"May it be magic" is a phrase often associated with the American singer Donna Summer. Donna Summer, also known as the "Queen of Disco," was a prominent figure in the world of music in the 1970s and 1980s. She was known for her powerful vocals and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances. One of Donna Summer's most famous songs is "Could It Be Magic." The song, originally written and performed by Barry Manilow, was transformed into a disco hit by Summer in 1976. With her unique and sultry voice, Summer brought a new energy to the song, making it one of her signature tracks.
With her unique and sultry voice, Summer brought a new energy to the song, making it one of her signature tracks. "Could It Be Magic" is an enchanting love song that explores the feelings of desire and longing. The lyrics talk about the magic that love can bring into someone's life, with lines like "your love surrounds me like a waterfall" and "every time I touch you it's a magical feeling.
DNA of a pop song: Barry Manilow's started with Chopin
Now, I was never much of a Barry Manilow fan, but I have to say he melted my heart — along with everybody else’s there that night — at the Staples Center in L.A. on Valentine’s Day a few years back. Part of the emotional balm was so many people feeling love at the same time. He is truly an amazing performer, and I appreciate him now more than before (I was too much of a jazz snob, sorry). He’s a wonderful human being too. I once got a call from him asking about a Brazilian project he wanted to do. It was very flattering, to say the least; Barry once recorded an album in Portuguese and it was to be a follow-up. Later we would see each other at the KCRW World Festival shows, a series I helped establish and worked on for ten years. It was always nice to see him. He has a warm and friendly personality, no pretense or anything like it. He also knows how to move a crowd and make people fall in love all over again. At least for an evening. I discovered that his big hit “Could it Be Magic” was in fact inspired by the melody and chord progressions of Chopin’s Prelude in C minor op. 28, no. 20. If you listen carefully, you should be able to discern the musical connections. But wait! There’s more: Rachmaninov did a variation on it, in his Variations on a theme of Chopin. And it appears to me that the late bassist Charlie Haden was inspired by Chopin’s rich, dark chords in his often-recorded song “Silence.” What is it about this Chopin prelude that is so inspiring for so many? Anyway, Barry, please don’t worry. Frédéric Chopin is not planning on suing you. Au contraire, he is probably flattered. Here is the original Chopin prelude: It’s amazing that such a sad and somber piece could be transformed into such a rousing pop megahit.
Here are Barry and Donna performing “Could it Be Magic.” Here is Russian pianist Daniel Trifonov (btw, his new album of the Paganini Rhapsody, which includes the Chopin Variations, is extraordinary) performing the Chopin prelude — advance to 22’57” for it: And, finally, Charlie Haden’s beautiful song, “Silence” (featuring Chet Baker):
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" Summer's powerful and emotive delivery matched the lyrics perfectly, making the listener feel the enchantment and passion of the song. The song's disco arrangement, complete with infectious beats and catchy melodies, added to its appeal. It became an instant hit, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries and solidifying Donna Summer's status as a disco diva. Donna Summer's interpretation of "Could It Be Magic" showcases her incredible talent and ability to transform a song into something truly magical. Her unique vocal style and stage presence created a sense of awe and captivation among her audiences. Even today, her performance of the song remains a testament to her legacy as one of the greatest voices in music history..
Reviews for "The Evolution of Donna Summer: Tracing the Magic in Her Musical Journey"
1. John - 2/5 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'May it be magic' by Donna Summer. The song lacked any magic or excitement; it felt repetitive and uninspired. The lyrics were generic and forgettable, and Donna Summer's vocals didn't do much to rescue it. Overall, I found the track to be a lackluster attempt at creating a magical atmosphere."
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "I can't understand how 'May it be magic' by Donna Summer became such a hit. The song is incredibly cheesy and dated, and it just didn't resonate with me at all. Donna Summer's vocals were over-the-top and strained, making it difficult to enjoy the track. It's a forgettable song that I would not recommend to anyone."
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - "Unfortunately, 'May it be magic' by Donna Summer didn't live up to my expectations. The song felt like a watered-down version of her previous hits, lacking the energy and catchy hooks. The production was lackluster, and the melody failed to capture my attention. Overall, it was a forgettable track that I wouldn't listen to again."
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - "I was highly disappointed with 'May it be magic' by Donna Summer. The song felt contrived and forced, lacking any originality or creativity. Donna Summer's vocals felt strained and didn't connect with the emotion of the lyrics. It's a forgettable track that I don't understand the hype around."