The Space Alien wrote about this a few issues ago but the beautiful melody keeps haunting the Space Alien's tiny brain!
"The famous song "On the Isle of May" (popularized in 1940 by Connee Boswell) is actually based on the second movement (Andante cantabile) of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11. [1, 2]". !!!
Please click on these footnote numbers to open the links to read more from the sources and then come back here!
Here is more that the Space Alien found online:
"The original melody in this movement was a Ukrainian folk song Tchaikovsky overheard a painter humming at his sister's estate, which he then arranged for cello and strings."
"In 1940, lyricist Mack David and bandleader Andre Kostelanetz adapted this specific classical theme into the popular vocal tune with the familiar lyrics, "And it was June, June on the Isle of May..." [1, 2, 3]"
Go there if you can to hear the lush classical melody that inspired the 1940 hit song.
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Here are some lyrics just as Your Editor found them online at:
https://genius.com/Connee-boswell-on-the-isle-of-may-lyrics
We strolled along. Through the heavens
And it was June June on the Isle of May
Your lips were sweet As the heaven
Love was in bloom, There on the Isle of May
Close in your arms, Heaven opened its doors
Then like a fool I sailed away
But our love will bring us together
When it is June, June on the Isle of May
Close in your arms, Heaven opened its doors
Then like a fool. I sailed away
But our love Will bring us together
When it is June, June on the Isle of May. ###
A Bit More that I found Online:
AI Overview
You are likely thinking of the classic 1940 standard "On the Isle of May" (with lyrics by Mack David and music by André Kostelanetz), famously recorded by artists like Connee Boswell and Glenn Miller. [1, 2]
"On the Isle of May" Lyrics
We strolled along
Through the heavens
And it was June
June on the Isle of May
Your lips were sweet
As the heaven
Love was in bloom
There on the Isle of May [1]
(The remaining lyrics, detailing a tale of lost love and hope for reunion in June, can be found in the original recordings and published sheet music, such as those discussed in.) [1, 2]
From:
AI Overview
The melody of the popular romantic song "On the Isle of May" is adapted from the second theme of the Andante cantabile movement from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11.
Victoria Symphony
The song features lyrics by Mack David and was popularized in 1940 by jazz singers like Connee Boswell.
Spotify - Web Player: Music for everyone
+1
To hear how Tchaikovsky's 19th-century classical theme was transformed into a 1940s vocal pop standard:
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