This week has been one Novellian discovery after another, and each better than the last!
First, I was able to add to my film list, with Once a Lady (1931. This is not the clips I found earlier, but the full film! I also have The Lodger (1932), I Lived with You (1933), Sleeping Car (1933), and Autumn Crocus (1934). Now, I'm just missing Symphony in Two Flats )1930/wrote), But The Flesh is Weak (1932/wrote but not in it). If anyone wants the links to the others,, let me know, as they're all on Youtube. I also have Glamorous Night, but he's not in it. Mary Ellis is, though. That one I bought.
Then, I found two very unusual pieces. They are both instrumental and are actually narrated by Novello himself! They come from King's Rhapsody, which I was lucky enough to have seen (also on Youtube and well worth watching), but other than a few notes at the beginning, taken from Mountain Dove, and some snattches of familiar songs, I don't recall them being there. Maybe, this was an audio special.
Muranian Rhapsody Part 1
youtube.com/watch?v=JIbrYatXPd…
Muranian Rhapsody Part 2
youtube.com/watch?v=ciVi8L-KPe…
Today, while looking for other works written/translated by Christopher Hassall, I found something that almost brought me to tears, for several reasons. It is a tribute to Ivor Novello, made by those who knew him, a mere two days after his death! Whether reporters tracked down these poor people and bothered them or whether they got together to honour their friend, boss, etc. I don't know. But it is a golden treasure, as some of these actors I'll probably never get to hear anywhere else. Others I have, either singing or in interviews, including a huge concert narrated by Vanessa Lee.
youtube.com/watch?v=etB7t_ETqS…
The other day, I found something else by Novello, though not Ivor! I had completely forgotten that his adopted sister Marie was a classical pianist! Sadly, she died quite young, and all but two of her recordings were acoustic, as they were made in the 1920's. I found thirteen of them on Youtube, all under six minutes.
I chose this one because it's one of her two electrics, and is therefore very clear.
Arensky: Etude Op36 No13
youtube.com/watch?v=5O9J5LVA6P…
This one is not only clear for being acoustic, but there is a bit of history attached. She was actually the last living student of the composer, Theodor Leschetizky. I have never heard of him, but I'm sure some of you have.
Leschetizky: Toccata
youtube.com/watch?v=SK5qHsOf_p…
#IvorNovello #MarieNovello #theatre #films #MaryEllis #OliveGilbert#ChristopherHassall
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