Final Two Facts

Who composed (wrote) Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5?

• Heitor Villa-Lobos
• Claudio Santoro

• Carlos Gomes

• Francisco Mignone

Answer explanation

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887–1959) composed Bachianas!

He is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil composer and known for mixing elements of music of Brazil with European classical music.

The other choice options are also composers from Brazil!

Heitor Villa-Lobos is from _____ (country) which is part of the _____ _______ (continent) part of our bracket.

Answer explanation

Heitor Villa-Lobos is from Brazil which is in South America. He was born in Rio de Janeiro and served as the director of music education in São Paolo.

What nickname was given to Mahler's Sixth Symphony?

• Tragic Symphony
• Sad Symphony
• Melancholic Symphony
• Gloomy Symphony

Answer explanation

Mahler's Sixth Symphony is nicknamed the "Tragic" Symphony or "Tragische" in German.

The origins of the nickname are not entirely known.

What country is Mahler from?

• Germany
• Austria
• Switzerland
• France

Answer explanation

Mahler was born in Austria.

He also worked in Hamburg, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; and New York.

Which famous composer inspired Villa-Lobos to create the "Bachianas Brasileiras" series?

• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Frederic Chopin
• Ludwig van Beethoven
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Answer explanation

The nine Bachianas Brasileiras are a combination of Brazilian folk music and the style of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Bach was known for "contrapuntal" music which Heitor Villa-Lobos incorporates into his piece.

What was the first instrument Heitor Villa-Lobos played?

• violin
• flute
• trumpet
• cello

Answer explanation

Heitor Villa-Lobos started playing cello at the age of six!

What was Mahler's primary instrument?

• piano
• flute
• trumpet
• violin

Answer explanation

Mahler learned how to play piano at six years old! He gave his first public performance at ten years old.

What was Gustav Mahler's profession besides composing music?

• Conductor
• Pianist

• Chemist

• Architect

Answer explanation

Along with composing, Mahler was a well renowned conductor and served as the music director for the New York Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and Vienna Opera.

Mahler identified as...?

• Jewish

• German

• Austrian

• Bohemian

• Czech

Answer explanation

Mahler identified as Jewish, Austrian, and Bohemian. He faced anti-semitism in Austria and Germany and was forced to convert to Catholicism in order to hold a position at the Vienna Opera.

“I am condemned to homelessness thrice over: as a Bohemian among Austrians, as an Austrian among Germans, and as a Jew throughout the world.” -Mahler

What instruments were the nine Bachianas Brasileiras originally written for?

• 1 soprano (singer) and 8 cellos

• flute and bassoon

• piano and orchestra

• string orchestra

• All of these!

Answer explanation

The nine Bachianas Brasileiras were written for a variety of ensembles including flute & bassoon, 8 cellos & 1 soprano, piano & orchestra, and piano with orchestra.

They show Heitor Villa-Lobos versatility and abilities as a composer.