Music

My morning was spent at a memorial service for the 21 year old son of a friend. He was so talented and so tortured. What a loss.

The service was at a local Methodist church but was conducted by a Hindu leader. It all seemed a bit odd or at least unusual for my Christian upbringing. It was, however, a lovely service.

There was a 30 minute long slide show featuring his original compositions on piano. I thought it would be so nice to have those songs to listen to again and again and made s mental note to ask my friend if I could have a copy.

There was also a video of him playing in their home a couple of pieces. I could have listened to the music all day.

The service lasted a bit too long for me though. And the lady leading it spoke so quietly (calmly I suppose) and slowly that it could have been condensed down. But it was still a lovely service but for it being so sad.

At the end of the eulogy it was announced that the music had all been professionally recorded a few months ago and the family was sharing a copy with everyone. I guess my idea of asking was moot. I’ve been listening to his music this afternoon. He was a gifted and talented composer and pianist. So sad that he felt he couldn’t continue living.

Sorry if this is a downer post. I really don’t mean for it to be. I’m thankful that he shared his gift with us.

Mozart’s Last Aria by Matt Rees Review

 

I must confess that I really like Mozart’s Sister and I’m sure that played a factor in my views of this book. Both were historically based but this one was truly a book of crime and intrigue as Nannerl makes a trip to Vienna and investigates the death of her brother, Wolfgang. She uncovers first one conspiracy and then another. Throw in a little bit of romance, music and Mozart and you have a good book.

I enjoyed this book and felt like the character of Nannerl was treated with all of the historical information that was available. I did get a bit confused toward the end but I would still recommend this book. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Music

I’ve had my headphones on all afternoon and evening so I didn’t have to listen to mindless television and NASCAR.

I was reminded today of a recording artist I haven’t listened to for a long time. So I’ve spent much of the evening listening to Bonnie Raitt. And, of course, that moved me to look at other artists I haven’t listened to for awhile.

In short, it has been fun. I’ve found songs I love and forgot about.

You never know when something will remind you of something else and so the spiral goes. Love all the options I have today. I remember when it was a transistor radio with only AM or else the 45s in my collection. (And what ever happened to the few hundred of those I had?) But then I advanced to 8 tracks and cassettes. And then CDs. But now everything is downloaded electronically or through a subscription. (So now what do I do with all these CDs?)

But I digressed. I just love how music makes me feel. Gives me energy. Makes me feel alive. Calms me down. Reminds me to breathe.

Thanksgiving Project – Musical Options

I just love listening to music. I will listen to just about any genre. I prefer smooth jazz vocals when I’m winding down or while I’m working. Classic rock when I seem to have energy. Country rarely, but some of the newer music is less twangy. Classical can be quiet and soothing or heart pounding when I’m cleaning. Opera can also be quite relaxing to me. I don’t listen to much pop music and never rap or heavy metal. But I do enjoy some R&B.

I have tens of thousands of songs in iTunes. But I love Spotify because it gives me a chance to discover new music and artists. My friends who use Spotify often post what they are listening to on Facebook and I have found new music that way. Plus it only costs me the price of about one CD’s worth of music a month.

It is rare for me to not have music playing. I used to get involved more but now I content myself to listen. My first love is vocals (in fact I had a brief period as a vocal major in college until I got practical). My keyboard is getting dusty. My flute hasn’t been out of its case in more months than I care to admit. Every time I think about selling either of those, I think maybe some day I will find more time to play.

So playing music satisfies my need to keep music in my life. Today I’m thankful for the music that is readily available to supplement my extensive iTunes collection. Tonight I’m listening to the newest Sarah Brightman.