Aaron Copland and Depeche Mode

[digitaldiscipline]

So, John Williams faffed about (and, boy, it looked like Itzak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma were having a blast playing), but ultimately just got the hell out of the way and let the "Simple Gifts" movement from Copland's Appalachian Spring carry the day, which I always enjoy. [Edited to include a link to the MP3 of the entire thing on my server; please be gentle.]

... and then, no shit, did Obama just drop a Depeche Mode reference?

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

We're holding you to that, B.O. We're in this.

Comments

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

I missed them announcing what the music was, but as soon as I heard that Copland line, I knew! :)

I can't open lyrics sites at work. What was the DM "reference"?

[etcet.livejournal.com]

"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

vs.

"Now you're punching,
And you're kicking,
And you're shouting at me;
I'm relying on your common decency.
So far it hasn't surfaced,
But I'm sure it exists;
It just takes a while to travel
From your head to your fist."

[etcet.livejournal.com]

The Williams was called "Air and a Gift," IIRC.

[kambriel.livejournal.com]

Or "Spring Air and Simple Gifts", something like that... as soon as they said John Williams (and Yo Yo Ma), I knew we were in for a moment!

[etcet.livejournal.com]

there was definitely airiness and giftitude involved.