I enjoy mixing my posts up. Last post was more of a serious one when I contemplated things around me. This post I wanted something that spoke for itself and embraced differences as you will see in the last clip. As a result of embracing differences in this case, we have a rare treat for the eyes and ears, and our souls. It is these things that allow us real communication.
You may recognise Evergreen as a song composed and performed by Barbra Streisand with lyrics by Paul Williams and arranged by Ian Freebairn-Smith. The song earned an Academy Award in 1976 for best original song. It was the love theme from the film A Star is Born. She was the leading lady.
BILL COLINS AND THE GOLDEN YEARS OF HOLLYWOOD
If you are a film buff and Australian, then you might remember Bill Collins and The Golden Years of Hollywood. I do and I remember being glued to the TV much to my parents consternation. They allowed it because I promised to translate his words and the film. Thus, I sat with my parents every Saturday night as Bill presented films in all genres, explaining in delicious detail what make the film great. He saw things many of us missed.
As a consequence, the odd and the eccentric took centre stage. Through his eyes the odd strode boldly, turning the world of stereotype beauty in looks and performance upside down. Communication reigned and differences shone. He loved Barbra and Kris Kristofferson in this 1970’s version almost as much as the previous version of A Star is Born starring Judy Garland and James Mason. So did I although I must admit I am partial to anything Barbra does. But way back then, Judy was my idol.
I can’t help wondering why Hollywood has this obsession with remakes because the pathos, the melodrama and the passion created by Judy is hard to match. Barbra comes close and if I have one regret, it is not seeing her in concert. She is magnificent. The Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper version? I would rather not say. That’s the thing about life – we are all so different from food, clothing, literature, music and films and our reactions to unfolding events. These differences are treasure, creating space for communication, for exchange and gives the word ‘differences’ a certain charm if we allow it. Have a look at Judy and Lady Gaga. Interesting comparison?
THE JOY OF DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Moving on, you might be wondering by now about my choice of the video clip below featuring the song Evergreen. Well, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? The song, the actors, the film or should I say, films or Il Divo? With me, one idea begins and then a tangent makes its entry and I drift into a completely different area. I came across this by accident and fell in love with the twist, small as it may be, with the addition of differences. In this case we have four languages blending differences with a poignancy that shows us differences do not separate us. Instead, they bind us creating a cultural joy.
Il Divo have an interesting history. Music producer Simon Cowell formed the multi-national quartet consisting of Carlos Marín, Urs Bühler, Sébastien Izambard and David Miller in 2003 and they have been enjoying world acclaim for over 17 years. Sadly, Carlos died during a Christmas tour across the UK in December 2021.
I hope you enjoyed the song. The purity of Streisand’s voice in English when combined with the delicious flavour of French, Italian and Spanish words is a delight. Stick around for their conversation and the accents, hers very much her own brand of New Yorker whilst their accents are the kind that produce chills in romance novels.
LEXOPHILE
For some different fun, do you know what a Lexophile is? Just in case, I’ll tell you. It is a word to describe those strange beings that have a love for sentences such as, “You can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish,” and, “To write with a broken pencil is pointless.” I stole this from one of my favourite bloggers, but you need to go to his site to enjoy it properly. I don’t want to rain on his parade. He provides me with too much enjoyment. So, if you want a grammatical laugh, check out these examples from an annual competition held by the ‘New York Times’ to see who can create the best original lexophile. You also get a bonus – Clear Air Turbulence is a pretty good read.
Love to know what you think of this post,
Barb
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I’d forgotten but Barbara’s voice is incredible! Thanks for the video.
Even if not a fan, you can’t deny the clarity and tone.
And Tuna Fish!!! Love it
Very interesting post! I learned something new!
I’m happy you dropped by.
I do wonder why Hollywood is so obsessed with remakes. I haven’t seen any of the versions of A Star is Born.
The Judy Garland is the one. She had a voice. On the subject of remakes, I feel like the originals are cheated somehow especially if they were good. Thanks for stopping by.