Denise Orme and Arthur Grover sing 'The Swing Duet' from Veronique, 1906

This cover version of 'The Swing Song' from Messager's 'Veronique' was recorded by Denise Orme (as May Loveday) and Arthur Grover for the Zonophone label (X-44061) in London on 30 January 1906. Although 'Veronique' was given its London premier by the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate at the Coronet Theatre, Notting Hill Gate, on 5 May 1903, it was not until 18 May 1904 that it reached a larger audience when it was produced in London's West End at the Apollo Theatre, starring Ruth Vincent and Laurence Rea in the leading roles. Their 'Swing Song' duet was one of the hits of the evening.
Don't forget to visit Footlight Notes http://footlightnotes.tripod.com for weekly updates. The recording and photographs featured here are from John Culme's Footlight Notes Collection.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Andre Messager
• Veronique
• The Swing Song
• May Loveday
• Denise Orme
• Arthur Grover
• Ruth Vincent
• Laurence Rea
• Coronet Theatre
• Apollo Theatre
• Zonophone

[michaelsmither]

John,

I was absolutely fascinated to hear this; the first time Ive heard a recording of Denise Orme (my gt gt Aunt).

I guess she would have been appearing at Dalys Theatre in The Little Michus at the time having succeeded Mabel Green as Marie Blanche, I understand that she recorded Oh! I want to be a Grand Lady during the same recording session.

Seems she got her wish.

Many Thanks,

Michael

[footlightnotes]

Hello Michael

I'm delighted that you have found this item of interest.

As for what Miss Orme was doing at the time of making this recording session it is rather difficult to say without further research; for instance, Marie Blanche was also played by Thelma Raye (the future Mrs Ronald Colman) at some time during the run of The Little Michus, while Denise Orme herself appeared in various matinee concerts.

She did indeed become a very grand lady!

Best wishes

John

[MrGer2295]

MOLTO BELLO!!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful video.

[Lurkalotalot]

Arthur Grover also recorded the 'Swing Song' with Blanche-Gaston Murray, I am guessing, from around the same time going by the surface noise on my recording (a tape dubbing from the original 78 rpm record).