The Changing Face of Popular Music
Yoxall WI's first meeting of the year had us all singing and foot tapping as we recognised various tunes of the past. Alan Hopkin entertained with the Changing Face of Popular Music. A cancer charity in Ashbourne is supported by Alan who can provide 6 different talks. He is now retired from running a music shop but continues to play the clarinet for various musical groups. Alan’s talk was based upon a played piece of music which we tried to recognise and an explanation of how it fitted in with the changing face of popular music.
The first style of music was a quadrille, which is also a historic dance performed by four couples in a rectangular formation, and a precursor to traditional square dancing. A piece by Strauss followed, which was considered more risqué as the dancing involved some bodily contact! The Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu is well known for his playing of Strauss music.
Ragtime in 19th century America followed, and we heard a piece of music used in the film "The Sting". Alan described this music as very mechanical, with no passion. Next came a piece of Hungarian music which was clearly of a more passionate style.
The Victorian era of Gilbert and Sullivan provided the next piece of music we all recognised. Less recognisable was the music of Richard Tauber, from the same era, but an Austrian tenor acclaimed as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.
In the 1920's outfits for both sexes underwent a revolution. Before the war, women had worn elaborate, full length dresses with layers of restrictive undergarments or more formal dress as dress code. In the 1920's, body crippling corsets and the boyish figure became popular. Women began to show more of their legs and various types of swing dances evolved including the Lindy Hop, Jive and Jitterbug. Dance bands and the drum kit arrived and we heard music from Glen Miller, the American big band musician and bandleader in the swing era.
The very different music associated with Latin American dancing followed, and these included the tango, bossa nova and rumba.
The familiar voice of Nat King Cole, singing a piece by Sir George Shearing had us joining in, together with other well known artistes such as Tony Bennett and Perry Como. A very different style of music was provided by Victor Silvester, an English dancer, musician and bandleader from the British dance band era. He has become associated with the catchphrase "slow, slow, quick- quick- slow" - a rhythm that occurs in the foxtrot and quickstep.
Finally we were treated to the beautiful voice of Lesley Garrett, singing various well recognisable pieces. Alan had given us a fascinating insight into "The Changing Face of Popular Music".
The date for our May Market was announced, so please keep May 17th free, when you will be able to buy homemade produce, books and bric a brac. Our next meeting is on 12th February in Yoxall Parish Hall, which will be a members evening. Further details can be obtained from Penny Bailey through the link below.