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Simon Mayr played a crucial role in Donizetti's early education, including securing his scholarship to the Lezioni Caritatevoli school and his place at the Bologna Academy.
Answer: True
Simon Mayr was instrumental in Donizetti's early musical development, enrolling him with a full scholarship in the Lezioni Caritatevoli school and securing his place at the Bologna Academy.
Donizetti's first opera, *Il Pigmalione*, was a two-act historical drama that premiered successfully during his lifetime.
Answer: False
*Il Pigmalione* was a one-act comedy, not a two-act historical drama, and it may never have been performed during Donizetti's lifetime.
Donizetti's family had a strong musical tradition, with his father being a renowned musician.
Answer: False
Donizetti's family was very poor and had no musical tradition; his father was the caretaker of a pawnshop.
Simon Mayr initially had concerns about Donizetti's singing voice but recognized his exceptional musical progress, advocating for his continued studies.
Answer: True
Simon Mayr initially had concerns about Donizetti's 'difetto di gola' (throat defect) but quickly noted his superior musical progress and intervened to ensure his continued studies.
Despite Donizetti's behavioral issues as a teenager, Simon Mayr continued to support his studies by securing scholarships and providing recommendations for Bologna.
Answer: True
Despite Donizetti's reputation for misbehavior as a teenager, Simon Mayr continued to advocate for him, securing scholarships and providing recommendations for further study in Bologna.
Donizetti's early operatic compositions in Bologna, such as *Il pigmalione*, were immediately recognized as mature and groundbreaking works.
Answer: False
Donizetti's initial operatic exercises in Bologna, including *Il pigmalione*, were described as merely suggesting the work of a student, not mature or groundbreaking.
The premiere of Donizetti's *Enrico di Borgogna* was a smooth success, largely due to the enthusiastic audience and the lead soprano's flawless performance.
Answer: False
The premiere of *Enrico di Borgogna* faced challenges, including the audience's greater interest in the re-decorated opera house and the last-minute withdrawal of the lead soprano due to stage fright.
What was the name of the school Simon Mayr established in 1805 where Donizetti received a full scholarship?
Answer: Lezioni Caritatevoli school
Simon Mayr established the Lezioni Caritatevoli school in 1805, where Donizetti received a full scholarship for his musical training.
At what age was Gaetano Donizetti accepted into Simon Mayr's Lezioni Caritatevoli school?
Answer: Nine
Gaetano Donizetti was accepted into Simon Mayr's Lezioni Caritatevoli school in 1807, at the age of nine.
What was the 'difetto di gola' concern about Donizetti during his first months at Mayr's school?
Answer: A throat defect suggesting he was not successful as a choirboy.
During his first months at Mayr's school, there was concern about a 'difetto di gola' (a throat defect), which suggested he was not particularly successful as a choirboy.
Who was Bartolomeo Merelli in relation to Donizetti's first opera presentation, *Enrico di Borgogna*?
Answer: An old school friend who offered him a libretto.
Bartolomeo Merelli was an old school friend of Donizetti who offered him the libretto for *Enrico di Borgogna*, leading to its presentation.
Donizetti's long residency in Naples began in 1822 and saw the presentation of exactly 70 of his operas in the city.
Answer: False
Donizetti's residency in Naples began in 1822, but only 51 of his operas were presented in the city, not 70.
Before 1830, Donizetti's serious operas consistently outperformed his comic operas in terms of audience reception.
Answer: False
Before 1830, Donizetti's success primarily stemmed from his comic operas, while his serious operas generally failed to attract significant audiences.
Critics noted Donizetti's early work *La lettera anonima* for its focus on dramatic essence over mechanical musical formulas.
Answer: True
Critics indeed recognized Donizetti's concern with the dramatic essence of opera rather than mechanical musical formulas in *La lettera anonima*.
*L'ajo nell'imbarazzo* was Donizetti's first lasting success, attributed to his strong sense of stage effectiveness and ability to utilize good librettos.
Answer: True
*L'ajo nell'imbarazzo* was Donizetti's first truly lasting success, attributed to his ability to effectively utilize a good libretto and his strong sense of stage effectiveness.
Around 1827-1828, Donizetti began a significant collaboration with librettist Domenico Gilardoni and was appointed Director of the Royal Theatres of Naples.
Answer: True
Around 1827-1828, Donizetti began a fruitful collaboration with Domenico Gilardoni and was appointed Director of the Royal Theatres of Naples, commencing in 1829.
*Anna Bolena* was a comic opera that brought Donizetti his first international success, solidifying his reputation primarily in comedic works.
Answer: False
*Anna Bolena* was an *opera seria* (serious opera) that brought Donizetti international success and shifted his reputation towards serious works, rather than solidifying it in comedic works.
Donizetti's residency in Naples began in 1822 after an offer from which impresario?
Answer: Domenico Barbaja
Donizetti's residency in Naples commenced in 1822 following an offer from Domenico Barbaja, the impresario of the Teatro di San Carlo.
Which opera marked a major shift in Donizetti's career, establishing his international fame as a composer of serious opera in 1830?
Answer: *Anna Bolena*
*Anna Bolena*, premiered in 1830, brought Donizetti his first acclaimed international success and solidified his reputation as a composer of serious opera.
Which of Donizetti's operas, an *opera buffa*, marked his first truly lasting success, premiering with wild enthusiasm in 1824?
Answer: *L'ajo nell'imbarazzo*
*L'ajo nell'imbarazzo*, an *opera buffa*, premiered with wild enthusiasm in 1824 and is considered Donizetti's first truly lasting success.
What significant professional role did Donizetti assume in Naples starting in 1829?
Answer: Director of the Royal Theatres of Naples.
Donizetti was appointed Director of the Royal Theatres of Naples, a role he assumed starting in 1829.
Donizetti sought to work in Paris from 1836 onwards primarily due to the more relaxed censorship laws in Italy.
Answer: False
Donizetti sought opportunities in Paris due to the prospect of greater artistic freedom, larger fees, and increased prestige, as he chafed against censorship limitations in Italy.
Donizetti became the 'sole reigning genius of Italian opera' after 1835 due to the retirements of Rossini and Bellini, and a European interest in Scottish culture.
Answer: True
After 1835, Donizetti indeed rose to become the 'sole reigning genius of Italian opera' due to Rossini's retirement, Bellini's death, and a widespread European interest in Scottish history and culture, which was utilized in *Lucia di Lammermoor*.
The 'Three Donizetti Queens' series focused on 18th-century French monarchs, including *Maria Stuarda* and *Roberto Devereux*.
Answer: False
The 'Three Donizetti Queens' series focused on the Tudor period of 16th-century English history, not 18th-century French monarchs, and included *Maria Stuarda* and *Roberto Devereux*.
Donizetti moved permanently to Paris in 1838 after the King of Naples banned his opera *Poliuto* due to its sacred subject matter.
Answer: True
Donizetti moved to Paris in October 1838 after the King of Naples banned *Poliuto* due to its sacred subject, prompting Donizetti to seek greater artistic freedom elsewhere.
Donizetti adapted *Poliuto* into *Les Martyrs* for the Paris Opéra, making it his first grand opera in the French tradition.
Answer: True
Donizetti revised *Poliuto* into *Les Martyrs* for the Paris Opéra, which indeed became his first grand opera in the French tradition.
In 1842, Donizetti met Rossini in Bologna, who criticized his conducting of *Stabat Mater*, leading to a professional rift.
Answer: False
In 1842, Donizetti met Rossini in Bologna, but Rossini praised his conducting of *Stabat Mater*, stating he was 'the only maestro in Italy capable of conducting my *Stabat* as I would have it,' indicating professional respect, not a rift.
The comic opera *Don Pasquale* was a critical failure upon its premiere in Paris in 1843, receiving lukewarm reviews.
Answer: False
*Don Pasquale* was an overwhelming success upon its premiere in Paris in 1843, receiving highly enthusiastic reviews.
What was the primary reason Donizetti became interested in working in Paris from about 1836?
Answer: To gain greater artistic freedom, larger fees, and more prestige.
Donizetti sought opportunities in Paris primarily to gain greater artistic freedom, secure larger fees, and achieve more prestige, as he felt constrained by censorship in Italy.
Which of the following was NOT a factor contributing to Donizetti's rise as the leading Italian opera composer after 1835?
Answer: His exclusive focus on comic operas.
Donizetti's rise after 1835 was due to Rossini's retirement, Bellini's death, and interest in Scottish history. He did not exclusively focus on comic operas; *Anna Bolena* and *Lucia di Lammermoor* were serious operas.
The 'Three Donizetti Queens' series of operas primarily focused on which historical period and region?
Answer: 16th-century English Tudor period
The 'Three Donizetti Queens' series focused on the Tudor period of 16th-century English history.
Donizetti's opera *Poliuto* was adapted into which successful grand opera for the Paris Opéra?
Answer: *Les Martyrs*
Donizetti adapted his opera *Poliuto* into *Les Martyrs* for the Paris Opéra, which became a successful grand opera in the French tradition.
In March 1842, Donizetti met Rossini for the first time while conducting the premiere of which of Rossini's works?
Answer: *Stabat Mater*
Donizetti met Rossini for the first time in March 1842 while conducting the premiere of Rossini's *Stabat Mater* in Bologna.
Which critic proclaimed *Don Pasquale* had 'a more clamorous success' than any other opera composed for the *Théâtre-Italien*?
Answer: Étienne-Jean Delécluze
Étienne-Jean Delécluze, a prominent critic, proclaimed the overwhelming success of *Don Pasquale*.
Donizetti's final illness, which began around 1843, was diagnosed as a severe form of influenza that led to his death in 1848.
Answer: False
Donizetti's final illness, which began around 1843, was diagnosed as neurosyphilis, a neurological complication of syphilis, which led to his mental derangement and death in 1848.
By 1843, Donizetti's intense work ethic was likely driven by an awareness of his declining health and a desire to compose as much as possible.
Answer: True
Musicologist William Ashbrook suggested that Donizetti's intense preoccupation with work during this period indicated his awareness of his declining health and a desire to compose as much as possible.
The opera *Caterina Cornaro* was a success in Naples in 1844, largely due to Donizetti's direct supervision of the staging.
Answer: False
*Caterina Cornaro* was a failure in Naples in 1844, primarily due to Donizetti's absence, which prevented him from overseeing the staging, a key strength of his.
During his last visit to Vienna (1844-1845), Donizetti's friends noted his improved physical and mental state, indicating a recovery.
Answer: False
During his last visit to Vienna (1844-1845), Donizetti's friends observed an alarming deterioration in his physical and mental state, with periods of depression and impaired concentration.
In August 1845, doctors diagnosed Donizetti with a severe respiratory illness and recommended a change of climate to a colder region.
Answer: False
In August 1845, Donizetti was diagnosed with cerebro-spinal syphilis and severe mental illness, and doctors recommended the Italian climate (warmer) and that he abandon work.
Donizetti was institutionalized in February 1846 after his nephew Andrea agreed, under the pretense that Donizetti was traveling for a contract.
Answer: True
Donizetti was institutionalized in February 1846, with his nephew Andrea's consent, under the deception that he was traveling to fulfill a contract.
Donizetti's return to Bergamo from institutional confinement was facilitated by his nephew and brother, despite conflicting medical opinions and police interference.
Answer: True
Donizetti's nephew Andrea, with the support of his brother Giuseppe, secured permission for his return to Bergamo from Paris, overcoming medical and police obstacles.
What was the ultimate cause of Donizetti's death in April 1848?
Answer: Neurosyphilis, leading to mental derangement
Donizetti died in April 1848 in a state of mental derangement due to neurosyphilis, a neurological complication of syphilis.
What was the primary reason for the failure of Donizetti's opera *Caterina Cornaro* in Naples in January 1844?
Answer: Donizetti's absence, preventing him from overseeing the staging.
The failure of *Caterina Cornaro* was primarily attributed to Donizetti's absence, which meant he could not oversee the staging, a crucial aspect of his operatic productions.
What was Donizetti's diagnosis in August 1845, which led doctors to recommend he abandon work?
Answer: Cerebro-spinal syphilis and severe mental illness.
In August 1845, Donizetti was diagnosed with cerebro-spinal syphilis and severe mental illness, leading doctors to recommend he cease all work.
Where was Donizetti taken for institutionalization in February 1846, under the guise of a 'comfortable inn'?
Answer: Maison Esquirol in Ivry-sur-Seine, Paris.
Donizetti was taken to Maison Esquirol in Ivry-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, for institutionalization in February 1846.
Domenico Gaetano Maria Donizetti was an Italian Romantic composer primarily known for his symphonies and chamber music, rather than operas.
Answer: False
Donizetti is primarily known for his nearly 70 operas and was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. While he did compose other forms, operas were his main contribution.
*Lucia di Lammermoor* and *Roberto Devereux* are examples of Donizetti's successful historical dramas composed after 1830.
Answer: True
*Lucia di Lammermoor* (1835) and *Roberto Devereux* (1837) are indeed listed among Donizetti's successful historical dramas composed after 1830.
Which of the following composers was NOT a leading figure of the bel canto opera style alongside Donizetti?
Answer: Giuseppe Verdi
The bel canto opera style was primarily led by Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, and Domenico Gaetano Maria Donizetti. Giuseppe Verdi represents a later development in Italian opera.
Which of the following is NOT listed among Donizetti's most well-known operas today?
Answer: *La traviata*
*La traviata* is a famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi, not Donizetti. The other listed operas are among Donizetti's most well-known works.
Giuseppe Verdi expressed his profound trust in Donizetti's conducting abilities after Donizetti led the first production of Verdi's *Ernani* in Vienna.
Answer: True
Giuseppe Verdi sent Donizetti a very warm letter, entrusting the production of *Ernani* to his care, demonstrating profound trust in his conducting abilities.
What tragic personal events marked Donizetti's marriage to Virginia Vasselli?
Answer: All three of their children died, and Virginia herself died in 1837.
Donizetti's marriage to Virginia Vasselli was marked by the tragic deaths of all three of their children, followed by Virginia's own death in 1837.
What was the professional role of Donizetti's elder brother, Giuseppe Donizetti?
Answer: Instructor General of the Imperial Ottoman Music.
Giuseppe Donizetti, Gaetano's elder brother, served as the Instructor General of the Imperial Ottoman Music at the court of Sultan Mahmud II.
No questions are available for this topic.