October 22, 2003
De Clunibus Magnis Amandis Oratio

I think we can all agree that what the world needs now is more Latin translations of hiphop music, such as this stunning effort to bring the words of Sir Mix-a-Lot into the realm of Cicero, which inspired an equally compelling continuation here. I think the English re-translation would make for an excellent dramatic reading, as Steve Allen once did for Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff", a Babelfish English->Italian->English version of which can be found here.

(Thanks to Matt for bringing this to my attention.)

Posted by Charles Kuffner on October 22, 2003 to Music | TrackBack
Comments

Personally, I'm waiting for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to release their "Best of Gangsta Rap!" album. You haven't lived until you've heard their version of "Gin and Juice" and "F*** Tha Police!" ;)

Posted by: William Hughes on October 22, 2003 10:03 PM

A finnish prof recorded a CD of Elvis songs in Latin. I remember hearing it (I bought it for a friend who's a latin teacher), and it's not nearly as bad as the idea sounds. Per something I found on the web, the lineup is:

The CD contains 7 tracks totaling 21 mins. 46 secs.:
I. Surrender / Nunc aeternitatis
II. It's Now or Never / Nunc hic aut numquam
III. Can't Help Falling in Love / Non adamare non possum
IV. It's Impossible / Impossibile
V. Wooden Heart / Cor ligneum
VI. Love Me Tender / Tenere me ama

Some hear music as it is and ask, "Why?" I hear incredibly strange music and ask, "Huh?"

Posted by: Ron Zucker on October 23, 2003 7:54 AM

There's also a Greek version here.

Some people have too much free time. :)

Posted by: Alexis on October 25, 2003 3:12 PM