Where the Music Comes From

 

Upon waking up this morning I was saddened to hear that composer Lee Hoiby passed away yesterday.  I have only sung one of his pieces (an aria from his operatic adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke) but have always enjoyed his writing.  After a bit of YouTube trolling, I came across some highlights from his operatic “monologue” Bon Appetit! based on, and including text by, Julia Child.

 

OMG I just had the best idea!  Someone should totally make a movie version of this opera!! If only I could think of someone who could pull of playing this role.  Hmmm… … …

 

In all seriousness, though, his contribution to the realm of music is undeniable and luckily for us his music will continue to live on for years and years to come.

“Singers, you can’t fool them,” he said. “When they hear a song, they can tell right away if it’s going to make them sound good. And mine do.”  Lee Hoiby [via The New York Times]

 

Artist: Peter Stewart/ Album: Continual Conversations with a Silent Man, Songs of Lee Hoiby

Diamonds are Forever

 

I’m sure many of you heard today that Elizabeth Taylor passed away, and even Jan commented to me something along the lines of “I figure you have a blog post in the works!”  To be honest, I think I’ve only ever seen one movie she’s been in, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, but it’s one of my favorites and I usually end up watching it at least once a year.  So… looks like tonight will cover me for 2011.

“Why don’t you love me Brick?!  Oh BRIIIIIIIIIIIICK!!!!!!”

 

I believe the first time I saw the film was during high school (we had read Tennessee Williams’ original play in English class).  Yes… studio executives would only greenlight the project if blatant character cuts were made. And yes… it does kind of change the whole underlying meaning for the protagonists’ marital problems.  BUT, the performances of Miss Taylor, Paul Newman, Burle Ives, et al are quite fantastic and well worth seeing.

 

Artist: Shirley Bassey/ Album: Twenty of the Best