A friend recently mentioned how much they were looking forward to hearing pianist Simon Trpčeski perform the “Rach Paganini” with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. I knew immediately what they meant. 

Have you had this experience? Recognizing a composition by its nickname alone? If I say “Eroica” do you immediately think Beethoven’s Third Symphony?  How about “Hebrides”?  Did you recognize that as a famous overture by Mendelssohn?  

Have fun in this puzzle matching the nickname to the composer and the composer to the nickname. Some are a snap – like “L’Adieu” if you are a fan of Chopin. But who in the world has a symphony nicknamed “The Bear”?  Enjoy finding out. 

And that “Rach Paganini” by the way…exhilarating. Bravo tutti.

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