Overview of Wait, is my washing machine playing Schubert?
This short Science Friday segment is a playful correction and appreciation piece about a washing machine chime that listeners recognized as being based on Franz Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet. After initially joking that the tune sounded like a fife or leprechaun music, the show acknowledges listener feedback and invites music historian L. Michael Griffel to explain why the melody matters and why Schubert fans were rightly defensive.
What the Segment Is About
- The hosts revisit a previous comment they made about an appliance melody.
- Listeners pointed out that the washing machine tune is derived from the fourth movement of Schubert’s Trout Quintet.
- The segment becomes a lighthearted apology and a deeper appreciation of the music behind the chime.
Key Points and Takeaways
The “Trout” Melody Explained
- The tune comes from “Die Forelle” (“The Trout”), a Schubert art song.
- The song’s theme fits the appliance context because it evokes water and fish.
- Rather than being annoying, the melody is meant to be memorable and pleasant—something that “puts a worm in your ear,” as the host puts it.
Why the Song Became Famous
- Schubert wrote around 600 art songs (Lieder).
- He was extraordinarily productive even as a teenager, composing many important works at 15, 16, and 17.
- The Trout Quintet uses the song’s melody in its fourth movement and became one of Schubert’s most beloved chamber works.
The Story Behind the Song
- The poem behind “Die Forelle” was written by Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart.
- It tells of a fish happily swimming in a brook until a fisherman muddies the water to catch it.
- Griffel explains this as a vivid, memorable song that helped make Schubert widely popular.
Notable Insights from L. Michael Griffel
- Schubert’s music is part of the 19th-century classical tradition and includes both chamber music and songs.
- The Trout Quintet is likely Schubert’s most widely loved chamber piece among general audiences.
- Schubert’s output was remarkable: more than 1,000 pieces composed before his death at 31.
Audience and Tone
- The segment is framed as a friendly correction driven by listener feedback.
- The hosts express genuine appreciation for listeners who called in, even those with “scathing voicemails.”
- It’s a good example of Science Friday using audience input to turn a small mistake into a fun educational moment.
Closing Note
The episode ends by thanking listeners and reminding them that the Science Friday listener line is always open, reinforcing the show’s interactive, community-driven style.