Fenella Fielding

2013

Savoy Records

CD08SAVOY

2 x CD

Disc One

1 On Writing Chéri
13:42

2 Don Juan I
8:55

3 Don Juan II
10:45

4 Don Juan III
22:57

5 La Chevalière
4:50

Total time: 61.11

Disc Two

1 Amalia X
16:53

2 The Homosexuals
14:23

3 La Belle Otero
8:35

4 Pepe
9:02

5 Polaire
9:29

Total time: 58:23

Recorded and mixed at Gracieland Studios, UK.

Mastered at Optimum, Bristol.

Digipak with 24-page insert.

Design by John Coulthart.

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This double-disc CD package features Savoy's favourite star of radio, screen and stage, Fenella Fielding, reading a personal selection from the writings of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (1873–1954). Fenella played Colette herself in a theatre production staged in the West End and on Broadway, so is well-equiped to bring a personal insight to readings delivered in her own inimitable manner.

Fenella's recordings are embellished with musical arrangements by Savoy regular Stephen Boyce-Buckley; the violin improvisations are by Andrew Price. A 24-page booklet contains photographs of Fenella and of Colette, and features a glowing introduction by Monty Haltrecht, the late novelist, playwright, performer and theatre expert. Monty was a lifelong friend of Fenella's; he followed her theatrical career, and his affection shines through the most perceptive appraisal we've read of this remarkable woman.

"We all know Fenella Fielding. Of course we do. Don't we? Most people would certainly think they do. Fenella Fielding means the 'Carry On' films, the chat shows, that's the very essence of Fenella Fielding. Above all, of course, it's that wonderful voice. Who doesn't know that voice? You're walking in the Himalayas, say, and you hear that voice coming at you from round the next bend – you'd know at once and for sure, that's Fenella Fielding. That voice gurgling from somewhere in the back of her throat and promising to erupt into merriment. A voice that teases and cajoles. That holds out the promise of something deliciously indecent, of something just a hair beyond the permissible. An intimation of something not quite fit to be articulated, and certainly not to be trumpeted abroad. Before we realise it, the Minx has made us over as co-conspirators. Made us complicit in an absurdist vision of the world in which, fancy, she has been set down and marooned and very odd she finds it."

Monty Haltrecht, from the sleeve notes.