William Tell Overture

[ppppenguin]

This was used on R3 this morning as the puzzle. Played backwards for us to identify. Trivially easy.

Reminded me of the many uses, parodies and abuses to which it's been subjected.

Two famous ones are the Lone Ranger and Spike Jones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BavRrRNvz8g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxIuIxqo2So

Then there are obscure ones like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsHad12AjTY

And the one I'm trying and failing to find. Many years ago I had a small open reel tape of a truly hilarious version that was rumoured to have originated at the BBC. It included all sort of odd effetcs, including gargling, accelerating to the point of almost exploding and much more. I thought I had several copies on cassette but can't find any of them. I may still have a copy on 1/4" tape though it will take some digging out. Can't find anything online though I may not be using the right search terms. Can anyone help please?

[pwdrive]

There's always this version, and if you're a Little Richard fan then view the rest of the clip, a classic recording, Granada TV, Manchester circa 1963:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_KQd9Oe1p8

Lawrence.

[ppppenguin]

This one's rather good, with elements of the version I'm trying to find
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdUvUSJKp0o

And another. There's no shortage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocwRWoZUB0c

[ppppenguin]

Found a cassette copy which I've copied using Audacity. I think the original dates from the 1960s or possibly early 1970s. It sounds like it's been through many generations of tape.

Does anyone know anything of its origins? It came via a BBC source, from somebody long since dead. I get the impression it was done as a bit of fun using BBC facilities. There was conjecture that Richard Baker was participating.

[Terry]

Could the version you are looking for be by Sid Millward and his Nitwits, by any chance?

[ppppenguin]

I've just looked at their IMDB entry and seen a few of their films on youtube.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1813346/

Doesn't seem quite right. For one thing I think they're a bit earlier than my recording. Another is that they seem to rely entirely on what they can do on stage, rather like Spike Jones, whereas my recording has clearly been edited/manipulated.

Thank you for introducing me to them - I must confess I'd not heard of them before.

[pamphonica]

This is one of my great favourite versions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYukEAmoMCQ
All the things busy mum has to deal with in a typical day
Jeremy

[Herald1360]

Sounds like something called "The Bush House Tape" that I met in Dramsoc at IC in the early seventies. That had various "tunes" on it- ISTR high speed  gas had something  to do with  baked beans and a scurrilous take on "Maria" from West  Side Story.

[ppppenguin]

"Bush House Tape" sounds vaguely familiar.