BY LAURA BIEMMI, TRENDS EDITOR
We might be in the ‘social distancing’ phase of the COVID-19 crisis, but that doesn’t mean we should stop being diligent hand-washers and sanitisers. If anything, we should now be washing harder and for longer!
But doesn’t the 20 seconds of handwashing feel like the longest time you’ve ever done anything, ever?
Fear not! We have compiled a list of orchestral music with absolutely ripper intros of approximately 20 seconds long that you can hum, whistle, or sing as you wash your beautiful yet deadly hands.
1. Tombeau de Couperin, Ravel
Twiddly-diddly twiddly-diddly, doo-di-doo, doo-di-doo…
The Prélude to this Ravel suite might be triggering for some (I see you, oboists!), but isn’t it marvellous to listen to? Let the first solo calm your mind as you scrub-a-dub-dub your hands.
2. Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Tchaikovsky
How majestic! How stately! The initial theme by the horns and bassoons can run just under 20 seconds, so maybe give this one a little soapy applause before it begins.
3. Violin Concerto in D Major, Korngold
Now this concerto is one of my favourites of all time, and that is the only reason it’s on the list. No one ever said that listicles are democratic. The first eight bars are almost exactly 20 seconds long, and the harp interjection will let you know when to turn off the taps. I’m assuming you have a private harpist at your house.
4. Prélude a L’après-midi d’un faune, Debussy
This iconic flute solo is now an iconic handwashing timer! What an incredible two-for-one deal!
5. Don Juan, R. Strauss
This bad boy will get your heart pumping, blood rushing, and you’ll be rubbing your hands so fast you’ll create steam! Stop just before the trumpets come in with their line so as not to wear off your fingerprints.
6. The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky
There are definitely some more vigorous handwashing sections throughout this piece, but the opening is extremely iconic and, more importantly, fits this assignment. The Rite of Spring boasts scenes of untameable nature, but that’s not a hugely comforting thought right now, so maybe just bust out the lavender soap instead.
7. Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart
The title of this opera might refer to a large gathering of people (eww!), but you can wash your hands to this overture’s signature opening safely on your own.
Have you got a suggestion for our list? No worries! Add to our playlist! You can find and expand on these tunes here, or even add your own favourite recording to the mix!
Shout the writer a takeaway coffee (or some hand sanitiser, or a face mask…)?
Did you enjoy the read? We’re all volunteers at CutCommon. Shout Laura some COVID-19-appropriate treats, if you like. No amount too much or little 🙂
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