Welcome to The Rhythm Section! The aim of this blog is to celebrate how music has shaped people’s lives over the years. Or, in the case of the Culture Club slot. centuries! How do you like a bit of classical?
Each week, I’ll present a tiny snippet from the enormous world of classical music. Usually, classical has a soothing, chilled effect, but beware: I may throw some curve balls at you! So, under that broad description of “classical”, expect anything!
The common thread, I hope, is your enjoyment.
Something much more sinister this week. To mid-ninetenth century Germany, and the strange world that is Richard Wagner. Much of Wagner’s music might be thought of as heavyweight, including the famous piece I will present today.
Wagner is well known for opera, and todays piece comes from the start of act 3 of Die Walküre, the second of the four operas comprising Der Ring des Nibelungen (frequently just called “the Rings”). First performed in 1870, The Ride of the Valkyries.
Okay, a tiny question for you. Post if you wish, but a simple comment will do. We often think of Valkyries as associated with the iconic movie, Apocalypse Now. Can you remind us of any other movies which use famous pieces of classical music?
The Rhythm Section 
Wow, those woman can sure sing
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They have good voices but I have to say I’m not the biggest fan of opera. Especially sung in German, for German is quite a harsh language I think. (I hasten to add English is too. French and Italian are much more pleasing on the ear.)
I’ve got one of Mozart’s coming up in a few weeks. See what you think.
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I’m looking forward to it
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Fantastic!! One of my favorite pieces. Can’t beat a German opera for all the sturm und drang in life! I’m with you about the language, though; a bit harsh on the ears after a while but don’t discount the beautiful German lieders.
There are many movies I can think of with classical music featured prominently; for me the works of Strauss in “2001: A Space Odyssey” top the list.
Excellent post and brilliant vid, Pete! 💫
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It sounds like you enjoyed it, Nance!
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Haha! What was your first clue?
There are very few music genres I don’t like. I say bring it on!
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Reblogged this on The Elephant's Trunk and commented:
Mr. Bump knocks it out of the park with this piece today. Turn up the volume for this classic!
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Yeah, definitely not a fan of German language in opera.
However, iconic that piece has become.
Movies…where to start…a few that comes to mind first are:
Barber, Adagio for strings – Platoon
Chopin, Nocturne B.49 – The Pianist
A. Chenier, La mamma morta – Philadelphia
Leoncavallo, Vesti la giuba – The Untouchables
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Ah now would you believe I watched Philadelphia last week? The streaming service I subscribe to is doing an Oscar thing.
And thanks for your help, btw.
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Love it. That’ll blow the dust out of your ears!
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oh yes, I think I met one of them!
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