Beethoven and Football

A week ago, the National Football League had its annual draft, so it seems an appropriate time to bring out this classic from Peter Schickele, also known by his sometime alter-ego, PDQ Bach. This is "Beethoven's 5th Symphony -- for Orchestra versus Conductor." It's the first movement of the symphony done with play-by-play commentary as if it was a football game.

I was lucky enough to see this done years back when Schickele was performing with the L.A. Philharmonic. I couldn't get into the concert, but I had a friend who invited me to the rehearsal. I don't know what orchestra this is, but it looks to be members of the Houston Symphony.

And it all starts with a bang.