Mercoledi Musciale

Noël Coward was known as "The Master" and indeed he was: actor, writer, composer, playwright, director, singer, cabaret artist, film actor and raconteur. There were very few areas of the arts that he did not indeed "master" and on top of that he was a spy during the Second World War. He was also a man who formed life-time friendships with many of his peers and when he could would include them in his productions.

Ivy St Helier was a well known revue artist and Coward wrote the part of Manon, the cabaret singer, in his musical Bitter Sweet for her. She got to sing several numbers including what is probably Coward's most autobiographical song: If Love Were All.

I believe in doing what I can
In crying when I must
In laughing when I choose
Hey ho, if love were all
I should be lonely.

I believe the more you love a man,
The more you give your trust,
The more you're bound to lose.
Although when shadows fall
I think if only
Somebody splendid really needed me
Someone affectionate and dear
Cares would be ended if I knew that he
Wanted to have me near.

But I believe that since my life began
The most I've had is just a talent to amuse.
Hey ho, if love were all.
Hey ho, if love were all.

He was being uncharacteristically self-effacing, Coward certainly had more than "a talent to amuse".

14 lulgio - Camillo de Lellis