Noel Coward - More Compact Coward
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Track List: More Compact Coward
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Album Details: More Compact Coward
- Release Date:
- 01/01/1991
- UPC:
Pro Reviews: More Compact Coward
| EXPERT RATING: From AMG Reviews A follow-up to 1989's successful compilation The Compact Coward, 1991's More Compact Coward provides what the unimaginative title suggests: a further set of offerings from the cabaret star's golden era, 1928 to 1943 (with a pair of minor tunes from 1951, including the self-referential "Don't Make Fun of the Festival" thrown in as well). Nicely balanced between orchestral takes and simple piano and vocal tunes (always Coward's best showcase and therefore the majority of these 20 tracks), More Compact Coward is an intriguing exploration of some of Coward's lesser-known tunes. These include early hits like "A Room With a View" and 1929's "I'll See You Again," which the composer always rated as one of his own favorites, and satirical jibes like "The Stately Homes of England" and "Don't Let's Be Beastly to the Germans," a World War II-era number that was misinterpreted and subsequently banned by the BBC. Intriguingly, the CD also includes audio transcriptions of two of nine brief one-act musical plays Coward wrote and performed with singer and actress Gertrude Lawrence, collectively known as "Tonight at 8:30." Both are filled with the sly wit that was Noel Coward's trademark, and they're among the best work on this fine collection. As with The Compact Coward, the sound quality is sometimes a bit lacking (these compilations could certainly stand a thorough remastering) but the quality of the material is inarguable. - Stewart Mason, All Music Guide |
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Noel Coward Biography
Noel Coward was among the most innovative and influential figures to emerge from the theatrical world during the 20th century; a playwright, director and actor as well as a songwriter, filmmaker and novelist, his witty, urbane stage productions forev...Full Noel Coward Biography
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