Whitworth student turns ‘covfefe’ tweet into Baroque fugue

While many took to social media to offer up interpretations of President Donald Trump’s famous “covfefe” tweet, Peter Underhill turned to music.

The Whitworth University music student composed a Baroque fugue using the notes “CFEFE” as a basis for his piece. Inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach, it is written in a counterpoint style, meaning three separate, independent notes are played at the same time.

Underhill’s music history teacher at Whitworth, Richard Strauch, said the “Covfefe” composition was inspired by the Baroque period, when people would take an abstract idea and turn it into music. Bach once wrote a song using letters in his own name as notes – B, A and C.

Underhill’s composition is not only a creative tie to current events, but Strauch said it’s also well-composed and researched.

A Spokane-area native, Underhill has played piano since he was in first grade and composed music since middle school. He said his piece wasn’t meant to be political. It was simply inspired by memes and images associated with the “covfefe” tweet, and the young musician thought it would be funny.

Listen to the song played on the piano at http://bit.ly/2rlt4XT.