How doeth thou?

I'm fine, what about you?

Petruska-appreciation society

In the middle of planning, but had to comment on this!

I'm listening to a tuba-player with large vibrato- slightly disconcerting! I purchased an excellent recording of Stravinsky by the Boston Symphony Orchestra purely for the last 3'24" track called 'Fireworks'. Having listened to it and the disk played on back to Petruska, it just reminds me what a magnificent piece it is! What a complex sound world, so cleverly interwoven, so evocative! It was one of my set-works for A'level music and my teacher taught us all the different features of it! However, listening to this magnificent recording, I am struck by how clever it is! There is a lovely section near the beginning where a barrel-organ grinder rocks up playing his er- barrel-organ and my teacher pointed out that the flutes/picc are the squeaky wheel which he turns as the tune plays and it sounds EXACTLY like that on this recording!

Even if you don't like classical music, have a listen to this piece, it's magnificent, even if just to listen for Ten green bottles, large farty-sounding contra-bassoon comedy moments, lovely flute cadenza (long extended showy solo), quietly -dropped tambourine indicating the death of the title-character, wet-nurses slopping over the place, gypsy-violinist, I could go on!!!!

Books and the weekend

The books are not happening at the moment, soooooo much to do at school, coursework for my LTCL and rehearsals etc oh and distractions in the form of 'The Prisoner' dvds!!!

However, I have to blog about a lovely weekend I had. I really did not enjoy the end of half-term. CBC and I were very stressed over our work we had to get completed. Work is very difficult at the moment- far too much going on to be honest! However, we travelled up to Northumberland to celebrate 2 birthdays which was a much-needed antidote to stress. I really like it up there and I really like CBC's family who are so lovely and welcoming! They are great, entertaining and have a great sense of fun! I love the way everyone loves to go and sit at the piano and play their favourite pieces like I love doing and the child-like sense of fun like liking the hungry-caterpillar and the lovely-close sense of family. It's really lovely to be a part of. We enjoyed the much-previously praised Hexham fireworks (by CBC), delicious, copious amounts of food and comfortable surroundings but alas had to return to here!

I rest a little less stressed in the delight of the weekend with a small piece of Northumberland staying with me.

Be seeing you!

Number 5

Blah

44. Amanda Grange Edmund Bertram's diary
Mansfield Park told from the perspective of the male hero. A vastly enjoyable book, very well told and captivating like the original. I want to read her other Jane Austen hero diaries but WHY OH WHY has she not told one from the point of view of my favourite Jane Austen hero, Mr Tilney? And indeed, WHY are there no Northanger Abbey sequels yet reams of other J.A ones?
45. Enid Blyton Five have plenty of fun.
Oh dear, I don't seem to be able to resist reading Enid Blyton, especially as my Dad brought over all my Enid Blyton books from my childhood. This one belonged to my Step-mum and it was one that we only got to read when we went over to my Dad's. I liked it because it had Jo, the gypsy girl in it and lots of swimming yet intrigue!

I am sure that I will achieve my 52 book target, but the 52 author one doesn't seem so certain- am not sure how many it is yet!

Went back to school today! It's my early years term for music! I love Reception, Year 1 and Year 2- they are such lovely, enthusiastic and appreciative kids! They greet me with such alacrity (nearly bowling me over as they race over to see me) calling my name as if their lives depend on it and telling me how much they enjoy music! So lovely!!!