Bill Meredith suggested that I toss this out for broader consideration.
I am down to give a pre-concert lecture on Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, April
18. One of the things I thought I would touch on is how difficult it is to
hear this music with anything approaching "fresh" ears, this particularly in
light of ways in which this music seems to be a favorite for television
advertisements. On this topic, let me quote from an earlier post from Bill
Meredith:
>>Is there no end to the abuse of the Ode to Joy? I just observed its use in
>>a television commercial as the music to express symbolically our delight at
>>having a baked pork product cut in swirls and sweetened with bee product
>>instead of a regular grocery store baked ham. Sometimes, I really lament
>>that Beethoven's music is out of copyright. Maybe I should start collecting
>>examples of such things. Unfortunately I never seem to have the VCR going
>>when they occur.
I thought it would be interesting to come up with a list of such
"transgressions," especially of other movements besides the Finale. I
wonder if any of you might help out?
I remember the scherzo being used as the "theme song" for the
Huntley-Brinkley nightly news (NBC) when I was a child.
What other usages lurk out there?
If you think this would be of interest to the entire list, please post
accordingly; if not, a private post would be appreciated.
All best,
James Parsons
Assistant Professor of Music History
Southwest Missouri State University
Springfield, MO 65804
jap614f@mail.smsu.edu
(417)836-6369