Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, boys and girls, back to the 40s (the 1840s, that is): The famous overture to this 1845 Wagnerian grand opera in three acts was written last, as it includes its most prominent musical themes. Based on combined German history and folklore. The title of the opera and its protagonist's name translate from the Middle High German as "house of the fir trees" or "forest-dweller". A tale of a mythological Minnesänger and poet, as well as of the Wartburg Song Contest. It highlights the struggle between sacred and profane love and, ultimately, redemption. The overture is often performed as a separate concert piece, first played as such by the Leipzig Orchestra in 1846 under the baton of Felix Mendelssohn. Wagner was so impassioned by the composition that, towards the end, he became physically ill. Opera? Answer: Overture to "Tannhäuser" by Richard Wagner ("Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg"). Fond memories of my dear childhood f...

OK, boys and girls, back to The World Cup (congratulations to Spain!): In addition to Spain, there are three other countries whose official national anthems have no lyrics. Name them. Answer: Spain (Marcha Real), San Marino (Terra di Liberta), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Intermeco) and Kosovo (Europa). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjrrVrmdK0M&list=RDmjrrVrmdK0M&start_radio=1

This one was suggested by someone very dear to me who wishes to remain anonymous. OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: The only chart hit for this Greensboro, NC brother-and-sister duo came in 1963 with a self-penned R&B/soul classic based upon a traditional American folk lullaby. They were frequently mistaken as husband and wife. Top 10 R&B and Pop, sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold Disc by RIAA. Covered by, among many others, Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield. In 1974, Carly Simon and then-husband James Taylor had a massive worldwide hit with their version, peaking at #5 and featuring Dr. John on piano, as well as the late Michael Brecker, on tenor sax. Duo? Song? Answer: "Mockingbird" by Inez and Charlie Foxx. I can still see my dear childhood friend Sebastian Bonnin doing the "mashed potatoes" to it when we were in grade school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g47_NI1CWNQ&list=RDg47_NI1CWNQ&start_radio=...

OK, girls and boys, more Mop Tops (a toughie this morning!): As an aspiring guitarist in the early 60s, one of the greatest mysteries was the opening chord to "A Hard Day's Night". My friends and I would pull our hair (yes, I DID have plenty of hair in those days!) trying to figure it out. Name the chord. Answer: When the song was broken down into its original separate studio tracks, it was revealed that each band member, as well as producer Sir George Martin, had played their own part. Whether this was a brilliant screw-up or intended will forever remain a mystery. The chord was a complex layering of several instruments. George: Played a Fadd9 chord on his Rickenbacker 360/12 12-string electric. John: Played a Dsus4 chord on his Gibson J-160E 6-string acoustic. Paul: Played a low D on his Höfner violin bass. Sir George Martin added the piano by playing a Dsus4 chord (D-G-C) in the middle register. Ringo: Hit the snare drum and cymbal simultaneously. George consider...

OK, girls and boys, let's go WAY back: This powerful declaration is either sung or recited in Aramaic before sunset to open service at the synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The title translates into "All Vows". It preemptivelly nullifies any promises that one is unable to keep during the ensuing year and focuses on self-imposed religious obligations between the individual and God. Profoundly haunting and emotional, it is sung three times with crescendo, signifying the need to listen and be heard. Originally composed between the 11th and 15th centuries as "Mi Sinai", the most popular version these days was arranged by Max Bruch, who, curiously, was NOT Jewish. Sung by Neil Diamond in "The Jazz Singer". Title? Answer: "Kol Nidre(i)". Growing up in Puerto Rico, I had very little exposure to the Jewish faith other than what little I learned about it in Catholic school and that...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s (the 1870s, that is!): This 1876 Johannes Brahms composition was heavily inspired by Franz Liszt's "gypsy music". It was based upon the csardas "Bartfai Emlek" (Memories of Bartfa). Brahms mistakenly assumed that it was a traditional folk song, only to find out that it had been composed by Bela Keler. It is one of Brahms' most popular and profitable compositions. Originally composed for piano four hands, it was later arranged for orchestra by Albert Parlow and for violin by Paul Klengel. First recorded by Leopold (great name!) Stokowski conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. Musical piece? Answer: "Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F# minor Allegro-Vivace" by Johannes Brahms. Another one of my father's favorites. I grew up listening to Heifetz's rendition on the big ol' Bogen hi-fi. Years later, I had the privilege of seeing David Oistrakh, and later Yehudi Menuhin, perform it at the Casals Festiva...