When Brahms was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Breslau in 1880, he sent a thank you note. The music director of the school, though, informed him that wasn't enough. He needed to compose a piece of music for them as "thanks". As it was put to Brahms: "Compose a fine symphony for us! But well orchestrated, old boy, not too uniformly thick!"
In other words, not too many musicians so the school would not have to pay too much for the performance.
Brahms decided to prank them by composing an overture for one of the largest orchestras fielded to date and also chose tunes to weave into the piece that were student drinking songs from the local pubs. The faculty and administration were miffed by the composition but the students delighted.
The ending of Academic Festival Overture by Brahms from the movie People Will Talk starring Cary Grant. The lyrics of the finale, a student drinking song called Gaudeamus Igitur (So Let Us Rejoice).
In other words, not too many musicians so the school would not have to pay too much for the performance.
Brahms decided to prank them by composing an overture for one of the largest orchestras fielded to date and also chose tunes to weave into the piece that were student drinking songs from the local pubs. The faculty and administration were miffed by the composition but the students delighted.
The ending of Academic Festival Overture by Brahms from the movie People Will Talk starring Cary Grant. The lyrics of the finale, a student drinking song called Gaudeamus Igitur (So Let Us Rejoice).
Quote:
Long live our academy,
Teachers whom we cherish;
Long live all the graduates,
And the undergraduates;
Ever may they flourish.
Long live all the maidens fair,
Easy-going, pretty;
Long live all good ladies who
Are tender and so friendly to
Students in this city.
Long live our Republic and
The gentlefolk who lead us;
May the ones who hold the purse
Be always ready to disburse
Funds required to feed us.
Down with sadness, down with gloom,
Down with all who hate us;
Down with those who criticize,
Look with envy in their eyes,
Scoff, mock and berate us.
