Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), who rose to fame during the era of silent films, is remembered as a legendary English comic actor and filmmaker. He was also a composer of music including the Flower Girl’s theme from the 1931 romantic comedy-drama, City Lights. “He couldn’t read or notate music,” writes Ariane Todes. “Rather, he described the process of writing it as “la-la-ing” to the arranger.” Yet, according to composer David Raksin, “very little escaped his eye or ear, and he had suggestions not only about themes and their appropriateness, but also about the way in which the music should develop.”
One of Chaplin’s most enduring melodies is Smile, composed as the love theme for his 1936 film, Modern Times. Lyrics, written by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, begin with the poignant lines, “Smile, though your heart is aching, Smile, even though it’s breaking…” The theme accompanies the film’s final scene.
This performance of Smile, recorded in October of 2012, features the Belgian jazz musician, Toots Thielemans (1922-2016). Thielemans championed the chromatic harmonica, and established the instrument as “a legitimate voice in jazz.” (Ted Gioia, The History of Jazz) He is joined by American jazz pianist, Kenny Werner.
Featured Image: photograph by Jos Knaepen