Last week we lost a giant of comedy musical theater. Mathematician and entertainer Tom Lehrer died at the age of 97. His obituary (at the previous link) provides many details of his long and varied life; you can read more here (including that he invented the Jello shot, which is neither musical nor mathematical, but is certainly entertaining!).
I'm sure most of my readers have their own favorite Lehrer tunes. I've selected a few at random to entertain us, and introduce those who (inexplicably) have never heard of him to his music. We'll start with my favorite.
At the time of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960's, here's Lehrer's attempt to modernize Church music.
To satisfy wearers of the green, here's his take on an Irish ballad.
And, last but not least, here's an ode to pain (sort of).
Tom Lehrer's mix of talents was perhaps unique in musical history. God rest him.
Peter
A unique talent with a remarkable intellect, Tom Lehrer will live on with his songs. It would be fun to find one of his former students and get some comments as he was more proud of his teaching than his performances.
ReplyDeleteI loaned the sheet music for "I Hold Your Hand in Mine" to an acquaintance. IIRC, he attended the annual soiree of the Harmony Singing Society wherein he sang and danced while holding a (presumably fake) bloody hand to his cheek. He's a psychiatrist.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Tom also do a tune called "National Brotherhood Week"? Frikkin' hilarious...
ReplyDeleteYes to all your choices but I Hold Your Hand In Mine was an early favorite. My first Tom Lehrer record was a big 10 incher.
ReplyDeleteI tried to learn the Periodic Table from his Element Song. IIRC he only missed a few.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed, before his death, he freed his music. They are all now copyright free and in the Public Domain for any use.
ReplyDeleteI remember him best every 4 years lambasting both dem's and repubicans in song. But the Irish lass was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Lobochevsky! And the I'll hold your hand...
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