Granada in Song

I was reading the comments on my post and this song was going through my head.  It took me nearly an hour to find this song in English because I could not remember who sang it in English.  So, here is Frankie Laine.

  And for those who want to hear it in Spanish,

T is for Tchaikovsky Museum and Home

T is for the Tchaikovsky Museum and Tchaikovsky's home in Klin, Russia.  I spent a delightful afternoon here seeing the last place that Tchaikovsky called home.  We saw the room where he composed and his piano.  Babushkas made sure we took no pictures.

It was here that he wrote Symphony No. 6.


The Museum:


The Home approached from the gate:

The front:

The statue:

I previously posted photos of his tomb in Saint Petersburg.
Below is the Symphony No. 6, Pathetique.

Tolkien Bonus:  I admit that was was not my first choice, but in order to include the character, I had to make an adjustment.  I did the same thing with the next letter, too.

T is for Tharkun, called that by the Dwarves, but also known as Gandalf the Grey by the Hobbits, Mithrandir by the Elves, and during the War of the Ring was called the White Rider.  This scene from the Two Towers also features King Theodun.  You really should read the books.

Besame Mucho

I am enjoying a quiet Valentine's Day with a good book and some music.  I've decided to take advantage of the music I have in my cloud player on my Kindle device.  And there is one of the most romantic songs I have ever heard.  It reminds me of all the wonderful Italian weddings during my youth when everyone would sing all the beautiful songs of their homeland.

Having studied voice for six years, I cannot help but sing along, then and now.

The album I am listening to is Andrea Bocelli's 'Amore'.  Wonderful songs in Italian and Spanish.  And so for your enjoyment here he is singing Besame Mucho.  

Listen, have a glass of wine, dance around the room...me, I am craving some lasagna.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sentimental Saturday

Ever get part of a song stuck in your head?  You can remember a few bars, but for whatever reason you just can't pull it all together?  I had just that experience happen to me in the past hour.

I have a huge repertoire of old songs in my head.  Songs from the 40's and 50's mainly.  If I could have had the ideal career it would have been as a lounge singer.  Alas, I was born in the wrong decade, about 20 years too late.  Besides, I don't think I would have been into the starving and sacrifice some great acts have to make to achieve success.

In the old days, I can remember going to work and humming a few bars and asking someone what it was.  Usually I can get it together on my own if I try hard enough, but tonight I took the easy way out. I 'googled' a few lyrics. 

Thank goodness for youtube.  Not only did I find the song, I found several different postings of it.  The song is 'I Can Dream Can't I' by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal.  While the Andrews Sisters version was playing in my head, I am linking to The Carpenters version. 

I always enjoyed The Carpenters, from their rendition of The Beatles 'Ticket to Ride' to the Oscar winning 'We've only Just Begun'.  Karen was taken from us much too early in her life.

If you have time, sit back, listen, enjoy the photos and if you are my age, remember the good old days of our youth.

Moonglow

A picture is worth a thousand words.  I took this about one hour ago as the moon was rising:

A little night music to accompany it:

 

The Case for Online Shopping

Despite what you might think from my earlier post about having too many shoes, I do not like to shop.  I only end up with lots of shoes due to the need to match different outfits, weather conditions, and occasion.

After I finished my hour of cleaning drawers this morning, I headed to the mall to replace some old sleepwear I threw out that had been in the bottom of the drawer for who knows how long.  Actually, I think I have dust cloths in better shape.

I went to a large mall in a nearby community.  Back in the 1970's this mall was proposed for our community, but the local tree-huggers (and non-shoppers) objected.  So off I went to visit the Soma store in the mall ten miles away.

As soon as you enter the mall they have music playing.  Then as you go past each store, the music from each of them is blaring out into the hall.  When you actually enter the store, it is deafening.  The clerk's in the Chico's store were busy discussing the music they had playing.  No one bothered to ask if they could help until I was on my way out.

How do they work all day with this noise?  I walked past one store and if you closed your eyes you might think you were in a disco.  And I was still outside.  Geez.

I strolled into a Lucy store to look for yoga tops.  Again the music was blaring.  By now, I had a headache.  I remembered that a friend says she just orders her stuff from them online.  But if you are that inconsiderate of the shoppers in your store, I am not sure I want to spend my money there.

I don't like to shop, but it is sometimes necessary.  I think if I ran a business, I'd be more concerned with the comfort of my shoppers than I would be in playing hip-hop music for my sales staff. 

Shopping from home.  No stinky perfumes or blaring music.  Sounds tempting.

Of Johnny and Henry and Hoagy

One of the things I dislike about this blog is that when someone sends me an anonymous email, I cannot respond to them directly.  This morning brought one such email.  So, I will respond here in the blog.

The writer suggested that Johnny Mercer may have won the Oscar for Best Song with 'Moon River' more for his body of work than that one song.  And that may be true, but well, he had won two Oscars previously.

The first in 1946 for 'On the Atchison, Topeka  and the Sante Fe' .  He won again in 1951 for 'In the Cool Cool, Cool of the Evening' with Hoagy Carmichael writing the music.  The music for the 1961 win with 'Moon River' was composed by Henry Mancini.  I stand by the 'sappy' description; not my favorite song that these two composers wrote together.  That song would be 'The Days of Wine and Roses', which won the Oscar in 1962.

Now, if my brain could hold as much useful information about any subject as it does song lyrics, I would be a genius.  Name a song written by these men and I can probably sing several bars of it for you.  I even know the lyrics to 'Autumn Leaves' in French.

So, back to Johnny.  Having read the book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil', I made sure I saw the movie.   And then, I bought the soundtrack CD.  I am sitting here blogging and listening to it.  How can you not love listening to a CD that starts off with the song 'Skylark' by Johnny and Hoagy.  And the song 'Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive' is sung by none other than Clint Eastwood (who produced the CD and directed the movie.)

A trip to Savannah, GA, and a visit to Mercer's Home.

And I am sure I was humming his songs while there.

As for Henry,  I have a three-disc set of his songs.  I also have album soundtracks.  'The Pink Panther' is certainly one of my favorites.  And the album notes (ya gotta be old to remember those days) by Peter Sellers are hilarious.

As for Hoagy, ever play 'Heart and Soul' on the piano?  The music was composed by him.  And I know you all know the words to 'Stardust'.  Or at the very least, know it when you hear it.

It would be very hard for me to pick a favorite from all of their compositions.  As for Johnny, his last lyric was published as a song with music by Barry Mailow and is titled 'When October Goes'.  And yes, I have the CD '2:00 AM Paradise Cafe'.  And I can sing along, too.  It's the kind of album for a young girl who had dreams of 'Singing with the Big Bands' or sitting atop a piano in a smoky lounge.  Someone born just a little too late for the times.

Talk about musical genius!  These men were phenomenal.  Have fun following the links and listening to the tunes.

Town Without Pity

In 1961, a movie starring Kirk Douglas and titled 'Town Without Pity' was released.  I remember going to the local movie theatre to see it.  I remember it being an intense drama.  I don't think I have ever seen it again. 

What I remember most is the theme song.  Gene Pitney sang an incredibly moving song that was nominated for an Oscar but lost out to the 'sappy' Moon River (yuck).  It did win the Golden Globe.  I remember turning up my radio any time it was played, which was a lot.

Anyway, this song appears in more movies than just this one.  It also was heard in the 1988 'Hairspray'.  And last night, while watching a rerun of 'Cold Case', the song was heard again (this time in a case of gay-bashing). 

It was also used in the closing credits for 'Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat', though I admit I have not seen that movie.  But I have seen 'Look Who's Talking', though I do not remember the song in that, but hey, it was 1989.

I am guessing it has gotten more usage in TV shows than any other song.  If you are unfamiliar with the song, here are the lyrics and a couple of videos.  I am sure you can think of many things the lyrics can apply to today.  And I think I may just rent the movie and watch  it again.

The Lyrics:

When you're young and so in love as we
And bewildered by the world we see
Why do people hurt us so
Only those in love would know
What a town without pity can do

If we stop to gaze upon a star
People talk about how bad we are
Ours is not an easy age
We're like tigers in a cage
What a town without pity can do

The young have problems, many problems
We need an understanding heart
Why don't they help us, try and help us
Before this clay and granite planet falls apart

Take these eager lips and hold me fast
I'm afraid this kind of joy can't last
How can we keep love alive
How can anything survive
When these little minds tear you in two
What a town without pity can do

How can we keep love alive
How can anything survive
When these little minds tear you in two
What a town without pity can do

No, it isn't very pretty what a town without pity, can do.

The videos:

Gene Pitney:

France, the Middle East, Wisconsin - Coming soon to a town near you

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again.   ---- from Les Miserables

I've been sitting here since seven this evening watching a PBS presentation of a 25th anniversary production of  'Les Miserables'.  It has been so enjoyable I decided to buy a ticket to the Fisher Theater production in a few weeks.

So, I'm listening to the lyrics.  Not singing along as I am wont to do, but really listening.  And I hear the above lyric and think, 'Oh my.  Sounds like something they should sing in Wisconsin.  Or maybe soon in Lansing.'

So, while I am online to find tickets I google 'Les Miz' and find that apparently the folks in Wisconsin have already decided that this is a good song for their cause.  See for yourself.  And notice the youthful faces.  Reminds me of my youth and makes me want to make a picket sign. 

It's Over

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Board has made it official.  The 2011 season is over.  I received two emails this morning announcing the decision and got out my remaining tickets for the year.  I went online and filled out a form for each of my tickets. 

When I was done, an old song popped into my head.  It is an old Eydie Gorme rendition of the Irving Berlin song, 'How About Me'.  It appears on an album from 1966.  So long ago that my vinyl copy is in mono, not stereo.  The first line of the song is 'It's over'.  The last line is 'But how about me?'

And that is just what I was thinking. 

Frankly, I have found I have not missed the symphony, as such.  Especially not not the driving downtown.  I've watched classical performances on TV, listened to my CDs and enjoyed Sirius XM classical in the car.  But there is something exciting about being there in person.  I have been fortunate to have seen many, many artists over the years.  And I have missed that experience this year.

I hope that the musicians have made what they think is the best decision for them.  But in this economic environment, I am not so sure.  Maybe they should have spent less time thinking about 'how about me?' and thought more about the big picture.  I hope that each of them fare well in this decision.

Remembering the Good Old Days in Song

I know there are lots of you out there who are my age.  Many of you remember the songs you heard growing up and still listen to them on the radio.  So, for those who would like an instant juke-box on their computer, here is a link to one.

Enjoy. http://carolynspreciousmemories.com/50s/sitemap.html

Music To Live By

There is an interesting article in this morning's paper about a study on music and its effect on the brain.  They did a study?  I could have told them some of the very stuff they discovered.

I have been known to 'shush' people in my car and even in my home if music is playing and a particular piece of music is approaching that I want to hear and not be distracted from.  Rude?  Well, yes, but for me, music is one of the most pleasurable aspects of my life.

Starting in elementary school, I used to walk to school early in the morning to have voice practice before classes started.  I had choir until I reached high school when I decided that since I was not pursuing a music career, I needed to drop those electives and study stuff like chemistry and physics instead.

My interest in music tends toward the jazzy, smoky nightclub, top of the piano chanteuse style and classical.  I've never had an interest in rock and roll or its successors in the 'pop' genre.  I will admit to having been to two Barry Manilow concerts and once got dragged to a reunion of the band 'Traffic' (OMG, it was the worse event ever, and not just because I had no idea who they were.) 

So, when I read the article I decided to grab a CD and play it to see how it affected the rest of the reading of the newspaper.  I put on Gata Barbieri's 'Caliente'.  The music was already going in my mind when the first note sounded.  I think I know the CD by heart even though it has been more than a few years since I have played it. 

During the first two numbers my butt was bouncing on the chair along with the requisite 'head bobbing'.  I was trying to do the Sudoku puzzle and I swear it took me twice as long as usual.  But then I knew that the third cut was getting ready and my brain turned to mush. 

The song is 'Europa' by Carlos Santana.  (OK, I saw him in concert at his 'Supernatural' tour, before the album became a 'must-have'.  I had four fourth row seats I won in a drawing and had a difficult time finding anyone who wanted to go.)  The guitar solos are replaced by Gato's saxophone and it is definitely a 'shush' song.  I just wanted to close my eyes and float.

I could not imagine my life without music.  Yet, I have attended music events where people talk all the way through them as though the performance is the background for their own little party.  I've had to endure people snoring at the DSO.  I am not sure which scenario is worse.  Well, the guy sleeping can't hear my 'shush'.

There are wonderful quotes about music.  One of my favorites is:
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
 
But you have to love the one from Oscar Levant (you must hear him play 'Rhapsody in Blue'), because I can definitely relate: 
You can't possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow. ~Oscar Levant, explaining his way out of a speeding ticket
 
If you wish to read more of these, click here:  Quotes

Do You XM?

I do not drive my car a lot.  When I do, I usually listen to classical music on XM radio.  But that will likely come to an end next winter when my paid subscription runs out.  Dealing with XM has been a nightmare from day one.

The latest incident was with a bill I received yesterday.  In September I renewed for five months and received a bill due on October 10.  I paid the bill and the check was cashed on October 4.  The bill I received yesterday showed a past due amount and another invoice fee of $2.00.  What?  I already paid.

I spent over 45 minutes on the phone with them this morning talking to three different people, one of whom only spoke Spanish.  I obviously got transferred off to someone who would have no clue what I was talking about.

The explanation was this.  Because they had to rebill me (for the payment I already made BEFORE the due date), the invoice fee was due.  BUT, they would kindly 'waive' it this time. 

So, let me get this straight.  I paid the bill by the due date.  The company cashed the check.  They rebilled me before the original due date and, therefore, generated another fee.  Hey, why not just send a bill every day?

The sad part is that the people you talk to have no clue what you are trying to explain to them.  They also seem to have no superiors available to speak to.  It is no wonder so many people I know just let the free subscription they get with their new cars expire, even when they enjoyed the music.  It saves a lot of grief.

Well, next road trip I'll just pack the CDs.

Click here to read about others' experiences with XM

Walking the Line

I have been 'on strike', officially, once in my life.  Refusing to do cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. until my husband and kids helped out doesn't count as 'official'. 

It was in late 1969 that the union I was represented by at the City of Detroit took a strike vote.  Actually, it was a 'call in sick' vote, fitting for hospital workers. I do not even remember the reason we did it.  I left the city for a year from 1968 to 1969 because they hadn't settled the union contract and I was offered more money at Hutzel hospital.  I went back in July, 1969 when the contract had been settled.  In the fall we spent one day on the picket line.  Mayor Cavanaugh went into court and got an injunction.  Facing daily fines for walking out, we all went back to work.  And the hospital suffered no loss from us since we made sure the labs were minimally staffed.

The 1994-95 baseball strike left a bitter taste in my mouth.  I used to go to a lot of baseball games.  I enjoyed sitting there and watching the game, boring as some may think.  Not I.  Returning home from a trip to Baltimore in June, 1995, I decided to swing by old Tiger Stadium and see the Tigers play the Yankees.  OMG.  The stadium was practically empty.  This was the Yankees.  Where was everyone?

Like I did, many had not forgiven their teams from striking.  And it forever affected my attendance at games.

Now I read that the musicians at the DSO are ready to walk out.  And go where?  Your salaries come from patrons like myself.  I was ready to stop being a season subscriber but after talking to someone from the DSO earlier this year, I decided to continue.  The strike may mean this is truly the last year for me.

I understand disagreements with management.  I have been on both sides of the bargaining table.  Sometimes disagreements go far beyond wages and benefits and get into more difficult things like working conditions.  (We joked at the City that workers at the old Detroit Receiving/General received combat pay.) 

But the long term unseen effects of strikes are not usually considered by workers.  And that is that folks will take their money elsewhere during the void and may never bring it back.

Beautiful Music

Without question, the thing I would miss most if I moved away from the Detroit area, that exists inside the City itself, would be the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  Yes, I enjoy the Detroit Institute of Arts, but the symphony keeps me coming back week after week.

My original subscription series was for the Thursday night Pops, but often I found that its was 'pops' I was not really interested in hearing.  And then I would exchange my tickets. 

When I had meetings in Lansing on Friday morning for my MGFOA committee, I had to leave at intermission to get home and get enough sleep to make the drive, especially during the winter which necessitated an earlier departure time.  So, I switched to Friday nights and also to the classical series.

I have loved every minute of it (with the exception of two pieces that were truly painful to hear).  I have seen Lang Lang, YoYo Ma, John Williams, and Hillary Hahn, to name a few.  I have gained an appreciation of both the cello and the violin, which never had much appeal to me before hearing them in a concert hall.

For the upcoming season, I switched my tickets to Sunday afternoon.  I figured I did not need to deal with driving in bad weather at night, when it was just as easy to go during the day.

And now I sit here and read the details of a season that may not be.  I understand both sides.  I was both a union president and a member of management in my two different careers.  Both sides have difficult decisions to make.  Management cannot keep hemorrhaging cash.  Especially cash it does not have.  Musicians, as do all workers, do not want to give up salary and benefits.  There has to be a middle ground.

If musicians are right and they can make more elsewhere, and therefore leave Detroit, the quality of the orchestra may well decline.  If that happens, more folks will put their money elsewhere and the company will further decline.  What is clear is that the company cannot continue as it has done in the past.  The money is just not there.

Sound like a vicious circle?  It is.  I hope they reach an agreement, but I may well be spending my Sunday afternoons at home with a good book and a bunch of CDs.