Mozart's Jupiter

[Joy]

Unfortunately, yes. And why should the two of us suffer alone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ropNrsrckc





.

Ha! Ha! Very good. We in the U.S. missed that one in the 70's, darn! But we did have the 'Banana Splits'! Now I'll have that music in my head all day!

[Michael]

At least we are managing to keep on-topic although I doubt if we are much help to the original poster.

This is the weekend of the annual Hall of Fame poll on Classic FM. Every year they announce the top 300 pieces of classical music as voted by listeners. Oddly enough, Mozart's Jupiter has taken a huge dive this year - down 127 places from last year - to No. 231. Quite a few of his popular hits have fallen down the charts while Beethoven's stock seems to be rising.

The final top ten will be featured this evening around eight or nine (GMT).


http://halloffame2012.classicfm.co.u...age=1#/300-291

[Chris]

O_o

That is the weirdest thing ever posted on these forums.

[PDG]

I love it! A discussion that starts with a debate about the merit's of Mozart's last symphony, and ends - by way of a banana diversion - with a Wombles video. Brilliant!

[Sorrano]

Now, that just defies all description!

[Michael]

Preston, it looks like he's dancing to the "Tra la la, Tra la la la, Tra la la, Tra la la la..." theme by the Banana Splits (1969).

And talking of men in silly costumes, who remembers Menuetto Allegretto by the Wombles (a UK hit in 1974), based on the third movement of the Jupiter symphony? (I bet Michael does...)...

Unfortunately, yes. And why should the two of us suffer alone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ropNrsrckc





.

[PDG]

Preston, it looks like he's dancing to the "Tra la la, Tra la la la, Tra la la, Tra la la la..." theme by the Banana Splits (1969).

And talking of men in silly costumes, who remembers Menuetto Allegretto by the Wombles (a UK hit in 1974), based on the third movement of the Jupiter symphony? (I bet Michael does...)...

[Preston]

found one.

now this thread has gone bananas, for real.

[Preston]

lol! to the above postings

Megan, if you are out there you need to put the dancing banana gif image on this thread, qlol.

[Michael]

By Jove, this thread has gone bananas.

[Sorrano]

I've never seen a red banana. A slightly embarrassed one, perhaps, but not a completely red one...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_banana

[PDG]

I've never seen a red banana. A slightly embarrassed one, perhaps, but not a completely red one...

[Sorrano]

In considering the power of the 41st symphony it's probably more (re) productive to compare that with the rest of Mozart's symphonies rather than compare it to Beethoven's. There is no question that Beethoven, with his raw energy, exceeds most if not all of his predecessors with pure power and energy. Comparing the Jupiter to the Beethoven's 1st Piano Concerto or to his 5th Symphony is in a way comparing a banana to an apple. One is redder than the other and that is not a bad thing.

[PDG]

Mozart's Jupiter, for me, lacks the power of even the first Beethoven piano concerto, Op.15. Same key of course - C.

There is a sexual urgency to Beethoven to which we, as humans, 'must' respond, and which for my money is the main reason he is the greatest of all the great artists. Whereas Mozart is simply very nice to listen to, by and large. I hate to be controversial, but I think the sexual imperative element is crucial, mood-wise.

There are just so many examples of Beethoven writing in a 'sexual idiom' (ie. male sexual climax); examples being the 'climaxes' to the last movements of Op. 59/3 and Opp. 57 and 110. These movements are just so sexually charged. I have tried - and failed - to have Mr LvB creating a romantic mood for me and my lovely girlfriend, but he distracts me too much! He is simply too macho.

I love what Phil Spector said about Elvis:
"My God, he was so sexy, even guys fell in love with him!"

[Sorrano]

I find it lacking in power as the opening hook is weak.

thx

With respect to Preston's recent post it is interesting to me that you and I have opposite regards for the opening measures of the Jupiter Symphony. I find it powerful; to my ears it is easily recognizable and sets a dynamic tone for the movement as well as the entire work. This is not my favorite of the Mozart Symphonies (I prefer the E-flat #38 or 39? and the Prague to this one). Your concept of Beethoven's 5th being volcanic is something I have not thought about previously and so I've been scouring my own memory to determine what works I might find volcanic. (If you will allow a little tongue in cheek I could suggest Hovhaness' Mount St. Helen Symphony.)