When it rains, especially in this month, I hear the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers” in my head. Frankly, what I’d rather hear in my head are Vivaldi’s lively compositions. Such as this morning’s listening fare – Complete Cello Concertos III. So that’s what I’m doing, if for no other reason than to … [Read more…]
Today is an overcast, rainy, and somewhat blah day. The temperature is in the mid 40s. So, this morning’s Vivaldi selection is apropos; it’s the perfect pick-me-up for feeling downcast. That, and my Panera Light Roast coffee dosed with cinnamon. I certainly hope cinnamon is good for a person – or, at the very least, … [Read more…]
Finally! Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is one of the most famous song cycles ever composed. It’s a piece of music that I’ve enjoyed for decades. And I’m finally hearing it in my Vivaldi exploration! What a perfect time for it, too. As Spring struggles to emerge here in Michigan (it’s only April 5, after all; … [Read more…]
After waking up this morning to a snow-covered world, the first winter weather advisory we’ve had in a month or two (it’s been an unseasonably warm winter here in Michigan), and temperatures in the low 20s, I decided to wipe the sleep from my eyes, brave the elements, and high-tail it to Panera, my favorite … [Read more…]
This morning, as I sit here at Panera (not in my usual seat, mind you, which throws me all off), sipping my Light Roast coffee with cinnamon, and long after I’ve scarfed down my sesame seed bagel with chive and onion cream cheese, I’m listening to the eighth CD in the 10-CD box set by … [Read more…]
And so begins my exploration of a new composer: Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713), who was – as I’ve learned from reading his bio on Wikipedia – a big deal back in the day. Arcangelo Corelli (17 February 1653 – 8 January 1713) was an Italian composer and violinist of the Baroque era. His music was key … [Read more…]
We woke up to snow on our cars this morning, which – under normal circumstances – wouldn’t have been a surprise. But the winter we’ve been having, with temperatures in the 50s and upper 60s, it was a shock. But, the troopers that we are, we just brushed off our car and hightailed it to … [Read more…]
This morning, whilst I munch on my sesame see bagel with chive and onion cream cheese, and drink my Light Roast coffee with cinnamon and honey in it, I find myself listening to “Music for the Divine Office I,” which is CD 4 of the 10-CD box set from Brilliant Classics. Despite the impeccable performances … [Read more…]
It’s hard to believe this weather. Yesterday topped out around 70 degrees, which have been a new record for this date in the Great Lake State. Today – even though it started with heavy rain during the wee hours that tapered off into a drizzle this morning – promises to reach 51 degrees by mid … [Read more…]
This morning, when I sallied forth to a nearby Panera restaurant, it was 7:15, the temperature was a surprisingly pleasant (especially for Michigan in early March!) 50 degrees, and the sun was just about to rise. I had no idea what to expect from Thomas Tallis. The only time I’d ever heard his name was … [Read more…]