How Long Has This Been Going On- A Gershwin Classic. We need to remember that when we refer to a Gershwin song, don't forget shy and retiring Ira who wrote most of the lyrics for the more flamboyant brother George. George Gerswhin never hesitated to go right to any piano to play his latest songs and who ever would object. Oscar Levant, the witty pianist and friend of Gershwin was once quoted as saying " "George-If you had to do all over again, would you still fall in love with yourself ? "
We are all familiar withs ome of the more aggressive and assertive Gershwin songs like " Fascinating Rhythm" " i Got Rhythm" " Clap Yo Hands" and " Swanee".
This song is a gentle and reflective song that requires greater sublety since the singer is speculating about the development of a love affair and how it all started. There is a lovely verse that precedes the main refrain which in this version features the adorable Audrey Hepburn in the movie " Funny Face" co starring Fred Astaire.
In addition to Hepburn's delightful performance, the film segment amply demonstrates her graceful movements since she started out as a dancer. Cole Porter's lyric " On Gossamer Wings" beautifully describes the ethereal quality of Audrey Hepburn. It is always a bonus when one can see how a song was designed to show a specific human situation. That is not as easily done in a recording studio where the sound may be perfect but it lacks a specifIc context. We can only enjoy the music and the words and conjure up for ourselves a situation that could mirror the intent of the song.
LINK: http://youtu.be/5Bko-Sz8HV0
No comments:
Post a Comment