Songs Of Love & Jessye

I’m very grateful to Renee Fleming for many things, one of which is introducing me to “Song Of Love”, MGM’s late ’40’s Robert Schumann biopic starring, among others, Katharine Hepburn as Clara Schumann. The movie was one of The Divine Renee’s picks for her guest-VJ night on TCM a while back. I simply fell in love with “Song Of Love”, a movie mostly un-loved when it premiered in 1947. Now, after 60 years, it’s time for this overlooked gem to finally find an audience. “Song Of Love” is more than just Hollywood’s oft-inaccurate version of “Lives Of The Great Lieder Composers”. It’s a song of love, or perhaps “poem of love” would be more apt. This movie’s great humanity speaks to me — it’s “Affair To Remember” in A minor, it’s “Love Story” unadorned.

• Visit the TCM website for more “Love”, including articles & notes.

The video below is compilation of 2 scenes from “Song of Love” and one scene from … well, it’s a surprise!

• Scene 1: “Love, Dedicated”. 1840, Germany.

• Scene 2: “Love, Unadorned”. circa 1840s, Germany, with Franz Liszt on the Yamaha.

• Scene 3: “Love, Over-Accessorized”. 2005. “Somewhere under the sea…”

You’re a brilliant artist, Jessye. I envy you. I wish I had the power to translate the common place into such stupendous experience.

Once in a while though, a little moment comes along which seems to defy translation. Do you know what I mean Jessye? The littlest things — the wonder and the magic. Two hearts that speak, perhaps one to another. The unimportant things.

Love, Jessye, as it is. No illusions. No storms at sea. No guilt. No glitter. NO JELLYFISH.

Just love. Unadorned.

Or do you know what I mean, Jessye?