I find it almost impossible to
believe that I have not written a post about Robert Farnon’s most popular work –Portrait of a Flirt. It was one of the
first pieces of light music that struck me at a time when I was more concerned
with Bach’s organ music and Wagner’s operas. (The first was Coronation Scot by Vivian Ellis).
Portrait of a Flirt appeared around 1947 and is really a compendium
of rhythm and flappable orchestral manoeuvres. It is a deftly written piece
that exudes vivacity, humour and romance.
According to the liner notes for the
Marco Polo recording of this work, it had ‘humble’ origins. It was originally conceived
as a piece of ‘mood music’ for the Chappell Library: like so many similar
pieces it would have been used by film and documentary producers to give the ‘correct’
atmosphere to their work.
If ever a piece was able to
musically portray a spirited lady who was also a little bit of a flirt, it is
this. Basically presented in ternary form, the opening and closing sections present a
light-hearted, slightly mischievous disposition, whilst the slower middle section
reveals a nocturnal mood that is more romantic that skittish.
Robert Farnon regularly performed
this work on the BBC Home Service and Light Programme however, it was given a
major fillip when it was recorded by David Rose (of The Stripper fame) on an MGM album.
There are a number of recordings
of this work currently available, however, I do recommend the composer conducting
on Naxos 8.110849. The piece is available on YouTube with the Farnon
conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Wondrous music! This was the song played too loud on the radio in BRIEF ENCOUNTER at the opening of the film. :) Farnon's music has captured my further love of light music. I bought a very popular Farnon LP on London Decca in the 50s not knowing the originals were transferred from the original 78s in 1947 and 1948! Pure mono tone! Thanks for your nice review!
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