Composer

:

Herbert Magidson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1934

Average_duration

:

2:55

"The Continental" is a popular song composed by Herbert Magidson with music by Con Conrad. It was written for the 1934 film "The Gay Divorcee" and premiered on October 12, 1934. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1935. "The Continental" is a ballroom dance song with a 4/4 time signature. It is composed of three distinct sections, each with its own melody and tempo. The first section is a slow, romantic introduction, followed by a faster, more upbeat section that is perfect for dancing. The final section returns to the slower tempo of the introduction, bringing the song to a gentle close. The song's lyrics describe the allure of the Continental dance, which was popular in the 1930s. The Continental was a ballroom dance that originated in Europe and was characterized by its smooth, flowing movements. The lyrics of "The Continental" describe the dance as "a dance that's a dream of romance, so enchanting that it seems like a vision of love divine." "The Continental" became an instant hit and was covered by many popular artists of the time, including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who performed the song in the film "The Gay Divorcee." The song's popularity helped to popularize the Continental dance, which became a staple of ballroom dancing in the 1930s. Overall, "The Continental" is a classic ballroom dance song that captures the romance and elegance of the Continental dance. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by dancers and music lovers alike.

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