In the Christmas spirit I have spent my time worrying about you. I found hope. Naturally: I was looking for some.
Who lives?
The Great Karl. Not Harpo,Groucho or even Rove, no: Karl.
I found three versions of the same production, and what I found was rising exhuberence, more sumptuous production values, more energy: vox very populii. growing louder and more convincing, more hopeful. To speak with the voice of the gods is what art will be able to do: it is the hope which mandates artists, dedicates them to truth and performance.
But not all artists are filled with truth. Many are filled with lies and their art is hate distilled and embittered. They are part of the show which must go on, they can't help what they see and translate. But the many speak with the same voice and sing the same song.
The purpose of this diary is to present what you might think of as pre-WWII kitsch, old favorites made new, bolder: for your enjoyment.
Step One: 1937.
Just one artist (The Artist) and some children. It was a great favorite.
The best we can do to revive Gracie Field's gift is a visual of an old 78, crackly, and a 50's "gramophone". Here you find the steel tempered voice of the inimitable Gracie. Once you've heard her sing a song, you've learned it and you can sing true, to the tune, no wobbling about looking for the notes. British music hall, back in the day, was participatory. Follow her and you'll be in perfect pitch.
Step Two (a clue): subverting Nazism
It drove Goebbels bananas. Can't be that bad, then. Etait-ce un faux pas? je ne le pense pas.
Step Three: constrained and unconvincing (must be the 50's)
Sample, if you like, but the next version rollicks. Gracie would have liked it. Watch the duchesses, in Step Three - they appear to have dominated the production and its values. Pity, because:
Step Four: we're finally getting good at this. Here's a Lambeth Walk worth doing.
Step five! In Japanese! I love it (beats kabuki);
He lives!