Kay Vee Five-Fifty

“Kay Vee Five-Fifty” is a surf-rock, Ventures-style arrangement of Mozart’s Symphony #40 in G minor, K.V. 550.

Nut Rocker

“Nut Rocker” was an instrumental rock single recorded by  B. Bumble and the Stingers that reached number 23 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in March 1962.  It is based on of Tchaikovsky’s “March of the Toy Soldiers”, from his ballet The Nutcracker.

The first version released was by pianist H. B. Barnum, released by “Jack B. Nimble and the Quicks” on the small Del Rio label.

It was also performed live and recorded by prog-rockers Emerson, Lake & Palmer, whose single was also released in 1972. In 2009, Trans-Siberian Orchestra released a version of “Nut Rocker”, featuring Greg Lake, on their album Night Castle.

Both the Ventures and the Shadows also recorded versions.

My arrangement is based on the original 1962 versions.

 

Knight Rupert

“Knight Rupert” is from Robert Schumann’s “Album for the Young”. “Knight Rupert” is a form of “Knecht Ruprecht” — who is a companion of Saint Nicholas as described in the folklore of Germany.

He acts as a foil to the benevolent Christmas gift-bringer, threatening to thrash or abduct disobedient children. Ruprecht wears a black or brown robe with a pointed hood. He carries a long staff and a bag of ashes.

I thought Schumann’s spooky composition would lend itself to a 60’s guitar-rock instrumental setting.

The Wild Horseman

“The Wild Horseman” (Wilder Reiter) is from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young (Album für die Jugend), Op. 68, which was composed in 1848 for his three daughters.

Here it is redone as a 1960’s style guitar rock instrumental.