tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.comments2024-03-12T17:53:27.753+00:00I'll think of something laterDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comBlogger9555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-1750093707617697932024-03-12T17:53:27.753+00:002024-03-12T17:53:27.753+00:00Thanks, Luca. If you give me your email address in...Thanks, Luca. If you give me your email address in a message I won't publish it but I promise to respond. Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-36710251455237354102024-03-12T17:42:54.323+00:002024-03-12T17:42:54.323+00:00Dear Mr. Nice:
My name is Luca and I am a conducti...Dear Mr. Nice:<br />My name is Luca and I am a conducting student at the Aragon State Conservatory in Zaragoza, Spain. I am currently writing my Degree´s Final Project on the Moscow´s Conservatory conducting school, especially around Professor Vladimir Ponkin.<br />Your chapter "The Russian Tradition" from The Cambridge Companion to Conducting has been very helpful in my investigations, and I would like to thank you righy away for such a marvellous work, so essential to understand conducting in Russia. <br />I was wondering if you could help me with the further developments of my project. Would it be possible to arrange a zoom meeting somewhere in the next month? I would like to give you more details via email. <br />Thank you very much for your time,<br />Best whishes,<br />Luca.<br />Lucahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16710165531752791446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-53569999539441160912024-03-07T21:29:08.232+00:002024-03-07T21:29:08.232+00:00Thanks, Liam. I don't think the grave of Lucre...Thanks, Liam. I don't think the grave of Lucrezia Borgia would ever be on my list of priorities, but I did see the tombs of some famous names in the Certosa of Ferrara, an old abbey with 19th century cemetery wings added, in an almost rural part of town (the north, still within the enormous city walls). <br /><br />We decided that a different itinerary is a must at the end of this year, and will at least include Verona - where I've only ever spent a night in a youth hostel due to a train strike - and Urbino, at long last. <br /><br />And thanks for asking about my ma - we celebrate her 93rd at the care home next Friday. She's looking good but a bit confused at the moment.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-10395165540363829292024-03-07T13:52:07.819+00:002024-03-07T13:52:07.819+00:00Dear David,
I was so pleased to read about this t...Dear David, <br />I was so pleased to read about this trip.<br />I have not yet had an opportunity to visit the palladian villas but in 1999 I stayed in Ferrara for a week and during this stay I had an opportunity to revisit Venice and Padua. <br />Ferrara to me oused quiet affluence with the City centre streets full of soignee blue rinse grannies gliding about on.antique bikes the bike panniers a cornucopia of bread , fruit ,wine and the latest fashion magazines.<br />I was moved by the quiet grave of Lucregia Borga, a much misunderstood lady.<br />I hope both you and J are well and that your mother remains comfortable.<br />LIAMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-19630419089483830102024-02-15T09:52:16.453+00:002024-02-15T09:52:16.453+00:00Thanks, Paolo. 'Right-wing' is an understa...Thanks, Paolo. 'Right-wing' is an understatement: the two big exhibitions they were promoting in Ferrara favoured two 20th century artists favoured by the Fascists. We came across one in the Fortress, and ignored the other. One can't help feeling that the regime takes its cue from the grim Este seat which dominated everything. Good to know that Ravenna and Vicenza are very different politically - and of course the regions govern so much, Meloni notwithstanding.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-45417859612379197592024-02-15T09:43:01.315+00:002024-02-15T09:43:01.315+00:00Wonderful story, David.
The hidden jewel is "...Wonderful story, David.<br />The hidden jewel is "Right-wing council notwithstanding, Ferrara..."<br />Stunning choice of photos.Paolo Bolzoni Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14349954206036922119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-52234850500817227702024-02-14T22:43:47.803+00:002024-02-14T22:43:47.803+00:00Thank you for a fascinating and engrossing read. Y...Thank you for a fascinating and engrossing read. Your pictures reminded me of my late mother, who, on hearing details of my tour of the museums of Paris, said, "It sounds nice, dear, but I wouldn't have bothered with the Louvre, I really don't do fat cherubs".Tony Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-5392941333022230182024-02-13T19:09:13.726+00:002024-02-13T19:09:13.726+00:00Thanks, Peter. We were lucky in that everything ju...Thanks, Peter. We were lucky in that everything just fell into place. Yet somehow Italy always delivers - I guess I know many of its ways well enough, but I never cease to be amazed by new discoveries, and they won't be exhausted...Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-1389928252921782582024-02-13T18:49:04.292+00:002024-02-13T18:49:04.292+00:00What a wonderful itinerary - I do envy you enormou...What a wonderful itinerary - I do envy you enormously. Lovely photos, too! All good wishesPeternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-81919051037564624352024-02-13T10:55:01.394+00:002024-02-13T10:55:01.394+00:00I've been lucky in that my Bernstein-related r...I've been lucky in that my Bernstein-related reading has been a succession of short though profound books - Plato's Republic (which i never read on my Greek course), Voltaire's Candide (which I mentioned to you - greatest short novel ever?) and AUden's The Age of Anxiety (relieved to know it's deemed as dense as Finnegans Wake in parts, because I didn't grasp it all). Fascinated by Roberto Calasso's Tiepolo Pink, arguing that there was much more to the last great Italian painter than is thought. Then I need to brave Alastair Gray's Poor Things, which I know will be MUCH better than the messy if fascinating film.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-37443065669498346322024-02-13T00:19:47.668+00:002024-02-13T00:19:47.668+00:00Your planning is exemplary, and you were clearly r...Your planning is exemplary, and you were clearly richly rewarded. Fascinating about the two accompanying etchings, also. I recommend the Clark book--though I am sure you have a stack of reading miles high already. Also, my knowledge of European history is woefully scant, so there is likely much here that you already know. But I appreciate his perspective and the way he weaves together the experience in so many European countries. (Next up is Beatrice's Last Smile, A New History of the Middle Ages, and of course I'm roaming around, with keen interest, but far less perspicacity, in Ritchie Robertson's book on the Enlightenment, as you have seen.)Susan Scheidhttps://prufrocksdilemma.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-52024795483060678022024-02-12T18:49:20.626+00:002024-02-12T18:49:20.626+00:00It certainly wasn't rushed - we were happy to ...It certainly wasn't rushed - we were happy to spend two or three days in each place, marking out a place to visit each morning and afternoon, with plenty of walking in between. Perfect for the Italian winter, especially when it was as sunny as we had it. There are two photos on the wall alongside the Veronese - one of an etching of the Austrian soldiers breaking in, the other of the pieces which had to be put together. I'd love to read that book.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-56137213568403828972024-02-12T17:37:49.588+00:002024-02-12T17:37:49.588+00:00This is a breathtaking tour of treasures, David. I...This is a breathtaking tour of treasures, David. I don’t know how you fit it all in! I was interested, too, as I am right now reading Christopher Clark’s Revolutionary Spring, which is about Europe leading up to and during the 1848 tumult, with this: “The canvas was hacked to pieces by the Austrian soldiery in 1848 and repaired at the expense of Emperor Franz Joseph I.” I am always astonished, though I suppose I shouldn’t be, at attacks on art. I am glad, at least, that the canvas was able to be repaired. Susan Scheidhttps://prufrocksdilemma.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-17858958899845881852024-02-10T18:50:43.488+00:002024-02-10T18:50:43.488+00:00It was a thrill to see what you'd done - I can...It was a thrill to see what you'd done - I can't recommend a stay at Casa Ann-Sofi too strongly. Next step the floorcloth to add to the palace of earthly delights. xxDavidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-24008086763470388422024-02-10T13:29:58.652+00:002024-02-10T13:29:58.652+00:00Carissimo Davide,
thank you for including our love...Carissimo Davide,<br />thank you for including our lovely New Year's celebration in Siena in your Italian travelogue- it was a treat to have you here! <br />xxxSophietoubabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08673341148534060332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-67266575039523281642024-01-30T13:26:38.210+00:002024-01-30T13:26:38.210+00:00Thanks, Liam. Still up and down, but probably more...Thanks, Liam. Still up and down, but probably more up than down. Responses always spot on, but then one can get shut out - whether mum's sleeping or avoiding is hard to say. Sweet eats always take priority, too. I don't take it personally. The good news is that Greenacres, her care home, will take her back there tomorrow afternoon. They realise she's virtually immobile, but want her to be in comfort and in her own room. Sara and I were determined that whatever the outcome, she wouldn't be in a ward. So far, so good. A relief.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-33266010412010291242024-01-30T10:42:59.315+00:002024-01-30T10:42:59.315+00:00How are you and your mother doing.
This is such a...How are you and your mother doing. <br />This is such an unique period for you both.<br />Time suspended and suddenly rushing forward and back. <br />XxLiam<br /><br />Acceptance can be the best approach.<br />Xx LiamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-90821193434516052742024-01-29T17:45:15.965+00:002024-01-29T17:45:15.965+00:00Thanks so much, Sarah. Reminds me of a post I did ...Thanks so much, Sarah. Reminds me of a post I did way back about my dear friend Noelle Mann and how after the last time I saw her, I noted an oak still waiting to leaf on Greenwich Hill. On the way to the funeral, another such oak was in full spate. Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-62866746700859992612024-01-29T17:44:29.590+00:002024-01-29T17:44:29.590+00:00I wish you and Sara, let alone your mother, well. ...I wish you and Sara, let alone your mother, well. It is a difficult time for you all but it is amazing how resilient human beings can be, young and old. As I walked past the wonderful magnolia tree on Chiswick Mall this morning I was thinking of you and how the tree is looking almost fuzzy with the new growth in waiting. No matter how we feel life is springing through.<br /><br />You are in my mind and I am thinking of you.Sarah Fletchernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-44648767391918152262024-01-29T08:34:39.186+00:002024-01-29T08:34:39.186+00:00Thanks, Sue. Mother-son relations in the past were...Thanks, Sue. Mother-son relations in the past were rocky, but I've treasured these recent years. I must admit, as does Sara, that mum is at a juncture now which we both find somewhat enigmatic...Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-74736409438949370142024-01-29T00:09:22.954+00:002024-01-29T00:09:22.954+00:00You are a such a good son to your mother. The exch...You are a such a good son to your mother. The exchange about the soup is treasurable, but then so is the whole of this lovely post.Susan Scheidhttps://prufrocksdilemma.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-70445825529972672812024-01-28T11:24:36.434+00:002024-01-28T11:24:36.434+00:00Thanks, Liam. The confidences were feeling a bit l...Thanks, Liam. The confidences were feeling a bit lonely - maybe people think they'd be intruding, but support is always welcome. She is certainly comfortable - whether content, I can't quite tell, as there are enigmas. But amazingly she does seem to be more awake with each day. Your comment is much appreciated. xDavidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-41539588086016941152024-01-28T00:06:40.594+00:002024-01-28T00:06:40.594+00:00Gosh David , such special photos of you and your d...Gosh David , such special photos of you and your dear mother.<br />I hope she is comfortable and content. <br />Both if your take gentle care.<br />X LiamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-50629412274391387502024-01-21T11:31:38.139+00:002024-01-21T11:31:38.139+00:00She certainly had a toughness about her, developed...She certainly had a toughness about her, developed over the five years my father was an invalid from a stroke until he died in 1977. I'm glad now, because the steel has served her well recently. Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506881804082382739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248503935075362425.post-66266337714815539002024-01-20T15:51:59.923+00:002024-01-20T15:51:59.923+00:00I certainly remember your mother as someone who do...I certainly remember your mother as someone who doesn't suffer fools gladly, but I am sure it was all in the name of good strong education towards her son and his friends.<br />I remember her as a young-ish woman<br />john grahamnoreply@blogger.com