The Best Cartoons with Classical Music
Many people love cartoons, but did you know that some of the best ones are set to classical music? Check out our list of the top cartoons with classical music.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is one of the most popular cartoons on television today. The show is known for its clever humor and witty writing. But did you know that The Simpsons is also one of the best cartoons with classical music?
Use of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”
In the early seasons of The Simpsons, composers Richard Gibbs and Bill Oakley used several musical references to Ludwig van Beethoven in episodes such as “Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious” and “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet”. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, particularly the section featuring the “Ode to Joy”, became one of the most recurring elements in these episodes. The use of Beethoven’s music helped to make The Simpsons more highbrow and more respected by critics.
Use of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”
In the Simpsons episode “The Year of 4snp Edtv” (Season 9, Episode 20), Homer Simpson is enlisted to promote a new TV service called “snp” (Dish Network’s threatened HDTV format). In one promotional spot, he is shown in a field of tall grass, firing a cannon at an approaching army. The music that accompanies this scene is Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, which famously features cannon fire as part of its dramatic climax.
Family Guy
Family Guy is an animated sitcom that originally ran from 1999-2003 on Fox. It was created by Seth MacFarlane and is about the Griffin family, who live in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island. The show was canceled after three seasons, but was resurrected by Fox in 2005. The show has since become one of the most popular and successful animated shows on television.
Use of Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube”
In the episode “Movin’ Out (Brian’s Song)”, Brian and Stewie move into an apartment together. After redecorating, they have a housewarming party where Peter tries to drive everyone away so he can have the place to himself. He does this by putting on a record of Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube” at full volume, but no one leaves. In fact, everyone seems to be having a good time dancing to the music.
Use of Johann Strauss I’s “Radetzky March”
In the episode “The Splendid Source”, the use of Johann Strauss I’s “Radetzky March” is a clear nod to the famous opening scene of Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange”. This is likely a intentional reference, as both the episode and the film are set in dystopian societies where violence is common.
South Park
South Park is an American animated television sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for Comedy Central. The show is about four boys—Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick—and their adventures in and around the titular Colorado town.
Use of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries”
One of the most famous uses of “Ride of the Valkyries” in popular culture is the scene in the film Apocalypse Now where U.S. Army helicopters attack a Vietnamese village to the sound of the music. The scene has been much parodied, including by South Park in the episode “Tales from the Black Lagoon”, in which Mrs. Garrison leads an attack on a rival school while singing and playing a theremin to the music.
Use of Verdi’s “Requiem”
In the South Park episode “Cartman’s Mom is a Dirty Slut”, the boys go to see Verdi’s “Requiem” being performed. When they hear it, they are so moved by the music that they all start crying. Later, when they are trying to figure out who Cartman’s father is, they use the “Requiem” as a way of finding out which of the men in town could be Cartman’s father.
Spongebob Squarepants
One of the best cartoons with classical music is Spongebob Squarepants. In this show, Spongebob and his friends live in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The show often features Spongebob and his friends singing and dancing along to classical music. This is a great show for kids and adults alike.
Use of Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”
Spongebob Squarepants is one of the most popular cartoons on television, and it has featured classical music in several episodes. In one episode, “The Bikini Bottom Symphonies,” Spongebob and his friends put on a concert featuring Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.” The episode is a parody of the opera, and it features many of the same characters and situations.
Use of Bizet’s “Carmen”
In one episode, Spongebob and Patrick are trying to impress Sandy by playing classical music on their kazoos. They eventually begin a kazoo orchestra, with Sandy playing the triangle. The entire orchestra ends up playing Bizet’s “Carmen” together.
