Romberg–Desert Song, Then you will know. Wilbur Evans

Here we are on another Monday, but we are still in Act I, Scene 3 of The Desert Song. Incredibly enough, Romberg followed “Romance” with what is entitled “Trio.” The songs do not appear to be inter-related, but it is worth noting what was in the original program. The three songs are “Then You Will Know,” “I Want a Kiss” and “It.”

We have two versions of “Then You Will Know,” one from the Decca recording and one from the 1929 movie.

Let’s start with the 1944 Decca recording, as Wilbur Evans, playing the role of Pierre at this moment, tries to explain to Margot that his love is “mental,” while she counters that she wants passionate kisses. Pierre is taking the old line of women as pure goddesses, while she is modern and wants her romance served with hot sauce.

Once again, the Romberg music is sublime.