APRIL IN PARIS: WHAT A DELIGHTFUL THOUGHT AND-------- A GREAT SONG

April in Paris: What a Delightful Thought and a Great Song:  I have already lauded the melodic and harmonic richness of Vernon Duke ( born Vladimir Dukelsky),. The expatriate Russian composer  was a contemporary of Igor Stravinsky who composed major classical works in ballet, symphonic and other styles. He also managed to write some genuine American  popular songs like " Autumn in New York:, an earlier blog and one sung brilliantly by Dawn Upshaw
." "April in Paris"  written in 1932 for the musical " Walk A Little Faster" has very evocative lyrics by E,Y, Harburg which tell of" Chestnuts in blossom, Holiday tables under the trees"etc., imagery that is almost a musical travelogue. The song has an extended verse that unfortunately is not utilized in most vocal recordings.
In the release or  middle section, the lyrics continue" I never knew the charm of Spring, Never met it face to face, I never knew my heart could sing, Never missed a warm embrace , till,   April in Paris, Whom can I run to, What have you done to my heart? "

The version featured here is by Frank Sinatra who gives it a very dramatic and impassioned reading. In fact, he starts with the release or  mid section, and the returns to the beginning section, repeats the bridge and ends with " What have you done to my heart ?
In the 1950's Count Basie had a hit up-tempo instrumental version proving that the music itself was noteworthy and when evocative lyrics are added, " April in Paris" stands as an excellent marriage of words and music.

LINK: 
               http://youtu.be/VkTMiV2_rw0   

  BONUS: 
Singers Unlimited  "April  in Paris" A voices only  track, 4 singers over dubbing as many as 20 separate vocal lines to end up sounding like an orchestra.  
LINK: http://youtu.be/GDYkDt2ilIA