Tags: Don Read

May I invite you to listen to three songs from my Lyrics For Classics collection of songs using classical themes with arrangements by Michael Neaum and lyrics by me,performed by Sinfonia Chorale, one of Nottingham's finest choirs.

"Drifting, Dreaming". (Erik Satie’s Gymnopedie No.1) This song was recorded by Cleo Laine and James Galway on their 1980 album "Sometimes When We Touch". It was the first track on the album and the A side of a single.

"Danse Gastronomique" ( Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre). This melody, far from being macabre, is quite a cheerful tune. As a song it becomes a warning for the obesity lobby and is ideal for a jolly singalong. So-altogether now- Let’s All Sing Saint-Saëns Song. Try saying that when you’ve had a pint or ten !

"Child" you will recognise as Bach's "Air On A G String". This choral version is beautifully sung. Michael Neaum arranged and provided accompaniment on all the classical songs. He is brilliant.

"Hairy Fairy" is my take on "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" and an attempt to add a little levity to an otherwise group of mainly romantic songs. The very fictitious singer is the Russian ballerina Natasha Fallenover. OK she is a bass/baritone but nobody's perfect. Nat has been described as the voice of the decayed !

"Don't Do Anything I Wouldn't Do" is a pop song I wrote in 1976. I rediscovered it recently and decided it sounded rather like the Stylistics. See what you think.

Don Read

http://www.youtube.com/user/donread