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Sunday, May 10, 2026

Sunday Drive: Debussy, Clair de Lune

As performed live by Liberace, 1983.  Somewhere along this same time, I took my mom to see him when he brought his show to our town.  I knew she would enjoy it, but didn't think I would get much out of it - Liberace was very old hat by that time . . . and besides, he was more a than a little, um, flamboyant.  You know what I mean, fellas?  I wasn't comfortable with that.  Just keep it to yourself, I thought.

But we went, and both of us had a grand time.  He truly was Mr. Showmanship - a consummate entertainer, and from the moment he stepped onto the stage in a glittering sequined suit and fur-lined cape, he enthralled everyone in that huge arena, individually and collectively, and held them spellbound until he played his last note.  Virtuosity.  Spectacle.  Magic.  

I've never seen anything like it, before or since.  Not a dull moment in the whole show, musically or visually, and the outfits kept getting more and more flamboyant - oh Mary, don't ask!  But never a hint of vulgarity, and the audience just begged for more, blue-haired ladies and manly men alike.

So this is for you, my darling red-haired Mama. I miss you so.

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2 comments:

M. Pierre said...

I can see what was so entertaining about him playing. That was truly artistically beautiful, inspite the gaudy rings on his fungers which were slight;ly distracting to me. The orchestra did a nice slow and subtle background. and the little accent of tubular bell chimes at those specific points was really on point and I had never heard it before. Thanx thats the way I want to start a pretty sunday

Russ Manley said...

You're very welcome, mon ami. I liked the chimes, too - a briliant addition. Just right.

Liberace doesn't get credit for this, but he was really, truly a world-class pianist. And unlike the famous classical guys, he covered the whole spectrum of music - could play anything and everything! That alone was worth the price of admission.

But OMG those costumes! Each one more stunning and eye-popping than the last. And nothing trashy at all. Just fabulosity at its finest! I'm glad I got to see him before he died, just a few years later.

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