Expert: David Froom - 8/20/2010

Question
QUESTION:   In 1972, WBGH Boston public broadcasting aired a movie called Between Time and Timbuktu.  In the scene where Harrison Bergeron throws off his "chains" and takes and unshackles a ballerina to dance with, a haunting piece of classical music begins.  I have been searching for the identity of that music for about 30 years now.  I found the ballet scene on youtube at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nybUnFiyjjA.  The movie clip is 9:59 min and the music I am seeking the identity to is a 6:12/9:59.  Could you help me find the answer to this melody that has been stuck in my mind for so long?  Thank you.

ANSWER: That's from one of Tchaikovsky's most famous works:  Romeo and Juliet Overture.  Usually Overture means the beginning part of music for a play or ballet, but this one is a full, self-contained 18 min. concert piece.  You should listen to the whole thing.  It tells the story of the whole play, and that haunting melody each time it comes in represents the state of Romeo's and Juliet's love at that part of the play.

It should be easy to find.  Besides iTunes or YouTube or general internet searching, you probably can find it in your local library.

David Froom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Romeo and Juliet was one of the first places I searched for the melody.  I went back and listened again but I can't find what I'm looking for in the entire Overture.  Are you sure you listened to the music at the 6:12 min marker on the youtube video?  I'm familiar with Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet (Bernstein is one of my favorite renditions) but the melody is not there.  Could you perhaps listen to the youtube video again at the 6:12 min. marker?

Answer
SORRY!!!!!!!

You are right -- I confused my Tchaikovsky love themes!

That bit is from Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony (the Pathetique).  You'll hear it in the 1st movement (wait for it, it isn't at the beginning of the movement).

I feel like a dope for missing this on the first go around.

David Froom