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Macaroni Music

Beethoven's Wig

August 10, 2011
A number of years ago, Richard Perlmutter toyed with the idea of writing lyrics to masterpieces of classical music.  While humming Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, the words “Beethoven’s Wig is very big” popped into his head. "It really struck a chord because the words fit perfectly with the first eight notes of the symphony,” says Perlmutter. “And the wig is a perfect symbol for classical music." Perlmutter proceeded to add lyrics to the entire allegro con brio of Beethoven’s Fifth, and liked it so well that he put words to ten more pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Haydn and other composers. Then he went into the studio and sang them, backed up by a symphony orchestra and four opera singers.

The group's first album Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies was released on Rounder Records in 2002. Within a week of its debut, Perlmutter was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, and then appeared on NBC’s Today Show.  Pulse Magazine said it was, "an irreverent approach to music appreciation." The LA Times said it was, “an irreverent approach to music education.”  US News and World Report said, "Perlmutter's got goofball charm… the lyrics are truly hilarious!"

Q: As adults we really enjoyed listening to your CD.  Where did you draw your initial inspiration? A: I did the first Beethoven’s Wig album because I love classical music and I thought adding lyrics to some of my favorite pieces might result in an album that would appeal to both kids and adults.  I chose to write lyrics exclusively to piano pieces on my new album, “Beethoven’s Wig: Piano Classics” because I am a pianist.  Now I perform them not only with my group of singers, but as a soloist -  singing and play classical piano works at the same time!
 
Q: Who is your favorite Classical musician? A: It depends on my mood and it changes all of the time.  Lately I have been listening to lots of music of twentieth century pioneers like Cowell, Schoenberg, and Partch.  But I will always return to Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and the classics.  I don’t think I will ever get tired of them.
 
 Q:  What is your most listened song on your iPod? A; This year, while I have been working on my new album, it’s mostly been piano music.  But I like lots of other music as well.  I love jazz and vocal standards, and western swing and bluegrass.  My three children keep me up to date on the latest popular artists too.  
 
 
Q: Do you have children and if so do they enjoy classical music?
 A; I have three children.  They have pretty broad musical tastes, which include classical music.  They have been exposed to a lot if it growing up with me. When my daughter was three years old, I was writing lyrics to a very famous Mozart piece and was playing it over and over in our house.  One day we were in a crowded elevator and the Mozart piece piped in.  My daughter recognized it immediately and proudly announced, “My dad wrote that!”
 
Q: How many tuxedos do you own? A: I dress casually most of the time, so I only have the one that I wear at my concerts.   I got it at a costume shop because I thought it was it was a vintage piece that was reminiscent of the style Beethoven might have worn.  Turns out it was from the 1970’s - closer to something sported by Dean Martin!
 
 Q: How many National awards have you won to date for Beethoven's Wig?
 A: I have won 46 awards so far, including 4 Grammy Award Nominations.  Three of my albums were also designated “Notable Recordings” by the American Library Associations, which for me was a great honor.  Two of my albums also reached the #1 Position on the Amazon Bestseller list. 
 
Q: Does anyone in the group offer classes and or private lessons?
 A: Several of the singers in my group teach.  Jonathan Mack teaches voice at University of Southern California and Chapman College.  And Jennifer Barnes is the Director of Vocal Jazz at University of North Texas.
 
 
Q: Have you been embraced by your classical peers/colleagues? Classical musicians love Beethoven’s Wig and some great ones have performed on my albums.  On my newest album, the pianist was Grant Gershon, who is not only a world class pianist, but also Associate Conductor of the LA Opera, and Music Director of the LA Master Chorale.
 
 
Q: Whats your favorite item to mix in with your Macaroni?
A: Meatballs!