LINE UP

My neighbor Hiroshi Iizuka is a well-known violin (and viola) maker. He often hangs his works in progress out on his back porch to cure a little in the bright sun. Yesterday he had an unusual configuration of instruments lined up outside, and knowing I am such a photo-junkie he generously invited me over to take a look.



Hiroshi checking on the finish.



It was a gorgeous, perfect summer day and I am sure the violas enjoyed basking in the delicious sunshine.

Scottish Band
There is something in me that pricks up its ears with incredulous pleasure at the first nasal skirl of the bagpipe. Then comes the thick velvety booming of the drums...and my heart quickens. I just love it. Why? I don't know. Despite having once lived in Scotland (I attended Edinburgh University) I have no Scottish blood in me at all (that I know of)...but my reaction feels like something ancient and instinctual.

At neighborhood parades you will always find me "camp following" the Scottish bands!

METALLIC MUSIC
in the classical vein. It sure wasn't Metallica, but H really belted out the brass notes of The New World Symphony tonight in very fine fashion!

IN CONCERT
I love hearing all the different instruments singing together. Of course I was alert to catch one sweet voice in particular. P is a first violin but there were no solos. I think I may have caught just one recognizable tone or two, hanging in the air. Anyway, the orchestra performed beautifully at their Winter Concert!

REAL LIFE
is the theme of Photo Friday's current challenge. (Yes, I'm a few days late as usual!) This recent photo sprang to my mind's eye. I was in Brooklyn (New York) a couple of weekends ago. Exiting the Botanical Gardens I became caught up in a street parade honoring the Independence Day of the Dominican Republic. The vibrant music, wonderful costumes and throbbing beat entranced me. I tore myself away only when I realized my bus home was scheduled to leave shortly.

HEAVENLY
music in unexpected places. I accompanied H's class on a field trip earlier this month to a distant nature center. After several hours of energetic learning we trudged towards the picnic grove to eat lunch. Strains of beautiful music met our astonished ears. One of the bus drivers was using the time he had to wait before the return journey to play his portable electric piano...and he was great! He really sounded professional. His playing changed the whole brown-bag-picnicing-with-hordes-of-screaming-children into a fine alfresco dining experience. Actually, I think the kids were far better behaved than usual because of the music.

Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,
To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.
I've read, that things inanimate have mov'd,
And, as with living Souls, have been inform'd,
By Magick Numbers and persuasive Sound.

from The Mourning Bride
by William Congreve, 1697

ROCK STAR
Henry in the floodlights, rocking to the beat. Last night we went to an end of summer party. Our hosts are in a band and played several sets of their wonderful music. Henry was enraptured: live music is practically his favorite thing on earth. He would periodically get to his feet and rock (his way of dancing I guess) and then go examine the lighting system and then wander back to his (front-row) seat. He would occasionally hold my hand when the sound got very loud: he was a little alarmed when that happened, but he liked it too, and you could see he was willing to trust that it would diminish a bit to more comfortable levels. Which of course it always did. A great night!