I first heard this piece as part of the movie music to Scrooge from the 1930s and now again for the hundredth time on the radio with a really nice, clean performance by the Montreal Symphony. It is part of a set of (originally) piano pieces by George Bizet (the opera Carmen) and is just right for kids to listen to.
Looking though YouTube turned up so of the darnedest performances you've ever seen/heard. Here are three. The first is a very roughly played movement called the Galop (take a second to look up the term - a musical term and appropos to Dickens London setting) in the original piano version. Second is a bad orchestra and last an accordion orchestra.
In the spirit of Christmas, I'll be kind. Besides and importantly, the performers are in there giving it their best shot and that is admirable. I'm much more inclined toward someone trying to do well than someone with great talent performing badly.
Looking though YouTube turned up so of the darnedest performances you've ever seen/heard. Here are three. The first is a very roughly played movement called the Galop (take a second to look up the term - a musical term and appropos to Dickens London setting) in the original piano version. Second is a bad orchestra and last an accordion orchestra.
In the spirit of Christmas, I'll be kind. Besides and importantly, the performers are in there giving it their best shot and that is admirable. I'm much more inclined toward someone trying to do well than someone with great talent performing badly.