Mr. Grew, might not puzzle 24 be Beethoven's quartet for two violins, viola and violoncello op. 131 (first movement)?
We regret to inform Mr. Martle that his suggestion is not correct on this occasion but encourage him to keep trying!
Could I most respectfully point out to our Esteemed Quiz Adjudicator Mr. Grew that Madame Antheil's replies 217 and 225 were, in fact, answers to the Puzzle No. 25 set by Mr. Inquisitor (Lalo and Mendelsshon) and were therefore not off topic at all. I think Madame Antheil should only be docked -40 points for being incorrect not -150 points.
We thank the lady for her submission, and after reading it have
amended the Rules to clarify the distinction between an "attempted answer" and an "off-topic reply." An attempted solution from now on
must contain both the name of a composer and the unambiguous identification of one work. But the lady was not to know that at the time of her contribution, and so we intend to adjust her points as suggested - the adjustment will - with luck - appear in the next set of statistics.
Members may be interested to note that we have also introduced a new - sixth - message type: the "joker message" (first proposed by Mr. Thompson we think), the opportunity to submit one of which will be awarded to each Member successfully identifying a snatch. It may contain expressions of triumph and joy, or photographs, or anything at all really - even an acknowledgement such as one prominent participant has already posted that his success was due to guess-work. Such a Member however he arrived at a correct response will have earned the right to be "off topic" once at least we consider.
