Tuesday, December 3, 2019

This vocalised, slow-motion version of ‘Chariots of Fire’ is comedy genius

22 November 2019, 16:39 | Updated: 26 November 2019

Violinist Aleksey Igudesman and pianist Hyung-Ki Joo are joined by the Vienna Symphony for this hilarious Vangelis parody.

We’re rarely ones to resist an amusing musical parody, and comedy duo Igudesman & Joo’s recent orchestral take on Chariots of Fire is a hoot.

With violinist Aleksey Igudesman and pianist Hyung-Ki Joo at the front of the stage as soloists, Vienna Symphony orchestra hilariously mimics the iconic slow-motion running scene in the opening of the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire – scored so memorably by Vangelis – by swaying about on stage (watch above).

Igudesman on violin adds the electronic whooshes, which those of you familiar with Vangelis’ track will know, with his own mic’d-up voice.

Meanwhile, Hyung-Ki Joo accompanies the whole spectacle expertly on the piano at the Vienna Konzerthaus.

QUIZ: Can we guess which section of the orchestra you’re in? >

Igudesman & Joo perform Chariots of Fire with Vienna Symphony. Picture: Igudesman & Joo / YouTube

The fun doesn’t stop there – Chariots soon morphs into Monti’s virtuosic Czárdás, with members of the orchestra – who happen to be still standing up from the swaying antics before – fire off a skilled ensemble arrangement of the flashy piece.

Igudesman & Joo high-five as they leave stage – as would we have done had we been there.

Bravissimo to all involved!

Three quarters of young Brits don’t know who Mozart is

... survey reveals

Three quarters of young Brits have never heard of Mozart. Picture: Getty

By Sian Hamer

One in five of those surveyed also believe Bach is still alive.

Three quarters of young people in the UK have never heard of Mozart, a new survey has found.

Of the 18 to 34-year-olds surveyed, one in five said they also believe Bach, who died in 1750, is still alive.

Other classical names which continued to stump young Brits include Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, whose name was recognised by less than one in five people.

One in five 18 to 34 year olds in Britain believe Bach is still alive. Picture: Getty

Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, was only known to a third of the people polled.

The survey, conducted by the classical music streaming service Primephonic, also found that just 14 per cent of 20 to 34-year-olds knew that ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’ was composed by Elgar.

By contrast, almost all (94 per cent) of the 2,000 respondents knew of the pop singer Adele.

Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Picture: Getty

Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM’s Composer in Residence, said she was “really saddened” by the survey, but “not at all surprised”.

“Learning an instrument at school and engaging in classical music has been shown to have huge benefits to children in other areas of their academic life and helps them become more effective learners,” Wiseman told Classic FM.

“But, unfortunately, enthusiastic music-making in schools, where pupils are encouraged to participate in orchestras and choirs, are in a minority.”

“Not every child will want to grow up and be a professional musician or composer, but to engage with classical music at a young age should be open to everyone,” she continued.

“Music is inclusive. Music speaks across culture, across class, across language. It seems to be hard-wired into humans. Music is spontaneous, and music can enrich lives forever.

“Classical music should be encouraged and available to all.”

Mozart from soprano Olivia Boen at the incredible Verbier Festival in Switzerland.