Produced by

Animating Music: Scoring ‘The Simpsons'

Friday, August 26, 2011

For 22 seasons and counting, The Simpsons have found success with humor and Homer. But music is also part of the show’s winning formula. Alf Clausen has been the sole composer for “The Simpsons” since 1990. He joins us to talk about setting the tone for satire with his music.

Guests:

Alf Clausen

Comments [15]

CHRIS LEDESMA

Read more about the production and creation of the music for the SIMPSONS at http://simpsonsmusic500.wordpress.com/about/

Aug. 28 2011 04:57 PM
Cavalieri

I'd like to introduce my glass work to other listeners of this show. 2 were bought by Simpson's writers in LA. Thanks...

http://cavaglass.com/gallery/1.1SIMP.htm

Aug. 26 2011 10:25 PM
JC from Manhattan

Battle of the Planets was commonly known as G-force.

I have listened to animated music all the time. Cartoons introduced me to the classics. Now I have expanded by including Japanese anime music.

Aug. 26 2011 02:38 PM
anina karmen

remember
Bugs Bunny

"Overture, hit the Lights
This is it, the night of nights...." ?

And Magilla Gorilla ?
a not to Yiddish humor

Aug. 26 2011 02:34 PM
Nick from Brooklyn

I love "Easy as Rolling off a Log" from the 1938 Warner Bros cartoon Katnip College:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCItxyiIxQQ

Aug. 26 2011 02:32 PM
ericka

i'm dating myself, but as a kid i remember the frenzied jazz music behind Farmer Gray cartoons, where mice came out of the faucet.

Aug. 26 2011 02:30 PM
Leaozinho

Planet Of The Apes - The Musical.

You'll never make a monkey out of me!

Aug. 26 2011 02:26 PM
Erica P from NJ (in exilium)

"See My Vest" is also homage to "Dress Me Up," which Hans Konreid sings brilliantly in "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T"

Aug. 26 2011 02:25 PM
Sarah from Rollinsford, New Hampshire

i LOVE LOVE LOVE "Who Needs the Quickie Mart?" From years ago, but I still sing it to myself in the shower.

Aug. 26 2011 02:20 PM
Shane from Brooklyn

When I saw the new Planet of the Apes movie, I realized one of my fondest memories of the series was the Simpson's Planet of the Apes musical with Troy McClure. Especially since the original series was before my time

Was it fun writing that?

Aug. 26 2011 02:19 PM
Reem from Ridgewood, NJ

I've always loved the music played during the credits for the episode where Homer meets (and says good bye) to his birth mother. It's a sweet song that always gets me teary eyed.

Aug. 26 2011 02:18 PM
jason carey from willow, ny

Can you talk a bit about the song See my Vest?

Aug. 26 2011 02:17 PM
irene from headin north

_The Simpson's_ is brilliant when it satirizes Broadway musicals. Planet of the Apes is choice. Who is responsible for these? Can we hear some clips?

Aug. 26 2011 02:17 PM
Willie Wolf from Greenpoint

Please talk about the musical parodies, from streetcar named desire to sherry bobbins. They are my favorite.

Aug. 26 2011 02:16 PM
John from Brooklyn

Alf, I'd love to hear more about your scores for the Streetcar! episode.

Aug. 26 2011 02:16 PM

Leave a Comment

Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.