A fantastic performance

Yesterday Andrea and I went to this performance at the Cadogan Hall, off Sloane Square in London. I am writing it up because it was so great.

I have been to many a classical concert and they are always good, even if the music is not outstanding or the performers are aloof. At least they are classical concerts and it is always something of an occasion. We spotted this event at the last minute and I suggested we go because the line-up of music was outstanding. I believe Sinfonia Concertante is one of Mozart’s finest compositions, a soaring piece which one realises is excellent from the very first listen. I had seen the word “Haffner” also and assumed we would also be hearing the Haffner Serenade (each movement of which is great) but instead we had Symphony No. 35.

All pieces were good, but Sinfonia Concertante stood out. We decided to sit on the balcony, above the stage, and I can highly recommend this location as it is not only cheaper than some other seats but it provides a great view of the musicians and their sheet music. From this angle we were able to observe the pianist’s fingers moving and almost felt as if we were among the orchestra. The acoustics also did not seem to suffer.

I had never heard of lead violinist Lawrence Power. Suffice it to say that at certain points during his virtuoso performance our jaws dropped and Andrea and I merely looked at each other. The man was entirely at one with his violin and played it with gusto and confidence, creating fantastic music. He actually smiled as he played, and rarely even looked at the music, instead looking around at his fellow musicians, as if both encouraging and acknowledging them. His partner in the fantastic interplay of the lead violins was Stephanie Gonley, and she played with great accomplishment, though without quite the sheer zest of Power, it seemed to me.

After this unbelievable performance, which we observed at close quarters, I nearly fell of my seat when I thought it was the same man coming out again to take lead piano for Mozart’s Concerto in B Flat K.456. It wasn’t him, but was the equally accomplished Igor Levit, who proceeded to give a brilliant performance, followed by Fur Elise as an encore. He also came across as a very likable person, smiling and, of course, really feeling the music.

There is a reason why the famous classics are famous, and it’s because they are the best. It’s great to hear pieces like this performed, and performed so well. This was £10 well spent.

U2: Original of the Species (remix)

A successful amateur reworking of this great track, I think:

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Donizetti: Je Suis Soldat

“La Fille du Régiment” is a fantastic, lively work by Donizetti - one of my favourites - and here is the perfect piece of opera: an introduction, then a beautiful aria, transforming into a brilliant, majestic climax.

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Beethoven: Allegretto from Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”

Conducted by Herbert Von Karajan.

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James Blunt: Carry You Home

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The Jesus & Mary Chain: April Skies

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U2: Where the Streets Have No Name

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Etta James: At Last

Etta James’ classic song put perfectly to excerpts from the film Funny Face, which was made in 1957, when women were ladies and men were gentlemen. Note for example how Audrey Hepburn is elegant, wears dresses and is not drinking, smoking, marching, swearing or putting up a cold front. She is contra all the recommendations of odious and damaging programmes such as Sex & the City and has, instead, a certain innocence and warmth, and a slight vulnerability, which is highly attractive to men. Fred Astaire wears a hat and treats her with the respect and kindness she accordingly deserves.

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I dedicate this to my beautiful girlfriend, who is like Audrey Hepburn but even more female (!) and who I would not exchange for the starlet or anybody else.

Happy Valentine’s Day Andrea!

It’s February 14th - Valentine’s Day, and I would like to headline my site with this tribute that I created in Flash (ActionScript 3.0) for my lovely girlfriend Andrea, who has her own site here, and whose stunning picture you can see here. Her many qualities include beauty, intelligence and integrity.

I often thought I would have to go back in time to meet such a lady, but I ended up having to go to sunny Florida. She has enhanced my life tremendously and I am continually flattered by her interest in me.

I have written many articles not only in support of rational thought but also in support of a return to chivalry and romance, so I will link to a few of these today too:

• North & South: a call to romance
• How to entertain ladies
• The lost art of chivalry
• The death of the English lady

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Andrea, if you don’t feel loved after seeing the above, I don’t know what’ll do it.
But I know you do, and I will be with you soon..!

The Poppies: That’s What We’ll Do

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Here’s a great song from back in 1993 - very hard to find now too.

Whatever happened to The Poppies?