“Classical Style” Proves Classical Music Can Be Funny, Too

Zankel Hall, where "The Classical Style" was performed. Credit Jeff Goldberg / Esto

Share a good laugh when you read this New York Times review of a cheeky little piece of musical-insider comedy, “The Classical Style,” that played last week at Carnegie Hall. In heaven, Beethoven grumbles, Haydn complains, Mozart rages about the movie Amadeus and demands a cut of the box office. And, of course, Dominant is always followed around by Tonic, a joke for the music theorists in the audience. So if you love a little music theory in your jokes – or a few jokes in your music theory – finish this one: a couple of unhappy chords walk into a bar…