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The most famous unknown composer of the
20th century
Carl Stalling
An American composer
during the Golden Age of
Animation
Born Nov. 10th 1891 in
Lexington Missouri
Died Nov. 29th 1972 near Los
Angeles, California
He was known for his work
with Walt Disney (Silly
Symphonies) and for his
work with Warner
Brothers (Looney Tunes &
Merrie Melodies)
Disney Studios
Stalling started his cartoon career with Disney.
The Skeleton Dance (1929)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhZLB-HI0R8
Mostly a fox trot in a minor key
Disney Studios
Stalling used the “tick” method to sync the
music with the animation.
Each member of the orchestra would wear an
earphone to listen to the clicks the film would
make going through a projector
(…or something like that).
Warner Brothers
Stalling’s career at Warner Bros. lasted 22 years
from 1936-1958, when he retired.
“One Froggy Evening”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRnX4quv5W4
Listen for:
Aural and visual musical gags
Tin Pan Alley popular songs
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Stalling was a master at swiftly changing musical styles.
His arrangements are complicated and technically demanding.
He made extensive use of many of the works of Raymond Scott
He often used musical quotation and punning.
“Water Water Everyhare”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGqa_KE1oik
“Carl Stalling almost single-handedly brought about a
new form of music that did not exist before 1928. Having
established the musical conventions for cartoons, Stalling
basically had an influence on every cartoon composer
since his run at Warner Bros. He was also a master at
telling a story through music, with gestures and nuances
so clear, that there is never any doubt as to his
intentions. If you don’t believe me, go turn on your
television and watch some Looney Tunes. Turn up the
volume and listen while doing something else. I
guarantee you will know exactly what is happening, and
to whom.
This was the comedic skill of Carl Stalling.”
--Daniel Goldmark
References
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Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 1 DVDs
New Grove Dictionary of American Music
Adamson, Joe (1980) "Chuck Jones Interviewed." in The American Animated
Cartoon, edited by Gerald and Danny Peary,. New York: E. P. Dutton. pp. 128–41
The Mickey Mouse Genius, by August Kleinzahler, Slate Magazine Posted Friday,
Dec. 5, 2003
• Funnyworld Revisited, Carl Stalling, by Michael Barrier, Milton Gray, and
Bill Spicer, reprinted from Funnyworld No. 13 (1971)