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Interesting Questions, Facts and Information
- There are a total of 75 general entries. We are selecting 30 for display.
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 Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
 History of Music
| In 500A.D., as the world was emerging out of The Dark Age, the Christian Church would control how music was listened to and heard by their followers. What is the name of the person who collected and modified music known as the Gregorian Chant? | The History Of Music
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Pope Gregory I. All chants came from the Jewish and Byzantine religious chants. A Gregorian Chant is a 'single melody without any harmonic support or accompaniment'. The melodies are light and airy. As these chants became popular in Europe, many people took the chants and added or changed things to their particular liking. Pope Gregory I reigned as Pontiff from 590A.D. until his death in 604A.D, what his actual contribution was remains a mystery. The Gregorian Chants remains one of the most spiritually uplifting music in the western world.
t. Popular music of the middle ages was known as secular songs, and was not bound by the church's dictation. None of the music that was performed or listened to by Practicing Christians was recorded in church documents until sometime during the tenth century. Around the twelfth or thirteenth century, members of the church started forming groups to sing the Gregorian Chants and Trouveres. One church member, Adam de la Halle, added several different verses to some of these chants and trouveres. Upon adding the verses, he thus changed the meaning and they became known as motets.
| The Renaissance Era of music brought vocals and dance to what was formerly known as chants. With the invention of the printing press, music and lyrics were able to be recorded. What is the name of the most famous lyrical composer of The Renaissance Era? | The History Of Music
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John Dowland. John Dowland was considered to be the greatest lyrical composer of that era. It was his style and creativity that brought music out of the church and gave it to everyone. Other influences of The Renaissance Era include Copernicus, who discovered the actual position of the Solar System, The Sistine Chapel, and William Shakespeare.
| A musical composition which has two or more voices intertwined is known as Polyphony. What is the name of the person who invented what is collectively known as modern background music? | The History Of Music
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Josquin des Prez. Josquin des Prez was born in Hainault, Burgundy in 1440A.D. He studied under Johannes Ockegham, who initially had the idea, that it would be sound much better and would be more creative to be able to record more than one voice. This idea proved worthwhile in the centuries that followed. Josquin des Prez was Ockeghem's best student and became more widely known and revered than his teacher. Josquin des Pres died in Conde-sur-Escaut on August 27, 1521.
Thank you joecjazz for this piece of information.
"He was heavily influenced by other composers in the Notre Dame school such as Perotin and Leonin who lived 300 years prior to Josquin. Polyphony has been around in the form of "organum" since the 11th Century and was an integral part of church music far before Josquin."
However, it was Josquin des Prez who updated Polyphony so that it could be used for modern background music.
| The nineteenth century brought to the world the most famous lullabye of all. What is the name of the creator? | The History Of Music
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Johannes Brahms . Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg, Germany on May 7, 1833. He studied music the best that he could while supporting himself. Brahms played the piano at bars and brothels. The music that he produced was light and airy, and many enjoyed dancing to his music. Brahms' music leaned more towards the romantic type of instrumental and lyrical music. He composed such works as: 'German Requiem' and 'The Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68'. Brahms most famous work is his lullabye, known as 'Rock-a-bye Baby'. Johannes Brahms died in Vienna on April 3, 1897.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart . Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg on January 27, 1756. As a child he had a proclivity and possessed a superior intelligence for music. By the time he was four years of age, Amadeus could learn a piece of music in a half of an hour. At the age of six, he began composing and writing music. By the time Amadeus was eight years of age, he had created his first symphony. Music coursed through Mozart's veins, his father, Leopold Mozart, was a violinist, composer, and Vice-Kapellmeister for the court of the Archbishop of Salzburg. The Archbishop recognized the young Mozart's talents and quickly had the young man as a regular in his court. Wanting to break away from his little town and learn more about music, Mozart started touring with his mother. Mother and son toured Munich, Paris, and Manneheim. Mozart's mother passed away suddenly in July of 1778, while they were on tour in Paris. After the death of his mother, and with no prospect of a job, he returned to the Court Of The Archbishop and became the lead organist to the Court. In 1781, Mozart asked, and received permission, to be removed from the Court Of The Archbishop. Mozart is the first in history to become what is known as a freelance artist. Amadeus met and married a woman by the name of Constanze Weber in 1782, against the wishes of his father. It seemed that Amadeus was quite happy with married life and it was during this period that he turned out one masterpiece after another. During his time in Vienna, he met a composer by the name of Franz Joseph Haydn. Haydn was a great influence in Mozart's music during the years 1782 to 1785. Haydn once told Amadeus' father: 'Before God and as an honest man, your son is the greatest composer I know, either personally or by name'. By 1790, Amadeus was virtually broke, and in a time when he was known as a great composer, he started to display some odd tendencies. Those around him thought that his white powdered wigs odd, and some of his mannerisms were less than courtly. He began to write letters to friends describing the desperate situation of his family. Around this time Mozart was seriously ill. Mozart historians believe that he had some type of kidney disease. During his illness, Mozart created 'The Magic Flute'. With this one masterpiece, Mozart was just starting to put his life, and that of his family, back together when his illness took his life. Mozart succumbed to his illness at the age of thirty-five. He was buried in a common grave and the exact location is not known.
| Which composer, fascinated by eastern music, created a style of music named after the French era in painting known as Impressionism? | The History Of Music
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Claude Debussy. Claude Debussy was born in St. Germain-en-Laye on August 22, 1862. Debussy was a remarkable child and began taking piano lessons at a very young age. By the time he was eleven years of age he was enrolled in the Paris Conservatory. He was at the conservatory for ten years and won many prizes and awards. His heart, style and free-minded ideas perplexed his teachers and friends alike. In 1884, he won the Grand Prix de Rome. It was during this time that he fell under the influences of the French Impressionist painters of that era. He believed, that if they could alter pictures and images with color, then he could do the same with music. Debussy applied certain ideas of painting colors into his music. His early works were mostly for voice or piano solos. Claude's most popular piece is titled 'Clair de Lune'. In his piece titled 'L'Apres-midi d'un faune', he applied a tonal sighing and sensual harmonies. Debussy passed away in Paris, France on March 25, 1918.
John Cage. John Cage was born in Los Angeles on September 5, 1912. During his life, Cage created music that consisted of aleatory methods. His work also included electronic music that consisted of radio and computers, and also silence. He studied with Arnold Schoenberg and Edgard Varese during his career, and became famous for his work with a 'prepared piano'. A 'prepared piano' is a concert piano which is used in various ways for the performance of certain pieces by the use of piano strings, bottle caps, paper clips, and other various items. 'Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano' is the perfect example of Cage's techniques. John Cage passed away on August 12, 1992. His innovative contributions to modern music is known world wide.
Giacomo Puccini. Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca on December 22, 1858. Puccini is most famous for his realistic operas, which include 'Tosca' and 'La Boheme', with his most famous being 'Madama Butterfly'. In 'La Boheme' the love duet in Act I is considered the prime example of Puccini's artistic abilities. Puccini passed away in Brussels on November 29, 1924.
Ludwig van Beethoven . Ludwig van Beethoven was born and baptized in Bonn on December 17, 1770. When Beethoven was young, he was forced to learn the piano by his physically abusive father. His father's hope was that his son would be as famous as Mozart. The young Beethoven tried his best to be like Mozart, and to be exactly what his father wanted of him, but Beethoven's own musical talent was showing through. While in concert, Beethoven showed an unusual intensity never before seen or since. Beethoven's first composition was 'Piano Sonata in C minor', which is also known as 'Pathetique'. With this piece, Beethoven's musical voice showed through. In 1800, Beethoven began losing his hearing, and because of this he seriously thought about taking his own life. Eventually, Beethoven overcame his thoughts of suicide, and continued to compose, even if he could not perform. During this time, Beethoven produced music that was never heard before, such as 'Symphony no. 3 in E-flat major', which is also known as 'Eroica'. 'Eroica' was Beethoven's longest piece and was completed in 1804. 'Symphony no. 5 in C minor', is Beethoven's most famous piece, and according to Beethoven historians, they believe that the piece leans towards madness on the famous composer's part. Shortly before his death, Beethoven composed the opera 'Fidelio', which was his only opera and was his idea of universal freedom. After making plans for a tenth symphony, Beethoven fell ill. He contracted a chill, which led to a long, suffering illness. Sadly, before his tenth symphony could be completed, Beethoven passed away on March 26, 1827, in Vienna. Over 10,000 people lined the streets to pay tribute to the most famous composer of the modern world. Without these famous individuals there would never have been Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Sonny and Cher, The Beatles, Alan Jackson, The Monkees, Duran Duran, Ricky Martin, Rick Springfield, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, N Sync, Boyz to Men, and of course, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. When we listen to the music of the artists listed above, we are paying homage to the ones who came before them, the ones who created music. May the history of music live on. All information can be found at www.ipl.org.
| This Greek mythological figure was a muse of epic poetry herself; she gave birth to Orpheus, the most famous god of music. Her name was given to a 43 brass steam-whistle organ invented in the 1850’s whose sound is synonymous with circus. Who is she? | A Time Voyage in Music History
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calliope. The calliope steam organ was invented so that the sound would carry for miles and attracts crowds to the circus.
| Camille Saint-Saens (1835 –1921) was known for his famous “Carnival of the Animals” and yet publicly decried the silly gyrating animal theme of which of his following contemporaries? | A Time Voyage in Music History
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Claude Debussy. Debussy’s “Prelude d’un aprčs-midi d’un faun” (1894) inspired Saint-Saens’ disgust. The style was not his cup of tea. I suppose Bambi doesn’t please everyone. Even though the flute solo is one of the lightest beautiful pieces of the time. Saint-Saens’ style was heavier and more Wagnerian. His carnival was written in 1886.
| This famous English pivotal personality in history was also known for composing such songs as “O Death, Rock Me Asleep” and “Defiled is My Name”. Executed for not producing a male heir to the throne in the Tower of London, who was this competent lute player and composer?
| A Time Voyage in Music History
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Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn (c. 1507 –1536) was Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife, her daughter Elisabeth I was fairly competent as a musician and also supported the arts during her reign.
| Who tried to promote the use of the saxophone newly created and patented by Adolphe Sax in 1846 in France, by using it in his compositions and debating its merits with other composers? | A Time Voyage in Music History
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Hector Berlioz. The acceptance of the saxophone after its creation to bridge the gap between brass, wind and string instruments in orchestration is rather fascinating. As most things in France, it was highly politicised! The Belgian creator Sax was also the bandleader and as there were many instruments invented at that point, there were many rivalries going on between the inventors. Berlioz plugged the sax against Halevy, an important composer of the time. The sarrusophone was one instrument invented that didn’t make it. The composers rolled up their sleeves and got into the battle. Bizet included a saxophone in his famous “Arlesiennes”.
Though the use of the saxophone can certainly be cited in many classical compositions, its true glory is probably in the world of jazz for its impudent voice. “Harlem Nocturne” can only be played by a sax in my opinion. Poulenc (1899 – 1963) was too young to be in on the battle. Gounod (1818 –1893) was most famous for “Mireille”.
| The legendary violinist and composer Nicolo Paganini (1782 – 1840) played throughout Europe. He attracted crowds in his own time like the Beatles or Elvis Presley did in the twentieth century, often playing on one string, or tuning his violin differently. However, a very common story circulated about him, what was it?
| A Time Voyage in Music History
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That he'd signed a pact with the Devil because he played so well.. Paganini actually convinced people he was possessed by the Devil with his performances. Women would fall into a swoon. Recent scholarship has attributed one or two syndromes to him though. One is called Marfan’s syndrome, a genetic disease discovered much later whose symptoms were double joints, heart problems and ocular difficulties. The Pharoah Akhenaten was also said to have this disease! Paganini died in Nice, France. As he had a son with a fellow musician, the family has a web page honouring him and the descendants of the virtuoso.
| This Brazilian composer financed his musical training by selling off his father’s book collection, working in a match factory and travelling around his country, so he had a finger on the pulse of his country’s music. He had a definite preference for the guitar in his compositions as well as Bach. Who was he? | A Time Voyage in Music History
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Heitor Villa-Lobos. Villa-Lobos was self-trained as well as receiving his father’s instruction. He was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1887 and died in 1959. He became friendly with Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Leger and Picasso. He composed music for Segovia never giving up his love for the guitar in his compositions. Segovia was the most famous Spanish guitarist of his day and died only recently in 1987 in Madrid. Carlos Jobim is one of the popular Brazilian musicians influenced by Villa-Lobos.
| The custom of the castrati, or boy singers castrated to keep their high voices, was practiced throughout history, the heyday was from 1600-1750. At one point 70 percent of the operatic singers were castrati. Some of them achieved great fame and had influence over people. People even wore medallions of them. Who was perhaps the most famous castrati soprano of his time in the 18th century? | A Time Voyage in Music History
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Farinelli. Farinelli aka Carlo Broschi (Naples 1705-Bologna, 1782) was one of the most famous castrati. He would perform musical challenges with his voice and the trumpeter for example. The most often cited reasons for this practice are that the religious authorities didn’t wish women on stage and that a male soprano or alto had the pure high voice and the lung capacity and power of a man. Many poor families had this done to their sons in order to ensure them a future. Velluti died in 1861 another famous castrato. Moreschi was perhaps the last one who died in 1922. Senismo was Hayden’s singer and they were said to have legendary battles. The castrati were the androgynous stars like Michael Jackson and Prince of their day. People wore medallions of them around their necks.
Cremona. Antonio Stradivario was born in Cremona in 1644 and died there in 1737. The best Stradivarius violins are said to be created from 1700 to 1725.
| A very intriguing figure in the music world of the nineteenth century, this lady bore the maiden name of Liszt, from her father Franz Liszt’s affair with her mother the Comtesse d’Agoult who wrote under a male pseudonym. (Liszt had already had an affair with George Sand so perhaps this was his penchant). Then she was married off to the Baron Hans Von Bulow, a fervent admirer of Wagner like her father. Unfortunately, she also admired Wagner and gave her husband a child named, “Isolde” and then Siegfried. She divorced Von Bulow and married Wagner and after his death in 1883, became a music widow, keeping up the shrine to his memory at Bayreuth and receiving the crowds of his admirers.
What was her name?
| A Time Voyage in Music History
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Cosima. Cosima was born in Como in Italy in 1837 and died in Bayreuth in 1930. Hans von Bulow was quite the gentleman about the whole love triangle and continued to support Wagner whose genius he admired despite the loss of his wife.
| This composer born in Poland in 1810 of a French father and Polish mother had a stormy love affair with the famous writer George Sand until shortly before his death in 1849. The painter Eugene Delacroix, another member of Sand’s intimate circle painted them side-by-side. Then the canvas was separated when they parted. He died of TB. He was a true romantic with his nocturnes, often borrowing from Polish folkloric music. Who was he? | A Time Voyage in Music History
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Frederic Chopin. Chopin often stayed at Sand’s manor in Nohant in the center of France. Liszt was Hungarian.
| Which composer was known as a teacher, mentor, and leader of the Russian Five? | Music History 101
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Balakirev. The Russian Five were also known as Big 5, Mighty Handful, and Mighty Fist. The five were: Balakirev, Borodin, Cui, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov.
| Who was the chemistry student/chemist of the Russian Five, and among the first to advocate the admission of women to the medical profession in Russia? | Music History 101
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Borodin. Balakirev was a composer and teacher/mentor; Cui was an army engineer and self-taught composer; and Mussorgsky was a civil servant.
| A military officer and civil servant, this composer of the Russian Five was known to be very 'modest'. Which composer is it? | Music History 101
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Mussorgsky. Borodin was a chemist and Rimsky-Korsakov was a Naval Officer. As for Liszt, he was not a member of the Russian Five. He was Hungarian, not Russian.
| This Czecholovakian Nationalist was known as the 'Father of Czechoslovakian Opera' and wrote 8 operas, including 'The Bartered Bride'. Which composer was it? | Music History 101
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Smetana. Dvorak was hired as a violinist in the opera orchestra at the Provisional Theater under Smetana's direction.
| Whose exposure to music was restricted to Russian folk songs until he heard operas and Haydn and Mozart symphonies? | Music History 101
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Glinka. Mikhail Glinka's exposure to music was restricted to Russian folk songs until 1810.
| Who was a piano player as well as Norway's most important nationalist-Romantic composer? | Music History 101
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Grieg. Grieg's mother, who was an excellent amateur pianist, gave him his first music lessons.
| This Austrian composer was a great symphonist who wrote 9 symphonies. Which composer was it? | Music History 101
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Bruckner. In 1867, Bruckner suffered a nervous breakdown. He spent the last years of his life in Vienna, which in those days was "THE" place to be if you were a musician/composer.
| This Italian conservative composer of opera had others to write his libretti. Which composer was it? | Music History 101
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Verdi. Between 1842 and 1849 Verdi wrote 11 operas, all dealing with heroism.
Copland. Copland wrote a series of ballets. He wrote "Appalachian Spring" in 1943-44 for Martha Graham.
Carl Orff. The first song in "Carmina Burana", "Oh, Fortuna", has been used in many movies/films as well as background music in commercials for some movies/films. Examples: commercial - "Young Hercules" (movie version with Ian Bohen) and movie/film - "The General's Daughter" and "Excaliber".
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