Why is the introductory theme of "I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue" that pretty distinctly "German" melody?

Posted by Muted_Reflection_449@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments

I think the question is pretty clear, I'll only supply that Wikipedia says that the melody, which is also that of the German national anthem, was composed for German hymns originally and used in Austria. Why did the BBC (?) use that? 🤔 Thank you!

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14 Comments

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robrt382@reddit

Because it's a very serious piece of music and so serves as a juxtaposition to the frantic comedy music that most of the tune consists of. It's a device used all the time in music, especially classical music, Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No.1 is an example, but the Beatles do it in Yellow Submarine as well

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WillSym@reddit

I am amused that you used Shostakovich/Yellow Submarine as the Beatles example instead of The Marseilles/All You Need Is Love - literally another serious piece associated with a European country, even the French national anthem, as an opening, that then turns into the actual song suddenly, just like the ISIHAC theme.

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

😳 I'll be listening to this very differently in future. Thank you! 👍🏼

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

It's so strange: hearing our national anthem makes me feel SO uncomfortable. So I'd never could have come up with that idea and the fun in it. You are so blessed with your ability to poke fun about anything..... DANKESCHÖN! 😊

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GJJames@reddit

The theme is taken from the soundtrack of the 1969 film *Monte Carlo or Bust!* (released in the US as *Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies*). According to Wikipedia, the theme plays during a scene of the German characters escaping prison, so I assume the use of the national anthem is a part of the score.

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

Always something more to discover. Dankeschön! 😊

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Cyanopicacooki@reddit

It was lifted from "Monte Carlo or Bust", it's called "The Schickel Shamble", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ansFELUVCWk&pp=ygUZICJUaGUgU2NoaWNrZWwgU2hhbWJsZSIsIA%3D%3D

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

Thank you very much. How come I didn't find anything of that! 😠

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PipBin@reddit

I have no idea but I have often wondered why.

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

Looks like we are/were the only ones! 😂

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

Thank all of you that gave such comprehensive and interest answer very much! I've learned something and have a bit of investigation to do into Classical music.

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Muted_Reflection_449@reddit (OP)

! answered

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Organic-Locksmith-45@reddit

They wanted to. Next!

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