Album Project: “The Music of Kings and the Queensâ€
by Sheldon Dane | London News Time | March 10, 2021
Helen Mirren joined forces with Damian Lewis to pay tribute to the Queen before her 95th birthday.
The 75-year-old actress, who won the Oscar on the big screen as a monarch in 2006, and her homeland star, 50, tell a series of stories about British kings and queens throughout history.
Each piece is set in music by contemporary composer Debbie Wiseman, who was asked to create a soundtrack to the Queen’s official birthday parade in June before it was put on hold due to ongoing coronavirus regulation.
The album, entitled “The Music of Kings and Queens,†tells the story of making England through 12 monarchs, beginning with William the Conqueror and ending with the current Queen.
Each royal family will feature the story of Helen and Lewis, accompanied by the music of the Grammy-nominated composer Wiseman, who embodies the individuality of the monarch.
The words were written by Simon Brooksward, an event producer and director who was involved in the planning of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebration.
Dame Helen said: “I enjoyed the opportunity to work with Debbie on a musical journey into royal history.
“I am honored to be able to record the words with Damian and participate in celebrating Her Majesty’s 95th birthday.
“Debbie did a great job of composing and recording music.
“We may not remember most of the prime ministers, politicians, military forces, and even groundbreaking scientists, but in a good understanding of our kings and queens who shaped our country. Let’s say this is their story and their legacy. “
https://twitter.com/wisemandebbie/status/1370088142099857419
Helen Mirren won the Best Actress Award for her role as Queen in 2007 and played the monarch on the stage of the 2013 play “Audienceâ€.
Lewis added: “I was happy to be asked to help Debbie and Helen talk about the image of the monarch. Heroic, noble, and corrupt. “It was bright and very enjoyable to get a glimpse of the hearts and minds of those kings and queens through Debbie’s inspiring music.â€
Wiseman said: “It was great for him to accompany my music again, as he composed for Damian Lewis as Henry VIII at Wolf Hall on the BBC. This time, with Helen Mirren, shaped our history12 I introduced a human monarch.
“He and Helen were both nice and it was an absolute pleasure to work with them.
Music Of Kings And Queens will be released on June 11 at Decca Records. Order copies from Decca here or iTunes here.
Read the rest of the original article at London News Time
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“I played my work to them and showed them the musical thoughts behind each monarch, from William the Conqueror to the present Queen. They responded with the most wonderful, inspiring and wonderful narration. ..
“I couldn’t be more satisfied with this result. It’s the biggest thrill I can imagine that these two prominent actors contribute to my album.â€[/hide]