John Lahr on HAROLD ARLEN

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 8:03pm

Great article by John Lahr on Harold Arlen in this week's NEW YORKER.

He blithely notes that Arlen, even during his lifetime, was "virtually anonymous" to the general public, and even this year, "which happens to be the centennial of Arlen's birth (he died in 1986), at a celebration for a postage stamp honoring the late lyricist E. Y. Harburg, with whom Arlen wrote a hundred and eleven songs, including the score for THE WIZARD OF OZ no one thought to even mention Arlen."

And yes, there have been a few concerts (notably Tonya Pinkins) and an excellent exhibition earlier this year at the Lincoln Center Library, but I can't help feeling that Arlen again has received rather short shrift here in New York City in his centennial year. He certainly deserved a "Wall-to-Wall" concert, at the very least.

The Bittersweet Life of Harold Arlen

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 8:08pm

I could go for a Wall-to-Wall Arlen. Any other takers?

Just to add, Arlen has written probably some of my favorite songs of all time! "Over the Rainbow", "The Man that Got Away" "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and many others.

Since I'm an avid Judy Garland fan, I thought I'd add a little trivia about Arlen. When her husband was set to produce the movie "A Star is Born", he asked Judy who she wanted to write the songs and she requested only one composer....Harold Arlen. I think its amazing that someone as amazing as Judy knew the quality of music she wanted. That movie along with the score is my favorite of ALL TIME!!!

Updated On: 9/13/05 at 08:08 PM

[alterego]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 9:24pm

Count me in!

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 10:59pm

MasterLcZ--

Thank you. That was so beautiful, so touching and so sad.

I liked Arlen's walking while composing; I understand that.

I found Arlen's devotion to his wife and his melancholy quite moving.

Lahr is a wonderful writer.

Posted: 9/12/05 at 11:11pm

Arlen was one of the foremost writers of the musical world from the 30s through the 60s. Sadly underappreciated, and not as commercially successful as his talent deserved.

Tonya Pinkins' concert last year to honor his output was truly a special evening.

A favorite LP of mine is Diahann Carroll's first recording, devoted to the songs of Harold Arlen.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 9/13/05 at 12:38am

But, you know, Lahr left out one thing...

Did Harold Arlen have curly hair?

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 9/13/05 at 9:48am

bump this up!