Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: "America's semi-official music for mourning" was composed by this West Chester, PA native in 1936. It is an orchestral string arrangement of the 2nd movement of his String Quartet, Op. 11 and represents the composer's best-known work. A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music in Philly, he is recognized as one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. The piece has earned a permanent place in today's orchestral concert repertoire. In 1936, the U.S. was still hurting from The Great Depression and Europe was headed for war, which partially explains it being "full of pathos and cathartic passion" and the fact that it "rarely leaves a dry eye". First played and recorded in 1938 by The NBC Symphony Orcestra under the baton of Maestro Arturo Toscanini. It is one of the very few American compositions played in the USSR during the Cold War. Billy Joel is quoted as saying that this piece made hi...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This South African folk-rock quintet (hint, hint!) formed in 1964 and was the country's first group to sport "long hair". Their only U.S. charting hit was a 1968 David Marks (not to be confused with the original Beach Boys' rhythm guitarist) composition which peaked at #18 Billboard Hot 100, #3 Adult Contemporary and #10 Cash Box. "Officially" it is about a miner who leaves his foreman to strike out on his own and live life on his own terms. The popular belief, however, is that it was written in protest of B.J. (John) Vorster, South African Prime Minister at the height of the apartheid regime. We'll never know. Covered by Trini Lopez that same year. The band was alluded to in "This is Spinal Tap". Group? Only U.S. hit? Answer: "Master Jack" by Four Jacks and a Jill. I had not heard that song in decades until a few days ago when we were driving back from Des Moines and they played it on t...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Of The Beatles and The Byrds, which band had more cover songs on their first 5 albums (I'm counting the UK releases for the Beatles)? Answer: (Trick question - sorry, couldn't help myself!) It's a tie - 20 each.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: This neo-rockabilly trio was formed in 1979 by Massapequa, NY childhood friends. They blended their love for punk and rockabilly into a unique image and sound, completely different from the mainstream music of the day. Their second biggest hit came in 1981 with an exhortation to go out and have an exciting, high-energy time with dancing, drinking and enjoying live music. #10 U.S. and UK. It was written by their singer/songwriter and guitarist. According to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it is "one of the songs that shaped rock and roll". Their unique sound evokes that of Memphis' Sun Records. Just a few days ago, they played it on Jimmy Fallon (not my favorite) in their first late-night appearance in 35 years. Trio? Song? For extra credit, name their biggest charting hit. Answer: "Rock This Town" by Stray Cats. Biggest charting hit: "Stray Cat Strut" #3 1983. One of those groups that I loved the first...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: It was 1939, right before the start of WWII. British composer Manning Sherwin and lyricist Eric Maschwitz were on holiday at Le Lavandou, a small French fishing village. Inspired by the title of a 1923 Michael Arlen short story, they penned a romantic ballad that has since become a classic. An intensely magical and deeply in-love evening in London's Mayfair district after enjoying dinner at The Ritz. The only sound they hear is that of a bird that usually lives in the countryside, certainly not in Central London. First performed by Judy Campbell in 1940 and, shortly thereafter, by Vera Lynn. Covered by, among many others, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Mel Tormé, Bobby Darin and Manhattan Transfer. Performed for the British audience by Petula Clark in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. Song? Answer: "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square". The title was admittedly "stolen" from ...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s TWO-hit wonders: Mike Leander and Eddie Saego co-wrote their British quintet's 1969 debut single. Emotional renewal, optimism and joy caused by the anticipation of a loved one returning home. Gypsy/hora chorus tempo with the clavioline emphasizing the Balkan-infused lead lines. #8 UK, #12 Billboard's Hot 100, Gold Disc. Covered by Sir Cliff Richard. Song? Band? For extra credit, name their other charting hit. Answer: "Early in the Morning" by Vanity Fare. Their other charting hit, "Hitchin' a Ride", surpassed their first one, peaking at #5 in 1970. I have such fond memories of that magical summer of '69. Between junior and senior years in high school, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of great songs that came out in such a short period of time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hN9YRo7y1s&list=RD9hN9YRo7y1s&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v92_MSsgHEo&list=RDv92_MSsgHEo&start_...

OK, boys and girls, more 80s 0ne-hit wonders: Lead guitarist and frontman Dan Baird was riding a city bus home from his surveying job in 1980 when a song "came to him". He is quoted as saying that "it basically wrote itself". A woman refuses to become more intimate with her boyfriend until he marries her. The Southern rock standard became a massive 1986 hit for his band, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100. Its popularity was propelled by a tongue-in-cheek MTV music video featuring a shotgun wedding. The band's cover of "Hippy Hippy Shake" received some airplay but never cracked the Top 40. Song? Band? Answer: "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by Georgia Satellites. The good ol' days when MTV and VH1 actually played music videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WonOudGMSdc&list=RDWonOudGMSdc&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk7F2t1M1y0&list=RDRk7F2t1M1y0&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Glaswegian folkie Al Stewart co-wrote this 1978 yacht-rock classic with guitarist Peter White. Originally shunned by him, it became his highest-charting U.S. single at #7, as well as #1 on Easy Listening, surpassing his massive 1976 worldwide hit "Year of the Cat". Produced by Alan Parsons (where's Austin Powers when we need him?!). Memorable sax work by Phil Kenzie. It describes his planning a trip back home, along with his nostalgic recollections of the past. Song? Answer: "Time Passages" by Al Stewart. Fond memories of my surgical resident year at Bryn Mawr Hospital. We worked hard but, somehow, always managed to find a little time to enjoy the great music of the day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2g0hrrKLNw&list=RDQ2g0hrrKLNw&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Bahia natives Antônio Carlos & Jocáfi co-wrote and first performed this 1971 samba/bossa nova classic. Maria Creuza's 1972 version became a massive international hit. She later married Antônio Carlos. The title translates loosely into "you took advantage". A relationship dynamic in which one person took advantage of another's deep love. Very popular Spanish versions by Daniela Mercury, Celia Cruz and Willie Colón, among others. Michael Fugain's French rendition "Fais Comme l'Oiseau" received extensive international play. "Revived" by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '77 on their "Vintage '74" album. Song? For extra credit, name of the Spanish version? Answer: "Você Abusou". "Usted Abusó" in Spanish. It came out when I was in college; very popular in Puerto Rico. I swear those Brazilians make up guitar chords as they go but, doggone it, they make them sound...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: It was 1959 and Brasilia, the new federal capital of Brazil, was being built in the Brazilian Highlands away from the overpopulated coast. Then President Juscelino Kubitschek invited composers Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes to spend some time in the building site and write an anthem to be performed at the new city's inauguration. One night, the two of them were walking and heard the sound of water. They asked the watchman where the sound was coming from. He replied, "Don't you know? This is where you have drinking water, buddy boy" (translated from Portuguese). That was their inspiration for a classic 1963 bossa nova/jazz standard first recorded by Jobim himself. Covered by, among many others, Astrud Gilberto, Frank Sinatra, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66, Charlie Byrd and Ella Fitzgerald. Song? Answer: "Água de Beber". The watchman replied, "Você não sabe não? É aqui que tem água de beber, ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This 1957 Brazilian composition is widely considered to be the first bossa nova. Originally recorded that same year by Elizeth Cardoso to a tepid reception. Guitarist extraordinaire João Gilberto's 1958 rendition was a massive international hit for him and singlehandedly created the genre. The title translates directly as "enough longing" but is best known in English as "No More Blues". Grammy Hall of Fame 2000. Song? For extra credit, name the two composers. Answer: "Chega de Saudade". Composed by Antônio Carlos "Tom" Jobim with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0a0QuLEC8A&list=RDY0a0QuLEC8A&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jrIlzQa4FA&list=RD_jrIlzQa4FA&start_radio=1

Okey, pa' los puertorriqueños: Este músico, compositor y propietario de restaurante empezó tocando jazz en piano "de oido". Creó a Los Colegiales y luego The Living End, quienes se convirtieron en Space cuando tocaron en NYC. Fue pianista y organista con los Beach Boys del '70 al '81. Ha tocado también con The Captain & Tenille, Jan & Dean y The Association. Todavía toca casi todas las noches en su bistro en el Viejo San Juan. Artista? Respuesta: Carli Muñoz. Uno de nuestros heroes musicales en los 60s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUlULehYVmE

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Even though this 1984 TV commercial jingle for a bismuth (hint, hint!) subsalicylate over-the-counter GI med is credited to Publicis North America advertising agency, the lyrics were actually penned by Susan Spiegel Solovay and Bill Vernick, with music by Leslie Pearl. Five digestive symptoms are prominently featured. It became extremely popular during their 2002 advertising campaing and it is still featured today. Excellent tenor, baritone and bass harmories with the basses carrying the last word punchline. The original version was sung by Jason Paige, who also sang the Pokémon theme. Medication? Answer: Pepto-Bismol commercial theme. "When you get nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrheaaaaaaa!". To this day, that commercial still brings a smile to my face. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBHatGGfqNo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu0lqVhnt9U

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 to me 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. Sir 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. Sir Ringo: Hit the snare drum and cymbal simultaneously. G...

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...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Carly Simon describes this 1980 country-flavored pop classic as "...a song laying plain the fact that good intentions go to hell when you are crazy for someone". An ex-lover is returning to town, so she enlists family and friends to let him know all the things she won't do for him. Midway through the song, however, her plans go out the window. As opposed to "You're So Vain", this song is not about a specific person. It was the leading cut from her ninth studio album and became a staple of her rare live appearances, as she was always plagued by morbid stage fright. Her daughter Sally Taylor does the "la-la" at the end and soon to be ex-husband James Taylor sings background vocals. Peaked at #11 Billboard, #9 Cash Box, Certified Gold. Song? Answer: "Jesse" by Carly Simon". After 40+ years, she finally confirmed that "You're So Vain" is about Warren Beatty +/- two other men. ...