Raie Da Costa (1905-1934), of Portuguese origin, was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She moved to London at nineteen with a view to pursuing a career as a concert pianist. Success eluded her, however, so she developed her own style: a combination of classical and jazz elements with diverse musical idioms and much syncopation.
In 1928 she made her first records, and later in that year she began appearing in variety shows. Her success was immediate. She recorded on the Parlophone and HMV labels. Considered one of the most talented pianists of her time, she was known for her embellishments, incredible left hand technique, and orchestral musical concepts. Her playing activities and her early death meant that her compositional output was relatively small.
Some of her best works in the syncopated style are: Razor Blades, Jazz Goblins, Cascades, Parade of the Pied Piper, Moods, and the infectious At the Court of Old King Cole. She contributed songs to the musical Your Money or Your Wife in 1932. Her astonishing technique (especially the effortless runs and rapid fire octaves) is quite evident in her 1930 recording of the Verdi-Liszt Rigoletto Paraphrase.
RowyNet will publish Razor Blades, Parade of the Pied Piper, Kute and Kunning and A Toyland Holiday.
