmidt
quote:
What exceedingly famous composer began his musical career as one of the "original" Vienna choir boys?
(By original, I mean the initial formation of what is now the Vienna Boys Choir.)
I think you are thinking of Franz Schubert, Todd. However, as the Vienna Boys Choir was formed in 1489, I doubt whether Schubert could have been part of the choir at it's formation - unless, like Shirley McLaine, he had a few past lives!
Cheers,
John Schmidt
"90% of everything is crud" - Theodore Sturgeon
[This message was edited by John Schmidt on TUESDAY 27 March 2001 at 21:54.]
Posted on: 27 March 2001 by Todd A
I was actually thinking of Haydn. I heard this little tidbit on a radio broadcast that apparently had some incorrect information. Looks like suspect information abounds in the classical world. Your question, John.
Posted on: 27 March 2001 by John Schmidt
Let's stick with the Vienna Boys Choir for the moment. What "first" did the choir accomplish between 1996 and 1998, and who was involved?
Not required, but for extra bragging rights, what was the previous occupation of the person referred to above?
Cheers,
John Schmidt
"90% of everything is crud" - Theodore Sturgeon
Posted on: 28 March 2001 by Peter Litwack
Starting in 1997, under the direction of Agnes Grossman, the Vienna Boy's Choir started admitting girls!
