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 torture re-interpretation like this!
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!
Jones was a lot of fun. His version of Cocktails For Two is a comedy classic.
Long 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…
Spike Jones' Grandson, (on his 'daughter's side) PDQ Bach was the same kind of musical genius.
I 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.)
Also, 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!