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: 17 January 2001 by John Schmidt
Different composer, though of the same era and nationality
Cheers,
John Schmidt
"90% of everything is crud" - Theodore Sturgeon
Posted on: 18 January 2001 by John Schmidt
Here's a hint. Major characters in the opera are Alfredo and Violetta.
Cheers,
John Schmidt
"90% of everything is crud" - Theodore Sturgeon
Posted on: 18 January 2001 by Matthew T
La Traviata?
Posted on: 18 January 2001 by Former member
I'm surprised the producers of "Pretty Woman" had enough sense of irony to use Traviata - a film about a prostitute and an opera about a prostitute.
Ross
(happy because he has tickets for Traviata at the Sydney Opera House next week)
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by John Schmidt
Sorry, Matthew. It looks like my post yesterday confirming your correct answer got lost in the ether. Anyway, next question is yours.
Cheers,
John Schmidt
"90% of everything is crud" - Theodore Sturgeon
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by Matthew T
OK
Which pieces, written in 1944, was dedicated to Yvonne Loriod, who was later to become the composers wife?
Ross, enjoy!
Matthew
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by Todd A
I believe Messiean wrote the Regards sur l’enfant Jesus in 1944, which just happens to fit the bill. Since I will not be internet enabled this weekend, I defer my question, if I am correct, to Ross or whomever he designates. (It looks like he may have wanted that La Traviata question.)
Posted on: 19 January 2001 by Peter Litwack
I had the rare priviledge of hearing Olivier Messiaen and his wife Yvonne Loriod play the "Sept Visions de l'Amen" for two pianos in person at Hunter College in NYC many years ago. What power! What vision! What an amazing sound! I will never forget that concert. Having studied a lot of Messiaen's music as a young college student (I majored in Organ Performance), it was amazing to hear this master of 20th century music perform in person. If you ever get a chance to hear one of your musical idols perform in person, do not hesitate.
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Todd A
Name the attched composer and pianist. Hint: he was a rival of Beethoven.
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Peter Litwack
That's Johann Nepomuk Hummel.
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Todd A
You are correct. Your question Peter.
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Peter Litwack
In the 1930s, a young prodigy entered an international piano competition in Vienna. One of the judges, himself a famous pianist-conductor, was so impressed by the young prodigy that he resigned from the jury in protest when the young pianist was awarded only second prize and subsequently invited the prodigy to come study with him. Who was the prodigy, and who was the judge?
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Todd A
The prodigy: Dinu Lipatti
The judge: Alfred Cortot
I can fully understand why Cortot resigned in protest.
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Peter Litwack
You're right. I guess it was an easy one. BTW, although Cortot was known for his Chopin, I've always found his Schumann even better. Ever heard his Kreisleriana? The greatest version I've ever heard. In fact, it was after listening to Cortot's version that I decided to tackle it myself. Never really did crack it to my satisfaction. His Études Symphoniques and Davidsbündlertänze weren't too shabby either.
Your turn, Todd.
Posted on: 22 January 2001 by Todd A
Who's the attached composer-conductor?
Oh, and thanks for the suggestion. Naxos just released an historical Cortot performance with the Schumann concerto. I'll try to snag it. And I'll keep my eye out for other reissues.
[This message was edited by Todd Arola on MONDAY 22 January 2001 at 23:27.]
Posted on: 23 January 2001 by Todd A
He was German and his best known work was an opera called "Palestrina."
Posted on: 23 January 2001 by Matthew T
Hans Pfitzner? never would have guessed from the photo though.
Matthew
Posted on: 23 January 2001 by Todd A
Your question, Matthew.
Posted on: 23 January 2001 by Matthew T
Which piece - scored for solo viola, orchestra and choir - begins the fifth part with the words "Return, return, O Shulamite!.."
There is only one that comes to mind.
Matthew
Posted on: 24 January 2001 by Matthew T
That quote was in the native tongue of the composer.
I'm fleeing the country on Friday and wouldn't want to leave you in the lurch for 3 weeks. So more clues to follow if answers are not forthcoming.
Matthew
PS Florian, what sort of epic question are you pulling together here?
Posted on: 24 January 2001 by Former member
Would it be Sir Granville Bantock. The quopte is from the Song of Songs and he wrote a piece called Shulamite's Monologue.
Tom
Posted on: 24 January 2001 by Matthew T
Nope. Correctly placed the quote though.
Matthew
Posted on: 25 January 2001 by Matthew T
OK, Another clue.
The premiere for this piece was conducted by Henry Wood.
Later....
Well, I'll leave you guessing. I suggest somebody steps in asks away. I will be incognito for 3 weeks.
Matthew
[This message was edited by Matthew Thoelke on THURSDAY 25 January 2001 at 17:03.]
Posted on: 25 January 2001 by Todd A
quote:
I suggest somebody steps in asks away.
I'll be more than glad to. I think no one knows the answer to the quote question. I know I'm befuddled.
Anyway, name the French composer pictured in the attachment.
Posted on: 26 January 2001 by Former member
...Camille Saint-Saens, but I've only seen pictures of him looking a lot older. Forehead lookk about right though.
??
Jonathan
