|
 Here
is a puzzle for you.
The
reason that it appears in my column (and not elsewhere in
the magazine) is that we feel that you should be able to
solve it linguistically, rather than encyclopaedically. We
believe, in fact, that using the clues we offer you ought
to be able to save yourself recourse to the library — at
least, perhaps, until the very end. See how many you can
work out without reference books.
The
essence of your Music Dabblers challenge is as follows.
Each of
the dozen famous people listed used to occupy him/herself by performing
music as a hobby. Though all were non-professional musicians, it is true
to say that, in musical circles at least, one is remembered almost as much
for his musical ability as for his more usual activities.
The
solution is a series of instruments, each of which was played for
relaxation by the person in question. The instrument we have selected for
each, however, is not necessarily the one usually associated with the
person.
As well
as the names of the historical personages, we give you assistance in
several ways:
To
get you started, we have scattered the thirteen letters that make up the
puzzle’s title throughout the boxes where the solution is to be entered.
Secondly,
it will help to know that three of the instruments are bowed, four blown
and three strummed/plucked.
Thirdly,
we have provided a distribution table of all 76 letters, which will
gradually assist you in eliminating certain choices.
Finally,
when you have completed the solution you will be able to read in the
central column (shown by the arrow) a two-word phrase describing the
fruits of such music dabbling. What’s more, this phrase is an anagram of
mutant sea roe.
Owing to
Bikwil’s celebrated lack of success in achieving profitability, our
editor has forbidden me to offer any prizes.
Music Dabblers
| 1 |
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D |
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| 2 |
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M |
B |
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| 3 |
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R |
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A |
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| 4 |
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E |
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| 5 |
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| 6 |
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U |
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| 7 |
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| 8 |
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I |
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| 9 |
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| 10 |
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L |
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| 11 |
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C |
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| 12 |
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B |
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S |
S |
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1 Hermann Goering
2 Benito Mussolini
3 Robert Baden-Powell
4 Frederick the Great
5 Mary, Queen of Scots
6 James II (Great Britain) |
7 Nero
8 Albert Einstein
9 Vincent van Gogh
10 Samuel Pepys
11 Bonnie Prince Charlie
12 Laurence Sterne |
Distribution of letters (including the 13 provided)
|
A 7 |
E 7 |
I 7 |
M 1 |
Q 0 |
U 3 |
Y 1 |
|
B 2 |
J 0 |
J 0 |
N 5 |
R 5 |
V 2 |
Z 0 |
|
C 4 |
G 2 |
K 0 |
O 10 |
S 2 |
W 0 |
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D 1 |
H 0 |
L 9 |
P 1 |
T 5 |
X 0 |
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