Tom Lehrer — Live in Copenhagen 1967

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Friday, July 28, at 10 PM
Saturday, July 29, at 3 AM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Thursday, July 27, at 9 PM

Tom Lehrer is considered to be among the greatest musical satirists of the 20th century. He spent his brief, yet remarkable music career writing and performing brilliant parody songs that entertained and enlightened millions. Biting, intelligent and socially conscious, his songs were accessible and intimate commentaries on society and politics. Despite his popularity, Lehrer brought his show-business career to a halt in the late 1960s, returning to teaching and withdrawing from public performances.

Now, more than five decades after his last concert, fans have the opportunity to enjoy the works of this humorous and irreverent musician in a performance originally captured for Danish television. TOM LEHRER: LIVE IN COPENHAGEN features 17 of Lehrer’s best-known songs, including “The Elements,” “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” and “The Vatican Rag.”

With a quiet and searing wit, Lehrer tackles a range of topics, from Irish murder ballads and deer hunting, to race relations and nuclear bombs – all set to playful piano renditions reminiscent of classic popular songs. The clever songwriting shows Lehrer’s facility with language and rhyming, while his piano playing evokes the skill and musicianship of some of the all-time greats.