A Current Commercial for Lexus Features a Middle School Band

[MineralMan]

attempting to play Strauss's "Also Sprach Zarathustra." I'm hearing it several times a day on MSNBC, which is playing upstairs on our TV. Aside from it hurting my ears badly, it serves as a reminder of just how badly the GQP has performed and is performing.

On the other hand, that Lexus ad ends with the final few bars of the same piece of music being played by a professional orchestra. That reminds me of how the Biden administration is handling things now, thank goodness.

ETA: Corrected the title. Oops.

[ironflange]

1. I thought it was "Also Sprach Zarathustra"

It's pretty hard to recognize though.

[MineralMan]

2. You are correct. My error.

Neither thing should be attempted by middle school bands or Republicans, though.

[2naSalit]

3. Thats the truth!

I thought it was kind of rude, though.

[Towlie]

4. The point must be that the car is soundproof, blocking horns, sirens, and motorcycles you don't see.

 
?

I'd feel a lot safer hearing what's happening on the road around me.

[The_Critic]

5. It is most certainly NOT a "Middle School Band"!

Let me begin by introducing myself: I have, since 1987, been a professional performing arts journalist and critic, regularly contributing to The Financial Times, Bloomberg, Variety, Opera News, Musical America, Ballet Review and numerous other publications. I concentrate on classical music, opera, and dance.

What you hear in this commercial is the end of the introductory movement to Richard Strauss’ tone-poem “Also sprach Zarathustra” (“Thus Spoke Zarathustra”).

Where do I begin?

First: no one would ever assign this piece to a children’s orchestra. Not only is it difficult, it requires a huge orchestra including a pipe organ (which is actually the first sound you hear – a very low, almost inaudible rumble before the statement of the opening theme led by the horns).

Second: there is no conductor.

Third: the children seen in the commercial are not actually playing (or if they do, the sounds they produced are not included); what you hear is a recording, legendary for decades among fans of classical music, by Portsmouth Sinfonia; please learn about this orchestra here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portsmouth_Sinfonia

I’d like to quash false statements I’ve seen in many posts on several websites: this is not child abuse! A petition was circulated (and received many signatures) to demand that Lexus withdraw the commercial.

I can only presume that irony, sarcasm, and fun are now dead in 2022.

[MineralMan]

6. Well, now! I'm honored

that you used your first post on Democratic Underground to complain about a post of mine. Yes, indeed!

Your last sentence is uncannily correct...

[NewHendoLib]

7. One of my favorite albums to listen to for a wonderful, satirical laugh!

welcome to DU!