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Cole Porter: The Definitive BiographyEditions
Review
Like many amateur pianists, I spent much of my time at the keyboard absorbed in learning the technique and interpretation of classical music. But not long after I'd come to live in London, I was invited away for the weekend by a friend who was also a pianist - but she had a Cole Porter songbook, and - helped by the glorious Ella recordings - I've never looked back. As the quotation above shows, Porter was a supreme lyricist - he put words to the moods of his melodies with a skill and a sophistication that has not really been matched in the genre. This highly readable biography is properly researched, and peppered with life-enhancing examples of the lyrics. Quite apart from the history of Porter's musical career - the downs and the ups, the boys and the producers (not necessarily respectively) - the book presents a dazzling portrait of the lifestyle of the super rich in the inter-war years. - review by Dan Fenton |
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"When ev'ry night, the set that's smart is in- / -Truding in nudist parties in Studios / Anything goes…"
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