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John Stump is a fictional character known for creating a satirical and humorous piece of sheet music called "Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz." The piece is not a legitimate musical composition but a parody that incorporates absurd musical notations and humorous directions. Here are some interesting facts about John Stump and this infamous piece:

1. John Stump's Fictional Existence: John Stump is not a real composer but a fictional character created by the musician and humorist, Robert "Bob" Phillips. Phillips designed the character and attributed the composition to him as a joke.

2. Absurd Notations: "Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz" features comically absurd notations, including bizarre time signatures, impossible tempo changes, and unconventional instruments like "de Reszke's phone" and "bicycle." These notations are intended to be humorous and are impossible to perform as written.

3. Satirical Nature: The piece is a satirical commentary on overly complex and confusing sheet music that can be found in classical music. It pokes fun at the sometimes intricate and convoluted directions that composers provide to musicians.

4. Inclusion of Humorous Directions: Alongside the unusual musical notations, "Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz" includes humorous directions for the musicians, such as "Release the penguins," "Lascia ch'io pianga (hereinafter 'Mourn')," and "Gently, with a chainsaw." These absurd directions add to the piece's humor.

5. Internet Popularity: The composition gained popularity on the internet due to its absurdity, and musicians and enthusiasts have created various interpretations, parodies, and arrangements of the piece, even though it's meant to be impossible to play as originally written.

6. Visual Presentation: Many renditions of "Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz" include humorous and exaggerated visual representations of the sheet music, making it even more entertaining for audiences.

7. Legacy: John Stump's fictional creation and the piece itself have become a part of internet culture and humor within the music community. It has inspired countless discussions, memes, and inside jokes among musicians and music enthusiasts.

In summary, John Stump is a fictional character responsible for the humorous and satirical sheet music piece "Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz." This composition is known for its absurd musical notations and comically exaggerated directions, and it has gained popularity on the internet as a humorous commentary on complex and convoluted sheet music in the classical music world.