Particle Data Platform

Wait, is my washing machine playing Schubert?

6/6/20266 min

A few weeks ago, we talked to two sonic branding experts who compose music for household appliances. And we played for them a song “sung” by a washing machine that they didn’t really appreciate. But many of our listeners immediately identified the tune, a famous melody by 19th-century composer Franz Schubert.

And, as our guest tells us, it’s not just any tune—it’s one of Schubert’s most beloved compositions, “The Trout,” which he returned to several times during his short but prolific career.

L. Michael Griffel, a Schubert expert and former head of the music history department at The Julliard School, joins us for our mea culpa to “Die Forelle.”

A transcript for this episode will be added to the original segment page: Who’s composing music for my washing machine?

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Clips

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds
  1. L. Michael Griffel· Guest0:00

    [upbeat music] If you're like me, you have a lot of things on your mind. Work things, family things, what's for dinner things. So here's one less thing to think about: protecting your engine. Just swing by your local Take 5 for an oil change and ask for Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. It helps protect against wear, keeps your engine running clean, and gives you the kind of peace of mind you don't have to overthink. Just remember one thing: ask for Pennzoil Platinum by name at your local Take 5. Pennzoil: Long may we drive.

  2. Speaker 20:29

    [upbeat music] There's an SUV that turns the unthinkable into the unforgettable, the new Nissan Pathfinder, built for big adventures and all that family chaos. It's powered by a strong V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside, it's rugged and capable, but still premium and tech-forward, with room for up to eight passengers. It's also available with seven-passenger seating and second-row captain's chairs. With massive hauling capability, now you can bring all the gear you and your family need for unforgettable adventures. The new V6 Nissan Pathfinder: Power your adventure.

  3. Speaker 30:59

    [upbeat music] You won the bid. You're on the job. Now you just need the materials. Get supplies that work as hard as you do from The Home Depot. Maximize your savings with pricing benefits for pros. Get savings on the products you purchase the most and earn perks at checkout. Sign up today to save time and money. The Home Depot Pro: It's about time.

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