502. Unchained Melody (Alex North and Hy Zaret) - HKWMVC

[jslasher1]

The song is based on the original score composed by Alex North for a film called 'Unchained'. Hy Zaret wrote the lyrics. The ASCAP copyright logs list North as composer and Zaret as lyricist. Later on, Jack Nitzsche arranged the song for Phil Spector's record label. It is this arrangement, which was later used in 'Ghost', that is best known today.

[FresnoTwink]

I think the conductor was in a hurry... the pace on this is really fast compared to other versions. Of course, like any marching band member knows, a fast pace covers a lot of errors.

[twinkie57401]

There seems to be some internet hoaxes about who wrote the song, and who recorded it first. Hy Zaret fought off an imposter who claims he wrote it in 1936, and they say Al Hibbler recorded it years before the movie was made.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks for that information.

[babybookworm003]

how many in the mens choir

[raymondcrooke]

I think we have about 70 current members, but you'd never get them all together at one time! We usually have around forty for our performances. Most of us are expatriates working on two-year contracts, so people tend to come and go, but we do have some founding members who have been in the choir since it began 30 years ago.

[UncleVRoy]

WEll DONE Fellas

Are you the tall one in the back right?

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks. I'm the one in the red polo shirt!

[albertaviking]

Yes! I see you there Raymond! That nice shirt of yours really stands out all over the place!

[kbonez2]

Haha, classic response.  Great job guys.

[pmb003]

another Awesome job Raymond

5 *****

Loved this song very much

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Phyllis. I can't say I love the song, but I love singing with this choir.

[blueukulele]

It must be fantastic being part of a choir. Not one of my favourite songs but well sung. Theres a new programme starting on the BBC on Saturday 5th July called 'Last Choir Standing'. You should have entered it looks good.

[raymondcrooke]

It is a great experience and a good learning opportunity.

This one is not a song I would normally choose to sing, but it's certainly very popular.

[dannyknapp]

looks like one guy didn't get the 'shirt' memo. hmmm. sounds great though !

[raymondcrooke]

More than one actually! When we do a public performance, we normally wear a more formal uniform (compulsory!) - and are not allowed to drink before we sing! This is an informal occasion so the rules are more relaxed.

[oldstewball]

Hello

Raymond...

That was DEVINE! Such a tight harmonic convergence as if were ONE voice...just short of being a Gregorian Chant! Raymond,this performance moved me to tears,literally. Very,very well-performed and arranged,indeed. Pray tell,Raymond...does the choir perfom any songs in the traditional Welsh dialect (which I need an interpreter for)?

Thank you so much for sharing this event with us...it is appreciated more than you will ever know.

Peace,

Stewball

[raymondcrooke]

We do perform a lot of Welsh songs. I find they are the hardest ones to learn - though, of course, it's no problem for the actual Welsh members of the choir. Thanks for your comment.

[lewdite]

Really enjoy these "live" informal gatherings of yours. Thanks.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Lew. I'm glad my wife was able to film a few snippets to share here.