Classical Music in the Mid to Late 1960s: NBC Nightly News and Beyond

Have you ever paused to consider how certain pieces of music became inextricably linked with the news of the day? In the mid to late 1960s, the NBC Nightly News was no exception, with Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, specifically the beginning of the second movement, being a prominent feature. For a generation of viewers, this piece of classical music was not merely a symphony but a comforting backdrop to late-night news broadcasts, as well as the familiar introduction to the Huntley-Brinkley Report.

But who could forget the opening notes of Beethoven's Fifth? The iconic Symphony No. 5 in C minor, with its famous motif "da-da-da-dum," became inextricably linked with more than just a news program. In the days before CNN, many of us were introduced to this symphony through nightly events on NBC. For countless Americans, the melodic introduction of the Fifth Symphony reverberated through living rooms, becoming a symbol of the end of the day and the start of a new one.

The Role of Classical Music in Television

The use of classical music in television was not limited to just NBC Nightly News. In a time when music was a pervasive medium in people's lives, classical themes and pieces were often used to evoke a certain mood or to bridge the gap between a compelling broadcast and its viewers. NBC's choice of Beethoven's Fifth as a backdrop to nightly news went beyond mere aesthetics; it played a crucial role in establishing a connection with its audience, creating a sense of tradition and reliability in the face of critical and often chaotic events.

A Brief History of Beethoven's Fifth

Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, composed between 1804 and 1808, is one of the most famous works in classical music history. Its most recognizable motif forms the first four notes of the symphony, which many music historians consider a universal symbol of heroism and struggle. The battle motif, as it is known, has appeared in countless films, sporting events, and, as we have seen, in television broadcasts. During the 1960s and beyond, it was a staple of nightly news programs, particularly on NBC. For anyone who watched the news at that time, the symphony was an intrinsic part of the broadcast, a piece of music that seemed to encapsulate the spirit of the era.

The Huntley-Brinkley Report and Its Significance

But the topic of this piece of music extends far beyond just the NBC Nightly News. The Huntley-Brinkley Report, a news program on NBC that aired from 1951 to 1965, was one of the earliest evening news broadcasts and had a massive influence on the evolution of broadcasting in the United States. The symphony played over the opening credits, signaling the beginning of this important nightly program. Edward R. Huntley and David Brinkley, the co-hosts, brought the news of the day into viewers' homes, and their names became synonymous with reliable, in-depth reporting.

The Impact of Classical Music on Cultural Perception

On a broader scale, the use of classical music in television programming also reflects the cultural and societal trends of the time. The 1960s were a period of significant cultural and social change, and music played a pivotal role in defining the era. Beethoven's music, with its grand and emotive qualities, resonated deeply with the emotional and intellectual zeitgeist of the 1960s. The symphony became a cultural artifact, symbolizing the trials and triumphs of that era, and its use in nightly news programs further cemented its role in American culture.

Today, when one hears the opening notes of Beethoven's Fifth, they might still think of Edward Huntley and David Brinkley's nightly news, but the symphony's reach extends much further. It has become a timeless piece of music, transcending the news broadcasts of the 1960s and maintaining a lasting legacy in popular culture. For many, it remains a familiar and comforting reminder of a past era, a time when classical music was an integral part of everyday life, not just for the elite but for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, and in particular the beginning of the Second Movement, as the closing theme of NBC's nightly news broadcasts in the mid to late 1960s was more than just a preference for classical music. It represented a powerful and resonant connection between the medium and the message, serving as both an aesthetic enhancement and a cultural touchstone for a generation. As we continue to explore the intersection of music and media, it's worth reflecting on the enduring impact of such musical choices and the timeless melodies that resonated deeply with the culture of an entire era.