Continuous Quiz: High Brow

[neilmac]

As no-one has picked up the baton.....

Who founded the Madrasa-e-Alihah in Calcutta in 1780, with the aim of teaching Persian and Arabic to Muslim students? He is more famous for the unfortunate way in which his career ended.

[davidmfay]

Alas poor nelson i knew him horatio?

[neilmac]

Afraid not

Clue - he was impeached.....

[davidmfay]

Thanks neil for the clue and a go at the repechage ... Its therefore warren hastings

[davidmfay]

Hope it's not being cheeky but on the strong assumption that Mr Hastings was indeed the gentleman in question let's press on:

His assumed name in the original Italian version of a Verdi opera is Signor Fontana. In German language versions he is Meister Bach. By what English name is this character better known to opera and theatre audiences?

[neilmac]

Hastings is correct (could have sworn I posted!)

Not sure about the opera question. Usually characters in Italian opera have the same name in English as they do in Italian....

[davidmfay]

This guy's name doesn't vary but the assumed name he adopts in the opera can do depending on whether it's performed in Italian or German (clear as mud!). But anyway it is his actual name that I seek. And he is known to theatre buffs as well as opera-goers.

[neilmac]

Is it the Masked Ball?

[Ambassador]

Verdi - suggests one of his Shakespearian adaptations. I'm pretty sure that Falstaff adopts a disguise to visit Mistress Ford. So this could be Sir John

[davidmfay]

Neil - it's not the Masked Ball I'm afraid. Andy is right about the Bardic connection but it's not the rotund Sir John ... very close though