Episode #3: Outdoor performance is never easy
In “The Band Concert” (1935) the dictatorial conductor Mickey Mouse tries to make his outdoor orchestra play the William Tell Overture by Rossini while Donald Duck tries his best to interfere. He loudly plays “Turkey in the Straw” with his flute(s). The American traditional song finally fits quite well with the Overture. This performance is not a peaceful one though…
The conductor appears to be the punch-bag of a lot of cartoons. Tom conducts an orchestra of cats which performs on the Hollywood Bowl stage. This orchestra plays peacefully the Overture of Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II. Naturally, Jerry wants in on the act and tries to overrule the conductor. Tom repeatedly shoes him away and an excellent choreography comes out of the fight. Finally, Jerry saws the musicians platform and lets Tom show his great talent as a man(cat?)-orchestra and complete the performance alone.
Read next episode: Classical music and cartoons #4: Seeking the Academy Award
<— See previous article : Episode #2: Classical music at Work
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