This week, we’re following Till Eulenspiegel from Richard Strauss’s "Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks."
After escaping from the monks, Till finds himself outside a fancy garden party, which he crashes. He even tries to flirt after spotting someone beautiful, but let’s just say… it doesn’t go well.
In the music, Richard Strauss uses playful leitmotifs, or musical themes, to help us recognize who’s who. Leitmotifs are kind of like musical name tags for Till and the people he meets.
We’ll hear his love theme (yes, he has one!) and some very dramatic music that shows how badly he handles rejection.
But Till bounces back after rejection and moves on to his next target: a group of professors arguing about rock, parchment and shears. As their musical theme plays in the background with the bassoon leading the way, things get heated.
Till’s prank leaves the professors baffled, and we’re left wondering… is all this trouble finally going to catch up with him?
Submit your answer to today’s question
Hear today's full episode by clicking "Listen" above. And instead of a quiz this week, Christy has an invitation. Are you interested in being one of her weekly cohosts on Intermezzo next season?
If so, and you're between the ages of 8 and 18, text us a short video (just 1-2 minutes) of yourself talking about something you're really interested in!
Are you an expert on bugs? Do you like Greek myths? Do you have a collection or a special talent? You can talk about anything in your video and it doesn't have to be related to music. When you're finished, text it to 833.490.4718. By texting your answer, you agree to receive follow-up messages from IPR.
Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of Intermezzo.
Thanks to our cohost, Till Eulenspiegel.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.
