So, a time of Christmas and the New Year. It is when it is impossible to avoid what is going on: Like even if one ignores it, one is still defined by it. Therefore, a time of inertia. I actually spent most of my time in the Yorkshire Dales – spectacular scenery:
…and some snow:
One of the things I like about Christmas is that it is also a Festival of Light. So, happy to see ‘La Gloire’ in a local garden:
Because I was mostly ‘at home’, I am treating this month’s report as a Book and CD extravaganza – what I have been listening to and reading this month.
CDs
The new CD from Chekh Lo is amazing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2c5s-TpsNw&list=RDJ2c5s-TpsNw&start_radio=1
Then, some French music – from Jean Guidoni, who recently died:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDRi_l_09sk&list=RDaDRi_l_09sk&start_radio=1
The most outstanding CD , though, was a new recording of Debussy music. It included some favourites, but also some pieces I was less familiar with – like the Six Epigraphes Antiques:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0F-pWAJ9no&list=RDa0F-pWAJ9no&start_radio=1
I also went though a ‘singer-song-writer’ renaissance:
Jason Collier, who has to be the most musical personal I have ever come across.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TURkB9zqxa0&list=RDTURkB9zqxa0&start_radio=1
James Morrison, and his beautiful RnB voice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2zuM5KU-yE&list=RDD2zuM5KU-yE&start_radio=1
And an Everything But the Girl regrouping:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak2b39YMrEQ&list=RDEMPCTTEqAgJKl8yfB9j64v0Q&start_radio=1
BOOKs
An enjoyable read of the musical and otherwise relationship between Paul McCartney and John Lennon – as explored through their songs:
A darker memoir by Anthony Hopkins setting out his life from humble beginnings, a rise to international stardom, struggle with alcoholism and eventual liberation.
Another attempt to understand Quantum Physics – like I understand it, but why? and what for?
The text of a seminal play – later converted to a great film – arising from Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop – a bitter parody of the logic of the First World War:
A welcome reprint of Bourdieu’s work on the Religious Field:
Another reprint of J G Bennett’s lectures on Gurdjieff:
Great to receive a new translation by Deborah Butler of Spinoza’s Ethics – and amazing book:
