The Clown's Dance

The clownish aspect of the music is all done with layers and layers of irony. It's almost as if the text is mocking itself for ascribing so much importance to humor, while acknowledging the vital need for it. Did you hear that violin solo? It might remind you if you are a Schostakovich-kannasur of his 9th Symphony. The symbolism is quite clear. They've wanted to kill humor but humor gave them the finger, fighting him's a tough job. His chopped-off head was stuck onto a soldier's pike, but as soon as the clown's pipes struck up their tune, he screeched out, I'm here!