This video clip (or, rather, a link to it) was sent in by one of my readers, who wishes to remain anonymous - presumably for fear of the composer's revenge! It's the legendary Spike Jones and his orchestra, playing what's described as a "Tchaikovsky medley". I bet the even more legendary Russian never even dreamed that his music would be subjected to
Oh, well . . .
There are many Spike Jones videos on YouTube, where his musical and comic genius shines through. Great fun, if you're in the mood for some really light (and light-hearted) music. Here, for example, is a not-quite-performance of the Poet and Peasant Overture by Franz von Suppé.
Peter
Very talented musicians and great showmen beneath all that silliness. I love the suits!
ReplyDeleteJones was a lot of fun. His version of Cocktails For Two is a comedy classic.
ReplyDeleteLong ago, Grandma gave me an LP of Spike Jones tunes and I asked a friend to dub it to cassette for me. Evidently he was NOT ready for it and did it all in one (or two) go(es). Next I saw him, he gave me the LP, the cassette, and instructions to NEVER put him through that again. I had no problem listening to the tape beginning to end in one go...
ReplyDeleteSpike Jones' Grandson, (on his 'daughter's side) PDQ Bach was the same kind of musical genius.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with Spike. Be sure to look up something titled what sounds like Beetlebomb, which I think is actually (maybe) Beetlebaum. (It's a horse race.)
ReplyDeleteAlso, check out Brother Dave Gardner. One of my favorites is Daniel In The Lions Den, which is not listed, but it's one one of his albums.
Takes a lot of talent and inspiration to make that silliness work!
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