A Classic(al) Music Connection

A blog update is much overdue. I do hope to meet all expectations with the following update. As you may know, my favorite classical radio station, WCPE, has a Saturday evening request program. It was a treat to hear a very familiar tune on the radio this past weekend, one I couldn’t quite place at the time.

After checking the online play list, the noteworthy piece was Wellington's Victory, Op. 91 by Ludwig van Beethoven. According to wikipedia, it is “a minor orchestral work to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory over the French at the Battle of Vitoria in Spain on June 21, 1813.”

With the help of Apple’s iTunes, I discovered the appropriate section, “Part I: The Battle, Marlborough.” iTunes Link

Listen carefully, and you will hear an unmistakable connection to “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” [In addition, alternative lyrics sharing this same good old(e) tune are “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”]