Madeleine Dring, born in 1923, is gaining renewed appreciation for her unique musical contributions, especially through songs that celebrate fun and enjoyment. Although her career included theatre, pantomime, and cabaret, much of her work remained unpublished until the late 1990s. This delay almost caused her legacy to be forgotten. Recently, the album “Through the Centuries: Songs of Madeleine Dring,” featuring mezzo-soprano Kitty Whately and pianist Julius Drake, has brought fresh attention to her blend of serious craftsmanship and playful imagination.
Dring studied at the Royal College of Music under notable mentors such as Herbert Howells and Vaughan Williams. Her compositions draw on a wide range of poetry, from Shakespeare and his contemporaries to more modern writers. The album showcases her ability to set familiar texts to innovative melodies, with songs like “It Was a Lover and His Lass” standing out. Kitty Whately’s warm voice and clear diction breathe new life into these pieces, while Julius Drake’s sensitive piano accompaniment balances prominence with subtlety.
The collection reveals a variety of emotional tones. Some songs explore deeper feelings, including the yearning expressed in “Love Is a Sickness” and the blues influences heard in “Echoes.” However, Dring’s energetic and lively nature shines brightest in lighter works such as “Encouragements to a Lover” and Shakespeare’s “The Cuckoo,” where humor meets musical elegance. The album concludes on a charming note with Dring’s clever arrangement of Cole Porter’s “In the Still of the Night,” adding sophistication and wit.
This release underscores the importance of joy and playfulness in music. Dring’s compositions challenge the idea that serious music must be solemn or heavy. Instead, they demonstrate how music can combine artistic depth with entertaining qualities, engaging audiences on multiple levels.
With this album, Madeleine Dring’s music is reaching new listeners who appreciate both her compositional skill and her spirited approach to songwriting. The blend of thoughtful poetry set to lively tunes invites audiences into a world where music is both meaningful and delightfully enjoyable.
