Ludwig

The concert last night was fabulous! We even went to the pre-conceret recital, which was on period instruments, a cello, a lute, and a harpsichord. They performed two pieces. The first was a Couperin piece (composed in 1716) for harpsichord only, and the second was the Geminiani Cello Sonata in A minor (1746) for the three instruments. They were quite enjoyable.

This was followed by the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra program. The first piece was Mozart’s Overture to Le Nooze de Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro, 1786). Even if you are not much into classical music, you have undoubtedly heard this tune. Then they performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major, with Paul Lewis on the piano. Although we were not familiar with this piece, it was lovely. Following the intermission, the orchestra performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major (1799). Listening to the first three movements, this symphony did not seem familiar to either of us. But then the fourth movement began, and we both immediately recognized this music.

How was it that we were so familiar with the fourth movement of this piece? Lest you be overly impressed, you can be sure I had to spend some time Googling to acquire the detailed knowledge I provide here! And by now you are wondering what in the world any of this has to do with the price of tea in China. Do not fear, I am getting there.

When our daughters were little, they watched a television program we had seen as children called Captain Kangaroo that ran from 1954-1981. In the late 1970s and early 1980s when Simmie and Dina were little girls, Captain Kangaroo periodically aired a 5 minute cartoon called Ludwig, about a little egg-shaped gem that went by that name. By now you can see where this is going: the theme music that played on this show was none other than the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony 1 in C major! I never knew which Beethoven piece it came from, but the minute they started to play the fourth movement, Barry and I looked at each other and had to stifle a giggle because this music is so familiar.

So I attach links to two videos: the Overture to Figaro, and one example of the animated Ludwig, in which you hear parts of the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major.

Happy Listening!

Love,

Rebecca