12 November 2005
Early music indulgence
"Sunset over Swanage"
Finally got around to reviewing a bunch of photos from ages ago to put them online. Some rather nice ones too, if I may say so myself, including this one taken at Swanage on the August Bank Holiday weekend we spent in Dorset. This has (within 3 days or so) become my most-faved photo and my second-most commented on (only 1 comment behind the cupcakes). Interesting to see what captures the public's attention - cakes and sunsets, obviously!
Today we went to Greenwich (again?? I hear you cry) for the International Festival & Exhibition of Early Music there. I was a bit scared by the £7.50 entrance fee, but coughed up for the two of us, and boy was it worth it. We went to 2 concerts - the first harpsichord and voice including some gorgeous Scarlatti sonatas; the second brass consort music on both early and modern style instruments in the Chapel at the Old Royal Naval College which was absolutely stunning. What a marvellous space - we both decided that we'll have to go back to go to one of their organ recitals sometime soon. And we also spent hours wandering round the exhibits, playing with the instruments, talking to the makers and generally picking up lovely little nuggets of early music information. I found a nice alto recorder which I was very taken by, but unfortunately didn't get along with its £280 price tag (and that was pretty nearly the cheapest one there - machine-made, not handmade) so I had to leave it behind. Very sad. Still, I had a good chat with the chap on the stand and took their details so if I change my mind I can go and visit them and bring it home later. We've also decided to invest in a set of CDs of the complete music of Thomas Tallis, which was sounding very fine, but unfortunately they didn't have any on the spot, so we need to order it in. But this was really very restrained, believe me! If I'd had my way, unlimited budget, unlimited space and unlimited time in which to learn all these things I'd have brought home the recorder, a baroque flute, a two-manual harpsichord, a very small organ, a harp and enrolled myself in a course to learn how to make viols and so forth, just as a starter. That's not even getting anywhere near the publishing stands, CD stands and so on. DROOL! Anyway, heartily recommended if you're round that way tomorrow, or for next year's event - I'd recommend getting there nice & early in the day though to squeeze as many concerts and demonstrations (most of these are free or just want a £1 donation) as possible around the exhibition.
