I delivered THE UNWILLING PRINCESS on Tuesday and since then I have been catching up with all the things which an urgent deadline prevent me from doing.
You know. Cleaning. Paying bills. Gardening.
Oh, alright. Haven't actually done any of those things, but I did catch a very good play at the Royal Court Theatre. All about climate change sceptics and starring the amazing Juliet Stephenson.
I also visited the Great Hall in Winchester, which is just down the road from me...
With its incredible Round Table (is this the one which all the Knights of Camelot clustered around, we ask ourselves?)
I sometimes pop in just because it's amazing and atmospheric, but this time it was specifically to hear the most incredible piece of music. Well actually, that doesn't really do it justice. It's an experience. Janet Cardiff's 40 Part Motet.
Forty voices coming from forty speakers. Singing Tallis.
The installation has been all around the world - including New York and Canada.
If you get the chance - go and experience it for yourself.
How absolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen or heard anything like that before, and in such a fantastic location as well.
Superb.
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That sounds like an incredible experience, Sharon. Gives an entirely new meaning to the term 'surround sound'. To be able to experience the music from within the choir...what an extraordinary idea.
ReplyDeleteI've also heard musicians say, "the room is part of the instrument", so to be able to hear this performance at Winchester's Great Hall had to be incredible, indeed. Thanks for posting this.
First of all, congratulations for delivering your new book, Sharon! Sounds like another great achievement and it must be very satisfying.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, it's amazing. I've always thought that artists feel in a different way and art is everywhere they look, also in the most simple things.
What inspired me recently... it can seem a strange answer but it's my life. The life I've been leading since November. New. Thrilling. The strong feeling that something else comes before me now, the welfare and the security of the State.
In this regard I'm home again now because I'm convalescent because an accident occurred to me and my finger and my shoulder are temporarily broken and contused. But I don't care. I'll be back stronger than ever as before.
The evening before this event I listened to a wonderful tune - which always makes me dream and inspires my thoughts.
Anecdote: it's also the opening theme of James Ivory's film "A room with a view" - one of my favourite ones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDcxH1vVijs
Sharon - what a fantastic concept.
ReplyDeleteAnd Michela - great to be reminded of A Room with a View.
I don't think Daniel Day Lewis will ever be bettered in his portrayal of Cecil - the very antithesis of a romantic hero!
Watch from the 5 minute point for what must surely be a contender for the most excrutiatingly uncomfortable kiss ever committed to celluloid...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ozU1KbVJlc&feature=related
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Michela - I've played that Callas clip and it's soooo gorgeous that I may use it here on the blog. (Except I've realised that music has dominated of late....)
ReplyDeleteNever mind, tomorrow I'll write about books. I've just had copies of my latest, featuring my very first Russian hero. And he's YUMMY!
Jack - thanks for posting that wonderful video about "Cecil moments" - I'm completely in love with the film and with the book!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree, he's everything except the most romantic hero of literature... the kiss is simply embarrassing!
Differently, he plays a wonderful role as Newland Archer in "The age of innocence" where he must give up the love of his life.
Another great film.
Daniel Day Lewis is one of the most talented actors nowadays and I've been loving him since I watched his performance in "My left foot: the story of Christy Brown".
Sharon - I love that Callas tune so much - also because the Italian words are moving and heartbreaking... great to read about your Russian hero. You already know... Russia and I ...neverending love! Hope he's the first Russian hero following many others. x
Thanks for the tip Michela: I've never read James but may take the easy route in now and watch The Age of Innocence!
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ps Gave up on the terrible Gangs of New York last evening - even DDL couldn't save it!
Jack - you're right.
ReplyDeleteIt's strange to see DDL (Bill "The Butcher"!) in such roles...but what I love in him is that he's a chameleon. He can play every role, as a good actor must do.
You'll appreciate The Age of Innocence - it's one of those films which leaves something inside as a dazzling light and watching the final scene you'll understand why.
LOL! It seems a whole discussion about DDL films... wonder if you too, Sharon, appreciate this actor!
I agree with you, Jack. I couldn't finish "Gangs of New York", either. It's one of the few films of Martin Scorsese's that I did not enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBut I also agree with, you, Michela - Scorsese did a great job with "The Age of Innocence". It's truly an amazing film.
I'm also sad to hear about your illness, Michela. Best wishes and get well soon!
Thank you, Dan - it's very kind of you.
ReplyDeleteI'd never had my arm in a sling but...there's always a first time! It's annoying more than painful and I can't do much.
I'm filling time watching all the films I had missed until now. Just realized that "Othello" has a cathartic power on our state of mind!