Great Lives Russell Grant on Ivor Novello
Aug 6, 2013
Astrologer and performer Russell Grant discusses the life of legendary composer Ivor Novello, whose romantic fantasies enchanted audiences in the early 20th century. Joined by Richard Stirling, an expert on Novello's work, they explore the complexities of his career, from his early days as a chorister to his Hollywood fame. Topics include Novello's enduring influence on music and theatre, his relationship with his mother, and the societal challenges he faced during wartime. Their conversation reveals a unique blend of admiration and melancholy surrounding his legacy.
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Russell Grant's Novello Experience
- Russell Grant was deeply inspired by Ivor Novello's music from 1972 onward.
- He toured for six months in Novello's operetta "King's Rhapsody" with original cast members.
Novello's Melancholic Complexity
- Ivor Novello was a successful British movie star with complex melancholic characters unlike his later stage persona.
- Despite fame, he seemed unfulfilled and weighed by unrealized ambitions.
Novello's Fame Has Faded
- Novello's fame has faded due to changing tastes and his works being viewed as dated and lacking wit.
- His relaxed, charming style and looks are now considered outmoded unlike peers like Noel Coward.