Monday, March 5, 2012

The Post-Modern Beethoven

Reflections on the death of John Belushi.
Lewd wig: John Belushi as Beethoven.
Image from Saturday Night Live  © 1978 Broadway Video/National Broadcasting Company.

Comedian, singer, dancer and Blues Brother John Belushi died 30 years ago today. Here's some  classic footage of Mr. Belushi hamming it up as composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Consider it a tip of the hat to the New York Philharmonic's on-going Modern Beethoven festival, which features conductor David Zinman leading concerts that combine the composer's symphonies with works from the 20th century. Check out a Superconductor review of last Friday's concert.

Mr. Zinman's program this week features Samuel Barber's Cello Concerto, paired with Beethoven's Eighth and Fourth Symphonies. I don't think they'll be playing any Ray Charles:

Footage from Saturday Night Live © 1978 Broadway Video/National Broadcasting Company.

In other Belushi-related news, a New York Times blog post reported today that a team of Broadway producers are planning to bring a musical version of National Lampoon's Animal House to the Great White Way. No word on whether any Delta House alums will be involved in the show. (Personally, I'd cast Tim "Otter") Matheson as Dean Wormer.)
Contact the author: E-mail Superconductor editor Paul Pelkonen.