My Legs

The concert was very acclaimed - I suppose I should believe everyone and say: it was good. Of course, naturally there were things I would like to do better. Lots of things! I was happy with it, though.

You can see the programme now, available in two parts: page one, and page two. (requires Adobe Acrobat PDF reader)

I will be playing the same three Finissy Gershwin Arrangements in Berlin in two weeks. (As well as other works, of course!)

So now all we have is the famous Leg Issue. My legs hurt a lot after I play! Why is this?

Not immediately after, but when I have got back to wherever I am staying (my house, in this case). Then I am like a cripple. It's a bit of a mystery, but it will be gone quite soon - until next time!

Michael Finnissy was pleased with his concert. It was a good audience, and they were all listening very well. Howard Skempton was the nearest person - he, like all of them, so welcoming the music that I could only play better!

Lots of good composers under one roof! Quite memorable - for those who were participating - different for those who were slaving away at the piano - memorable in both ways though!

Any questions?

Nocturnal Activities

The night is very useful for concentration. All the distractions have gone to sleep with the sun, leaving us free to consider and toil. Daytime toil is hard work, but night-time endeavours are of a different sort. Think of sewing on buttons, mending socks, all the quiet labours of the nocturnal home.

You could also practise the piano.

Last night I found that the hours up to and after midnight were ideal for getting familiar with the many difficulties of Judith Weir's An Mein Klavier. When I say 'many' I mean it in the fullest sense of the word!

Now I have to go and do it again! Because it must be the best it can be for tomorrow's concert.

Wild Flowers

Don't say I never send you flowers!

Reliefs

Several things happened today. First of all, I turned my mobile phone from German language back to English again! I had put it into German so I could have some practise for when I play in Berlin soon . Since I had no time to actually learn German, I thought it would help a bit in place of that. However, there was always a very slight feeling of panic as I wondered what on earth button should I be pressing next, so consequently there is now relief. Back to English. For now!

Also I have finished and copied out my piano piece for Michael Finnissy's 60th birthday concert and celebration on Saturday 29th. This is also positive news, and of a more creative nature than the phone news!

I could show you the music now, but I have to save it for its world première. I'm sure if I published it here you would all be off to perform it in concerts all over the world! You naughties.

Well, I think I could be persuaded to put it up here somewhere. Soon!

Everything OK with you?

See you tomorrow.

Quiz

I took a test - so can you! Here is my result:

You Are Sunset

Even though you still may be young, you already feel like you've accomplished a lot in life. And you feel free to pave your own path now, and you're not even sure where it will take you. Maybe you'll pursue higher education in a subject you enjoy - or travel the world for a few years. Either way, you approach life with a relaxed, open attitude. And that will take you far!

What Time Of Day Are You?

I feel like it was right. Probably because I only notice the things I agree with and ignore the things that are not right! See if you can do the same!

Cat Milk

I've talked about whale milk before.

But in the supermarket round the corner from my house, they sell something called "Cat Milk". I always wondered what it is. Is it milk for cats, or milk from cats?

Someone else has had the same thought.

Why can I not tell if this is serious or not?

I mean, when it says "Goat Milk" it is milk from goats, not milk for goats.

Well, maybe I will never know...

On the day I see a cat going round the shop with its shopping list in its paws, I will finally understand!