The death of the great Tom Lehrer at the age of 97 is very sad news. The mathematician and songwriter is best known for his song “Elements.” In 2021, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we asked chemist and pianist Nuno Maulide (University of Vienna) to accompany Anne Wieben in her performance of Lehrer’s prophetic “I Got It From Agnes,” in which he explains chains of infection with his trademark blend of science and sarcasm. The performance was part of our television version of the Science Ball. In 2023, thanks to science, we were able to return to the grand ballroom of City Hall. Through the kind mediation of Marc Abrahams, I had the great fortune to initiate an email exchange with Lehrer. Every year, I kindly invited him and explained that these emails were one of the special joys of my work as ball organizer. Every year, Lehrer replied reliably and stylishly, as one would expect from him (see Exhibit A).

The best way to honor Lehrer—who, incidentally, put ALL his songs and lyrics in the public domain in 2022—is to listen to his work. Here is a list of links that demonstrate his intention to educate and entertain at the same time.

Nuno and Anne with “I Got It from Agnes”: https://youtu.be/-guuLmKD0RY?si=wrEshOgrfl3246sD&t=25

The original version: https://youtu.be/R6qFG0uop9k?si=HoHxHYeqOs3CSfZB

Perhaps the best television recording of a Tom Lehrer concert: https://youtu.be/QHPmRJIoc2k?si=w7MLjtRRI3Y2d0Rq

All melodies, lyrics, and recordings: https://tomlehrersongs.com/