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Tune of the Day: The Clarinet Polka
This piece used to be a virtual requirement for any clarinetist. In April 2006 it was brought to worldwide popularity by the YouTube video “Charlie the Unicorn”, in which it was used as the tune to the “Candy Mountain Cave” song:
Oh, when you're down and looking for some cheering up,
Then just head right on up to the Candy Mountain cave.
When you get inside you'll find yourself a cheery land,
Such a happy and joyful and perky merry land.
The tune is actually a traditional Polish polka, also known as “Dziadunio Polka” (“Grandfather Polka”). It is sometimes attributed to Polish violinist and composer Karol Namyslowski (1856–1925). Namyslowski is often remembered for having located and trained more than 200 countryside musicians, forming an orchestra that played an important role in awakening the national spirit of Poland.