Vive La France Trivia

  1. Which two composers from tonight’s concert were at the Paris Conservatory at the same time?
  • Louise Farrenc
  • Joseph Bologne
  • Camille Saint-Saens

*** Louise Farrenc was hired at conservatory as a professor when Saint Saens was also studying at the conservatory as a child. In 1842, Louise Farrenc became the only woman appointed as a professor at the Paris Conservatory – and this was the ONLY appointment of a woman for the entire 19th century.

  1. Which composer from tonight’s program fought for equal pay and won?
  • Louise Farrenc
  • Joseph Bologne
  • Camille Saint-Saens

*** While in her 30 years as a professor at the conservatory, she was paid far less than her male counterparts, and spent almost a decade protesting and fighting for equality, and it was finally granted to her (after a successful premiere of her nonet).

  1. Which one is incorrect? In addition to being a composer, Joseph Bologne was also:
  • an accomplished violinist
  • a highly sought after chef
  • “the best swordsman in Europe”
  1. Composer Joseph Bologne’s title was “Chevalier de Saint Georges.” Chevalier is the word for:
  • knight
  • Swordsman
  • car
  1. US President John Adams called him:
  • “the world’s best composer”
  • “the most accomplished man in Europe”
  • “An untalented violinist ;)”
  1. Camille Saint Saens was a child prodigy. After a piano recital at age 10, he offered to play any:
  • Florence Price piano pieces as an encore from memory
  • Beethoven piano sonata as an encore from memory
  • Chopin noctures as an encore from memory

***trick question – Florence Price wasn’t alive yet 😉

  1. Which one is incorrect? Composer Camille Saint Saens:
  • spoke multiple languages
  • was a serious author
  • was also a great swordsman

*Correct answers are in bold

Support National Philharmonic

National Philharmonic relies on the generosity of its donors to continue bringing you the music. Your contribution is critical to our continued success.

Give Now