Emily Cat 176

Do you like Chamber Music?  I do. If you're unsure what chamber music is let me suggest that you listen to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. That piece of music is near perfection. Mainly violins, the music soars. The skill shown by the musicians is sublime and l think it would be a challenging piece to play; challenging and wonderful. The chamber orchestras l have seen all stand. No sitting down with these musicians. The violinists stand on the left and then they curve around like a horseshoe with the cello and double bass facing them. I'm liking classical music more and more, but, as my listening to videos show it's not the only style of music l like. Let me know what type of music you like. Let's start a conversation.

Did you know that The Housemaid was a book and made into a film?  

Ella Fitzgerald  I saw the film Blue Moon last week and the song was like a worm in my brain for the next few days. So l started searching on You Tube for that song and the first one that came up was Ella Fitzgerald's version. What a voice. Her tone and diction were sublime and she could sing anything; jazz, swing, scat singing. Now scat singing is not my favourite. I'm not keen on anyone singing it but it is a recognised feature of jazz singing. So that is what l have been listening to this week. It's been a real treat and when listening to these wonderful singers l'm left with one thought. Why can't l sing like that?

My 4th film of the year.  I put the disappointment of Wuthering Heights behind and saw another film.  Blue Moon is the story of Lorenz Hart, and any of you who love musical theatre will know that name. It's the opening night of Oklahoma and Rogers first collaboration with Hammerstein. Rogers is leaving Lorenz behind.  I would give this film 4.5 out of 5; it was that good. Ethan Hawke has received nominations for his performance and they are well deserved. Definitely one to see.

Do you still read books? Statistics show that people aren't reading as many books as before.  I have to admit that l'm one of them. I listen to audiobooks mainly these days, and l listen regularly when l'm on public transport each day. What about you? Do you still read?  

Listening to....  Edith Piaf. This music makes me think of Paris. Can you picture yourself sitting in a Cabaret listening to this music? She was called The Little Sparrow, standing only 5 feet tall. Her mother was a singer and left her to be raised by her Grandmother. She had a sad life but left us with wonderful music.