There are some instruments out there that just aren’t getting the attention or respect that they deserve.
One great example of that is the harmonica. Although harmonicas were featured in a lot of music back in the day, it doesn’t have the most respected reputation. Some people treat it as a toy rather than a real instrument, and some might even say that it’s an unscholarly instrument meant just for fun and games. Still, those people would probably be shocked to hear just how good it can sound when a good player gets their hands on one!
As it turns out, Buddy Greene proves all these stereotypes wrong as he steps up on stage with his instrument.
Still, plenty of well-known harmonica players probably feel a little underappreciated.
Even so, they never get discouraged as they continue to battle through these stereotypes—just like Buddy Greene who proves this audience wrong by performing a medley of classical music in front of a large audience at Carnegie Hall.
From the beginning, the crowd was excited to hear classical music played on Greene’s harmonica.
Bill Gaither welcomed Greene on-stage with his tiny instrument on his hand. Gaither even asked him what he thought of the bad reputation that so many harmonica players have.
Greene frankly responded, “I don’t care.”
After that, he played a bit of a country classic, “Oh, Suzanna.” Still, he doesn’t stop there. “Now it’s time to get sophisticated,” he adds as he sets up Gaither’s mic slightly farther away from him. Greene first plays Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” rendering the audience enchanted.
Before long, one audience member even sheds a tear listening to this sophisticated lullaby!
The hall was in complete awe as they watched Greene playing them the wonderful tune.
After finishing the song, people’s cheers and applause filled the room.
Greene warns the crowd to be careful in encouraging a harmonica player.
After a short pause, he plays the first movement of Mozart’s “Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major.” He casually bent every note precisely and ended the movement as he transitioned to Rossini’s popular composition, “Wilhelm Tell Overture.”
Greene surprisingly nails the song in his finale!
Greene only played the final movement of the whole symphony. Its finale is famous as it was often used to score things like horses galloping in the background in movies and TV shows. Later, it was widely recognized as The Lone Ranger theme song, played on televisions and even radios.
He started the final act with the dynamic trumpet entrance, which signifies the beginning of the march.
Greene then transitions to the explosive part of the song with its high tempo rhythm while the crowd adds to the beat by clapping. As the audience drowns with excitement, watching Greene blow his harmonica is sure to make you feel like you’re running out of breath.
It is just amazing how he handles the song throughout the end without straining his lungs!
Greene passionately sent a message to everyone about the harmonica.
As this instrument and its players suffer through so many obnoxious comments, Greene’s performance sends a message.
As he shows, harmonicas are just as equally great as so many other instruments and there’s no need for discrimination. With this video, it could encourage the players to continue playing beautiful music with their harmonicas without shame!
Be sure to click the link below to watch his whole performance:
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