Dive into the enchanting world of Noël Coward and his contemporaries with Mary Bevan's captivating choral album, "A Most Marvellous Party: Noel Coward and Friends." Set for release on November 17, 2023, under Signum Records, this collection is a celebration of timeless melodies and poetic lyrics that have left an indelible mark on music history.
Mary Bevan, renowned for her exquisite vocal prowess, curates a delightful array of songs that span from the witty and whimsical to the deeply poignant. The album features a mix of Coward's iconic compositions, such as "Mad About the Boy" and "The Party's Over Now," alongside works by other notable composers like Francis Poulenc and William Walton. Each track is a testament to Bevan's versatility and the enduring appeal of these classic pieces.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album offers a comprehensive journey through the golden age of musical entertainment. From the playful "Dance Little Lady" to the reflective "World Weary," Bevan's renditions are imbued with a fresh yet respectful interpretation that honors the original compositions. The inclusion of lesser-known gems like "Banalités" and "Gnossiennes: No. 1, Lent" adds a layer of depth and discovery for both seasoned fans and new listeners.
"Twentieth Century Blues" and "The Man I Love" highlight Bevan's ability to convey both the joy and melancholy inherent in these timeless tunes. The album also features a selection of Coward's most beloved standards, including "If Love Were All" and "Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington," showcasing the composer's unparalleled wit and charm.
Mary Bevan's "A Most Marvellous Party: Noel Coward and Friends" is not just an album; it's an invitation to experience the magic of a bygone era through the lens of a contemporary artist who brings these classics to life with grace and sophistication. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Noël Coward or a newcomer to his work, this collection promises to be a cherished addition to your music library.
(C) 2023 Signum Classics(P) 2023 Signum Records
Tracks
I’ll See You Again / Dance Little Lady / Poor Little Rich Girl / A Room With A View / Someday I’ll Find You / I’ll Follow My Secret Heart / If Love Were All / Play Orchestra PlayNoel Coward, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Mad About the BoyNoel Coward, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
Early in the MorningNed Rorem, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
For PoulencNed Rorem, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
3 Pièces, FP 48: No. 1, Pastorale. Calme et MystérieuxFrancis Poulenc, Joseph Middleton
Banalités, FP 107: No. 2, HôtelFrancis Poulenc, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
Parisian PierrotNoel Coward, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Complainte de la SeineKurt Weill, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
Véronique: De-ci, de làAndré Messager, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Gnossiennes: No. 1, LentErik Satie, Joseph Middleton
Any Little FishNoel Coward, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Valse Pour les EnfantsIgor Stravinsky, Joseph Middleton
Something to do with SpringNoel Coward, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Love Calls Through the Summer NightRoger Quilter, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Now Sleeps the Crimson PetalRoger Quilter, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Now Sleeps the Crimson PetalNed Rorem, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
World Weary / Twentieth Century BluesNoel Coward, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
The Man I LoveGeorge Gershwin, Joseph Middleton
If Love Were allNoel Coward, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
By StraussGeorge Gershwin, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs WorthingtonNoel Coward, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
When You're Feeling Like Expressing Your AffectionBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
Popular SongWilliam Walton, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
On This Island, Op. 11: No. 5, As it is, PlentyBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
Love, if You Knew the LightLiza Lehmann, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton
The Party's Over NowNoel Coward, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton
I Went to a Marvellous PartyNoel Coward, Nicky Spence, Joseph Middleton