The most famous unknown composer of the 20 th century

An American composer during the Golden Age of Animation Born Nov. 10 th 1891 in Lexington Missouri Died Nov. 29 th 1972 near Los Angeles, California He was known for his work with Walt Disney (Silly Symphonies) and for his work with Warner Brothers (Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies)

Disney Studios Stalling started his cartoon career with Disney. The Skeleton Dance (1929) Mostly a fox trot in a minor key

Disney Studios Stalling used the “tick” method to sync the music with the animation. Each member of the orchestra would wear an earphone to listen to the clicks the film would make going through a projector (…or something like that).

Warner Brothers Stalling’s career at Warner Bros. lasted 22 years from , when he retired. “One Froggy Evening” Listen for: Aural and visual musical gags Tin Pan Alley popular songs

Stalling was a master at swiftly changing musical styles. His arrangements are complicated and technically demanding. He made extensive use of many of the works of Raymond Scott He often used musical quotation and punning.

“Water Water Everyhare”

“Carl Stalling almost single-handedly brought about a new form of music that did not exist before Having established the musical conventions for cartoons, Stalling basically had an influence on every cartoon composer since his run at Warner Bros. He was also a master at telling a story through music, with gestures and nuances so clear, that there is never any doubt as to his intentions. If you don’t believe me, go turn on your television and watch some Looney Tunes. Turn up the volume and listen while doing something else. I guarantee you will know exactly what is happening, and to whom. This was the comedic skill of Carl Stalling.” --Daniel Goldmark

References Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 1 DVDs New Grove Dictionary of American Music Adamson, Joe (1980) "Chuck Jones Interviewed." in The American Animated Cartoon, edited by Gerald and Danny Peary,. New York: E. P. Dutton. pp. 128–41 The Mickey Mouse Genius, by August Kleinzahler, Slate Magazine Posted Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 Funnyworld Revisited, Carl Stalling, by Michael Barrier, Milton Gray, and Bill Spicer, reprinted from Funnyworld No. 13 (1971)