[Dixielandjazz] Jazzing the Classics

[Hal Vickery]

Peter and the Commissar,
A Story for all ages.
Some parts of it are sensible
And others just outrageous!

My brother got that record for me when I was about 16 years old as a
Christmas present.  I wish I could remember everyone who was in the jazz
band that was used to augment the Boston Pops, but the only person I
remember was Tommy Newsom <sp?>.

In the section in question, Peter is objecting to the committee changing
"just one little note" by sharping it.  The Commissar is explaining how
they've changed other pieces of music.  Brahms' Lullaby as rock 'n' roll,
some other classical piece I forget as a bossa nova, etc., and the Grand
March from Aida as Dixieland.  And you're right.  It worked very well.

Hal Vickery

-----Original Message-----
From: dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com
[mailto:dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com] On Behalf Of Tim Eldred
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 10:16 PM
To: DJML
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Jazzing the Classics

Lest we forget, Allan Sherman provided a Dixieland version of the Grand
March from "Aida" in his marvelous musical presentation titled "Peter and
the Commissar."  I only heard it at a friend's house once many, many years
ago, but Sherman's musical concept blew me away (freedom of many styles
versus government-run bureaucratic music), and I particularly appreciated
the Dixieland recognition.  (Disclaimer - this is the specific title as I
recall it being introduced by Sherman - the presentation was in conjunction
with a symphony orchestra, and I could be mistaken about the exact
classical.opera piece used.  But, it was an opera number and worked
incredibly with a Dixieland translation...)  I have since lost contact with
that friend, but would love to hear that record again....

Tim Eldred
Roseville, CA


_______________________________________________
Dixielandjazz mailing list
Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz