Nun better than Andre!
NuN’s Chorus, or Nonnechor, featured in Casanova, a little-known operetta from 1928, which was compiled using melodies from the 19th-century Waltz King, Johann strauss II.
In the Twenties and Thirties, nostalgia for 19th-century waltzes saw the creation of new works based on strauss’s music.
Walzer aus Wien (Waltzes From Vienna), with music from strauss, was the basis of the Broadway and Hollywood smash hit of the Thirties, The Great Waltz, which also used themes from strauss’s father, Johann strauss I.
In a similar vein, Casanova, an operetta charting the conquests of the infamous 18th-century seducer, was compiled from various strauss melodies.
The show was a seven-scene spectacular staged by producer Erik Charell, with lyrics by Ernst Welisch and Rudolf schnazer. The music was arranged by Ralph Benatzky.
Operatic bass baritone Michael Bohnen played Casanova, who seduces the virginal nun Laura (originally sung by Anni Frind) in the third scene.
In the Nun’s Chorus, Laura begs to be released from her vows so she can be with the lothario. Benatzky used a melody from a strauss 1878 operetta, Blindekuh (Blind Cow).
Nun’s Chorus has since become a staple of the great opera singers, with stunning versions by Elisabeth schwarzkopf, Joan sutherland and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Andre Rieu, known as the Maastricht Maestro, is a Dutch violinist and founder of the Johann strauss Orchestra.
Between 2012 and 2014, Kimmy skota, a wonderful south African singer, was one of his lead sopranos and sang the part of Laura for his Nun’s Chorus.
Michael White, Salcombe, Devon.
Which boxer holds the record for the most professional bouts?
LEICEsTER lightweight boxer Len Wickwar (1911-1980) fought an estimated 465 bouts, of which he won 337, with 93 knockouts. He himself was knocked out 37 times, over a record 3,962 rounds. Wickwar turned professional aged 18, weighing just 7st 4lb. He started out at Leicester’s spinney Hill Club, where he once fought three bouts on the same night — winning all on points. He progressed to major venues, such as the city’s Granby Halls, cheered on by 8,000 fans.
Just before World War II, he fought a non-title bout against British lightweight champion, Eric ‘Boy’ Boon. Wickwar was knocked out in the ninth round. You can watch the highlights of this fight, including the knock-out punch, on a British Pathe newsreel clip.
Wickwar’s boxing career was cut short by war service. He fought just four bouts after the war, retiring after being knocked out by Danny Cunningham in the fifth round at New st James Hall, Newcastle, on February 6, 1947.
His bouts took place over just 12 years, meaning he fought on average every nine days.
In contrast, British boxers from the modern era fought much less — Barry McGuigan had only 35 pro bouts, Frank Bruno 45 and Lennox Lewis 44.
Only one other boxer has fought more than 400 professional bouts, the American Wildcat Monte, known as The Golden sandstorm, who fought 406 bouts between 1923 and 1937.
James Dunne, Melton Mowbray, Leics.
Does the Republic of Ireland have an air force?
THE Irish Air Corps began life in December 1921 in secret. When the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in London, it was feared that members of the Irish delegation, which included the revolutionary Michael Collins, would be detained by the British government.
A Martinsyde Type A Mk II had been bought in secret in september 1921 and kept in readiness at an airfield near London. It was to convey the Irish delegation to safety in France or Ireland if the negotiations failed. With the purchase of this biplane, Irish military aviation was born. The Irish Air service HQ was established at Baldonnel Airfield in Co. Dublin, and by June 1922, it was home to 13 aircraft and 14 pilots. In 1924, the Irish Defence Forces were officially established.
The first east-west, non-stop transatlantic crossing was made in 1928 by the Bremen, a German Junkers W33 type aircraft, from Baldonnel. The airfield’s commanding officer, Commandant James Fitzmaurice, joined the German crew as navigator on their 37-hour flight to Greenly Island, Canada.
Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus, was established at Baldonnel in 1936.
Ireland was officially neutral during World War II and the Irish Air Corps was tasked with patrolling the nation’s airspace and coastlines.
It took advantage of British and German fighter planes that had forcelanded in Ireland to increase its numbers. In this way, the Irish Air Corps began operating its first Hawker Hurricanes.
After the war, Hurricanes were replaced by supermarine seafires. In 1956, a De Havilland Vampire trainer became Ireland’s first military jet.
After the punishing winter of 1962-63, rotary wing aviation followed with the allocation of Alouette III helicopters for search and rescue.
The Troubles in Northern Ireland saw the introduction of a small fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft for patrolling, reconnaissance and escorting missions.
The 21st century saw search and rescue devolve to the Irish Coast Guard.
The Irish Air Corps is still based at Baldonnel’s Casement Aerodrome. Its main capability lies with its rotary wing fleet, transport aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft.