Beethoven's 6th symphony is called the Pastoral, a reference to a shepherd-flock-pastures fantasy ideal that was quite popular with urban audiences for hundreds of years. One wonders what Ludwig would have thought of his symphony being brought to life by Disney's baby pegasuses and a hapless Bacchus. Whether he would have been flattered or outraged, most Americans, when they hear Beethoven's 6th, think of Fantasia. I'll bet you did.
Tchaikovsky, as you may know, never wrote lyrics to the waltz from his ballet Sleeping Beauty, but that didn't stop Aurora from singing them.
Much of the classical music that the average American recognizes, is due to cartoons. Bugs Bunny introduced most of us to opera and Walt Disney animated the rest. With the exception of a piece that has made its imprint on popular culture through live people. I'm dating myself, but I'd be willing to bet that almost everyone in my age bracket associates Ravel's Boléro with either Bo Derek or Torvill and Dean.
Modern musicians are quite pleased to have their music featured in major motion pictures and television. Based on that fact, I would assume that Dvořák would be totally fine with this. Provided there are royalties.
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