Bit of History: Re Diana Lynn
By Terry Smythe
Back in 1980 at the AMICA Convention in Pasadena, Bill Flynt and Robert Armbruster did a gorgeous duet on a pair of concert grands of Variations on a Theme of Chopsticks. It was something that Robert arranged back in the 40's for his niece for a birthday gift I recall. My recollection is that Robert's niece was Diana Lynn, a movie star of the era, the same era when Robert was Music Director of MGM (?) Studios.
What is provoking my interest is a 10" vinyl LP (33 1/3) I found at a garage sale over the weekend:
Diana Lynn in Piano Moods
with Paul Weston and his orchestra
Capital #H180
Why Shouldn't I
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue
In the Still of the Night
Just One of those things
You'd be so nice to come to
Lover
Easy to love
You've got that thing
This was my first indication that Diana Lynn was also a pianist. Can anyone confirm that Diana Lynn is indeed the same person who was Robert Armbruster's niece, for whom he arranged that outstanding, positively symphonic Variations on a Theme of Chopsticks. There were 80 Ampico roll copies of that performance, and I was lucky enough to get one, signed by both Robert and Bill. I still play it as an outstanding demo for my guests.
Regards,
Terry
Terry Smythe *Sounds of Yesteryear*
55 Rowand Avenue Restoration and enjoyment of vintage
Winnipeg, Manitoba automatic musical instruments.
Canada R3J 2N6
(204) 832-3982 email: smythe@mbnet.mb.ca
Life is like a piano; what you get out of it depends on how you play it. |
(Message sent Tue 4 Jul 1995, 17:11:40 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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