Victor Borge (1909- 2000)
One of my all-time favourite performers was Victor Borge, an extraordinarily talented musician. Born Børge Rosenbaum in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1909, it was apparent at the age of two that he would be a prodigy. He gave his first piano recital when he was eight and was awarded a full scholarship at the Royal Danish Academy of Music when he was nine years old.
He performed as a classical pianist for several years and then began what was to become his signature career blending comedy and music. In 1940, the Germans invaded Denmark while he was performing in neutral Sweden. He travelled on to Finland and boarded the last ship to sail from that country to the USA. He returned once to Denmark during the occupation, disguised as a sailor, to visit his dying mother. That was a courageous journey to undertake, as he had publicly recounted jokes to the detriment of the Germans. Had he been intercepted, it is likely he would not have survived.
He became known variously as the Clown Prince of Denmark, the Great Dane and the Unmelancholy Dane.
When he arrived in the USA, he spoke no English and learnt it by watching films. This makes it all the more remarkable that he was able to joke in English and engage in word play.
Two of his most amusing routines were ‘Phonetic Punctuation’ and ‘Inflationary Language.’ In the first, sound effects illustrated the different punctuation marks, like question marks and full stops and inverted commas. The second routine took numbers or homophones and inflated them by one. In this way, today became threeday, once upon a time was twice upon a time and so on and so fifth.
Victor Borge continued to perform into his old age, appearing 60 times when he was 90.
The available recordings are quite long and not of exceptionally good quality, but I hope this one and this one will give a flavour of the man. Obviously, some will appreciate his humour, while others will be completely indifferent.
Watching him always makes me laugh – such talent, such humanity.
Victor Borge is another of the hugely successful artists in his own right who was born to special parents. Both his parents were talented professional musicians who provided their son with special genes, great role modelling and educational support. They would have been very proud of their son.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly had the best possible support and upbringing.
DeleteGreeat post! My mother would stop everything to listen to him. Then we got a tiny B/W tv and watching him became a holiday! Genius!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think he was a genius - gentle, clever humour and great musicality.
DeleteI had heard the name long ago now, but knew nothing else about him or his history.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I don't suppose many would remember him now.
DeleteVictor Borge was (is) wonderful, a truly class act. A most enjoyable post!
ReplyDeleteHe was wonderful - I could watch him for hours.
DeleteThe clips wouldn't play so I went to youtube and my gosh that man is funny!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed watching him.
DeleteI remember him well but I had no idea of his history. The dangerous journey to see his dying mother shows what an amazing individual he was, and such caring. Thank you for sharing this. Another wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity that the recordings are such poor quality - it would be lovely to see them enhanced.
DeleteI knew the name but had never seen or heard his performances. A very talented man.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing him on tv. He was very entertaining. I think he visited Australia at least once.
ReplyDeleteI think he travelled extensively.
DeleteWe saw him live once. He was very clever.
ReplyDeleteThat's a memory to treasure :-)
DeleteI remember that from my childhood (and the name sticks in the memory) - my father loved it. Great to be reminded.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how or where I first came across him, but I'm so glad I did.
DeleteThe name instantly sounded familiar and then I could conjure up a face to go with the name, but that's about as far as I could go. Very interesting to read about his life. I will check out the links to get a better feel for his many talents.
ReplyDeleteHe was one of a kind.
DeleteI remember him, but was always a bit irritated that he didn't just play! - which he was obviously very good at doing. I was young, though. Maybe I'd find him funnier now. I find that with books sometimes, eg "Cold Comfort Farm", which I thought really silly as a teenager. I reread it in my forties and thought it was hilarious. It had really improved!
ReplyDeleteIn the same way, we find our parents improve with age . . .
DeleteAlthough I knew his name, I knew next to nothing about him nor the incredible story of his life. I'll have a listen to the recordings in your links! xxx
ReplyDeleteHis facility with language was incredible.
DeleteI'm embarrassed to say I don't know who he is, but am now going to google him. That was incredibly brave of him to go back to see his mother. How wonderful he didn't get caught.
ReplyDeleteNot only did he make fun of the Nazis, he was also Jewish. He was brave to return to Denmark.
DeleteSuch a class act and I seem to remember he always dressed so well.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Nothing coarse about him at all.
DeleteThat was very interesting. I had known his name, but not his story. He definitely was courageous to return to Denmark during the occupation. And to perform 60 times when he was 90 years old is almost unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if any of his children inherited his talent.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice - my aunt (my father's sister) and her husband always had happy memories of Victor Borge ... so thanks for remembering him for us - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt seems a shame that such talent does not continue to be recognised, but life moves on.
ReplyDelete