Two Tunes

‘Tis Autumn with Cy Todd, concert in Biot chez Terry, October 24, 2010

Two tunes here. Both written in the 40’s. Both inspired by autumn. Each in a totally different mood (heartbreaking vs. cheerful). Both lovable. Both lovely on the harp.

Les Feuilles Mortes/ Autumn Leaves

French lyrics by Jacques Prévert, English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Music by Joseph Kosma

1945

The falling leaves drift by the window 

The autumn leaves of red and gold 

I see your lips, the summer kisses 

The sun-burned hands I used to hold 

Since you went away the days grow long 

And soon I'll hear old winter's song 

But I miss you most of all my darling 

When autumn leaves start to fall 

Oh! je voudrais tant que tu te souviennes

Des jours heureux où nous étions amis

En ce temps-là la vie était plus belle,

Et le soleil plus brûlant qu'aujourd'hui

Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle

Tu vois, je n'ai pas oublié...

Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle,

Les souvenirs et les regrets aussi

Et le vent du nord les emporte

Dans la nuit froide de l'oubli.

Tu vois, je n'ai pas oublié

La chanson que tu me chantais.

C'est une chanson qui nous ressemble

Toi, tu m'aimais et je t'aimais

Et nous vivions tous deux ensemble

Toi qui m'aimais, moi qui t'aimais

Mais la vie sépare ceux qui s'aiment

Tout doucement, sans faire de bruit

Et la mer efface sur le sable

Les pas des amants désunis.

Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle,

Les souvenirs et les regrets aussi

Mais mon amour silencieux et fidèle

Sourit toujours et remercie la vie

Je t'aimais tant, tu étais si jolie,

Comment veux-tu que je t'oublie?

En ce temps-là, la vie était plus belle

Et le soleil plus brûlant qu'aujourd'hui

Tu étais ma plus douce amie

Mais je n'ai que faire des regrets

Et la chanson que tu chantais

Toujours, toujours je l'entendrai!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

‘Tis Autumn by Henry Nemo

1941

Old Father time checked, so there'd be no doubt;

Called on the North wind to come on out,

Then cupped his hands so proudly to shout,

"La-di-dah di-dah-di-dum, 'tis autumn!"

Trees say they're tired, they've born too much fruit;

Charmed on the wayside, there's no dispute.

Now shedding leaves, they don't give a hoot -

La-di-dah di-dah-di-dum, 'tis autumn!

Then the birds got together to chirp about the weather

Mmmm-mmm-mmm-mmm.

After makin' their decision, in birdie-like precision,

Turned about, and made a beeline to the south.

My holding you close really is no crime -

Ask the birds and the trees and old Father Time.

It's just to help the mercury climb.

La-di-dah di-dah-di-dum, 'tis autumn.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This past weekend, my friend Terry hosted me in concert at her lovely home. It was so nice to try out some of these pieces I’ve been working on. Terry and another friend, Cy, sang Les Feuilles Mortes and ‘Tis Autumn. Several people shared poetry about Autumn. 

Most of the guests were native English-speakers from various parts of the planet. All of them had a different regard for Autumn... sad, colorful, cheery, or depressing, etc. That’s what I’m finding for each of the Autumn pieces- Autumn to one composer means something very different to another. Which makes this project interesting.... 

To Mr./Mrs. Composer: What does Autumn sound like to you? How would you express Autumn through the medium of music? 

...it’s a scientific-like research and dissection. But for fun, and definitely not sterile- I get to dirty my hands in my own interpretation of each composition.

It’s a coordination of:

Art = “The expression or application of human skill and imagination, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

Autumn = “The third season of the year, when crops and fruits are gathered and leaves fall, in the Northern Hemisphere from September to November and in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May.”

Therefore, my confirmed hypothesis at this juncture is: um.