Feest Isolation Days – 20 November
My Desert Island has offered me a lovely escape for the week. I’ve got one more piece of music left to choose, and as a special treat, I will also share the first piece of music chosen for the inaugural BBC Programme.
Lockdown seems a snip when you know that Desert Island Discs was initially recorded in a bomb-damaged BBC Maida Vale studio on 27th January 1942. The programme’s first celebrity was an American Viennese comedian, actor and musician, Vic Oliver. He didn’t seem very funny to me, but you can see what you think!
The programme was a huge success. The addition of deciding on a luxury item began in 1951 when Sally Ann Howe chose garlic! A month later a book was added to the items one could take along to the Island and the guest, actor and director Henry Kendall, chose “Who’s Who in the Theatre.” This of course was in addition to the complete works of Shakespeare and the Gideon Bible. The producers reckoned those Gideon Bible suppliers missed nowhere!
Michael Parkinson took over presenting duties after the death of the series creator and presenter Roy Plomley. Sue Lawley took up the reins followed by Kirsty Young. Today the programme is presented by Lauren Laverne.
And now for my final choice! New Zealand has become our second home. We have developed deep and lasting ties with the place and our many friends there. The sound of Whiramarko Black who sings to us in both English and Maori takes us back there even when the airlines can’t. Her albums are played regularly in this house, but the one song that always stays with me is “When Did You Leave Heaven?” I like everything about it!
The first choice of music in 1942 was Chopin’s Étude No.12 in C minor, played by pianist Alfred Cortot. I’m grateful for his choice because I get to have one piece of classical music with me which I must have!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRxGkzmhh-gV
My book would have to be a thesaurus. I would prefer the online version but the print version would do in a pinch. My luxury item is undoubtedly a supply of Lancome lipstick in varying tones of red. The Desert Island would definitely make my lips dry and if I catch sight of myself in the water’s reflection, I can remember a different time when I always wore lovely colours! (Apparently, lipstick sales have dropped 49% since mask wearing began – I still apply mine daily!)
The journey has ended and I’m supposed to choose just one of these discs to save from the waves – it would have to be All You Need Is Love. Because, in the end, that’s all we really need! I have chosen seven discs all in with the inclusion of Mr. Chopin and there is one more to pick. I’ll leave that for you! What’s your choice? Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!
One of our favourite ever islands….My real luxury? I’m not on my own….
With love
Kathy x