Warner Bros.: The Cartoon Kings of Classical Music

[RBFC]

I thought I'd start the classical music discussions by going back to the beginning: the venue where many of us first heard some of the greatest classical music masterworks.

Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry, and friends showcased tunes from the greatest classical composers in many episodes.

One only has to see a short snippet of Tom chasing Jerry through a piano by hitting the keys in an attempt to crush him, and playing Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody #2 in the process. Another immortal scene has Elmer Fudd channeling Richard Wagner's Die Valkure while singing "I've killed the Wabbit".

There are so many more, but these two are a couple of my favorites.

Please feel free to post any others that come to mind. I just find it fascinating that we have received a subliminal education in the classics, where we associate certain tunes with Visual media (anyone hear the William Tell Overture and NOT think of the Lone Ranger?)

Welcome to the What's Best Forum!

Lee

 

[RUR]

Howdy, Lee!

If I may digress, for a moment, as regards Warner's Looney Tunes music, let's not forget Carl Stalling's other huge source for material: Raymond Scott. Scott's eclectic mix of swing jazz with classical and other influences may be found virtually everywhere in Stalling's scores e.g. "Powerhouse" being one of the most memorable.

Terrific album here:

An excellent recording of Scott's original "quintette", though probably only for the most devoted Looney Tunes fans.

/Ken

 

[Steve Williams]

I never knew that. The things we learn

 

[JackD201]

Let's not forget Disney's Silly Symphonies that actually started it all

 

[RUR]

Let's not forget Disney's Silly Symphonies that actually started it all

Several of which may be found, beautifully remastered, on the recent Snow White BD release. Music Land is a personal favorite.

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

There was an incredible Bugs Bunny in which he was suppose to be Leopold Sotokowski and had a Tenor singing .. At one point Bugs left his glove in the Air while the Tenor was rolling on the floor trying to keep up a high Note ..Priceless .. One of the best I have seen ..

Frantz

 

[RUR]

Long-Haired Hare. Looney Tunes Collection Vol. I

Hi

There was an incredible Bugs Bunny in which he was suppose to be Leopold Sotokowski and had a Tenor singing .. At one point Bugs left his glove in the Air while the Tenor was rolling on the floor trying to keep up a high Note ..Priceless .. One of the best I have seen ..

Frantz

 

[Cincy_Bob]

One of my favorites is the Rabbit of Seville, in which Bugs gives Elmer Fudd some pretty rough treatment in the barber chair...

 

[RUR]

Another excellent example, well worth watching, is Pigs in a Polka (Loony Tunes Collection Vol. 3). Stalling's score using Brahms' "Hungarian Dances" is a tour de force.