From: bml@netcom.com (Brian Leibowitz)
Subject: Classical(was: Wendy Carlos (was Re: Weird Al albums))
Keywords: classical
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1992 21:42:25 GMT

I've always been fond of classical and the parodies.

One of my favorites is Hoffnumg (1925-1959).  He used to hold concerts
at the Royal Festival Hall in London of classical parodies.
Two were recorded -
Hoffnung Music Festival Concert - Nov. 13, 1956 - Angel 35500
Hoffnung Interplanetary Music Festival - Nov. 21&22, 1958 - Angel 35800
another concert was help after his death-
Hoffnung Astronautical Music Festival - Nov. 28, 1961 - Angel 35828
and the more recent:
Hoffnum Festival of Music - February 1988 - London 425 401-2 (CD)

(Malcome Arnold and Donold Swann were involved in these concerts.)
The material tends to be a bit more subtle than P.D.Q. Bach,  It is
written for a concert going audiance.  Although some cuts are just
as silly - Concerto for Hosepipe and Strings. (hosepipe is a garden hose)
There is a Chopin Mazurka arranged for Tuba Quartet.  An opera "Horrortorio"
which is a monster story.  Or the aria from the comic opera "The barber
of Darmstadt"
in german with lyrics like:
Wer war die Dame            Who was that dame I saw you with
mit welcher ich Sie         with whom I you
gestern gesehen habe?       yesterday have seen?

Das war keine Dame          That was no dame
Das war                     That was
meine Frau                  my wife

Wer war die Dame            Who was that dame I saw you with
mit welcher ich Sie         with whom I you
gestern gesehen habe?       yesterday have seen?
 
Das war keine Dame          That was no dame
Das war meine Bruder        That was my brother
in dieser Weise             He walks in this manner


Or one of my favorites is the version of Handle's "Surprise" symphony
with lots of additional surprises added (including children climbing out
of the piano.)  This is arranged by Donald Swann (of Flanders and Swann)

- - - - - - - 
Hoffnung was also a cartoonist and many of his cartoons were of music
jokes


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Other classical music comedians include:
Victor Borge
Beyond the Fringe - "Two Songs" first is Little miss muffet a la B. Britten
Crossfires (pre-turtles group)-"Silver Bullet" surf version of Will. Tell Ov.
Spike Jones - of course
Chico Marx - "noodling around" mixes classical and pop tunes
Mr. T Experiance - "Surfin Mozart" - hardcore Mozart
Roto Router Good Time Christmas Band - Hungarian Dance #5"-the guys who do
                                       the good Doctor's opening theme
                                       "Pico & Sepulveda"
Star Spangled Washboard Band - "Freedom March(9th Nervous breakdown)"
                              bizzare bluegrass Beethoven!

The oldest classical dementia I have found is "Operatic Nightmare" by Arndt
on an old 78 that is probably from the 20s.

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Any other Classical novelty fans out there that care to comment about
their favorites?

Batty Brian                        I jest to Oberon and make him smile-Will.S.

PS maybe next year I'll drag out my novelty jazz stuff.
Newsgroups: rec.music.dementia