They Say You Never Forget Your First Time…
But, it seems I have. I honestly can’t recall the first time I heard classical music, at least not in the sense of being able to pinpoint a specific moment. I do, however, have a pretty good idea of who introduced me to classical music – actually, to opera. He has long ears, buck teeth, huge back feet, & a little powder puff of a tail.
Yes, like millions of American kids, especially those who watched a lot of Saturday morning TV in the 70’s, I first heard opera in Bugs Bunny cartoons. “What’s Opera, Doc?” & “Rabbit of Seville” were my first exposure to Wagner & Rossini, & “Long-Haired Hare” gave me my first glimpse of Leopold Stokowski – well, of Bugs portraying the maestro. At the time, I didn’t know who the audience was referring to when they whispered “Leopold… Leopold…” as a bewigged Bugs made his way to the podium. I just thought the cartoon was hilarious, & I liked the music, too. Little did I know that decades later, I’d be making my living sharing great music with radio listeners, & sometimes getting to perform it!
Thanks, Bugs (& Elmer, Warner Brothers, et al!)
Tags:Bugs Bunny, cartoons, Leopold Stokowski, opera, Warner Brothers
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