Random Questions

2010 ACF Nationals - Packet by Editor Tiebreak 1 - #10 [report this tossup]
One of them features a series of verses rising in vehemence and is commonly named for "the People," while another is a somber piece in E minor known as the "Funeral March." They also include a piece in E major named "Berceuse" and a work in G major titled "May Breezes," that should not be confused with a work in A major that celebrates "Spring." The last two sets of these short works were the composer's Opuses 85 and 102, respectively, while the second of them, Opus 30, was dedicated to the composer's sister, Fanny. Ultimately comprising 8 books, the more oft played pieces include the Duetto and the three Venetian Boat Songs. For 10 points, name this series of 48 works for the piano that do not feature lyrics, and were composed by Felix Mendelssohn.
Answer: Songs Without Words or Lieder Ohne Worte

2007 ACF Regionals - Packet by Carleton College - #8 [report this tossup]
This thinker discusses artistic portraits, Stendhal, and a "Psychology of the Interesting Man" in his On Love: Aspects of a Single Theme, and he authored the collection The Mission of the University. A book by David Muga reconsiders this man's hypothesis holding that "experimental science has progressed thanks in large part to the work of men astoundingly mediocre." That formulation was put forth in a book with chapters entitled "The Primitive and the Technical," "The Height of the Times," and "The Barbarism of Specialization." The author of The Dehumanization of Art, FTP, name this 20th century philosopher who wrote Invertebrate Spain and The Revolt of the Masses.
Answer: José Ortega y Gasset

2003 ACF Regionals - Packet by Illinois - #4 [report this tossup]
The first European to see it was Etienne Brule in 1622. This lake receives about 200 rivers, including the Nipigon from the north and the St. Louis from the west, but no large ones from the south. Principal islands include St. Ignace, the Apostle Islands, and Isle Royale; and prominent harbors on it include Thunder Bay and Duluth, Minnesota. FTP, name this largest of the Great Lakes.
Answer: Lake Superior