The listening program continues. I just finished hearing Op 56a and b by Britten, both short religious choral works. 56b is truly a wonderful, very short piece, with a back and forth between two parts to the choir, men and women, with organ accompaniment. Oddly enough, last Thursday, which was the day we visited the funeral home to say goodbye to Anita, was time for Haydn Symphony #45, "The Farewell." Haydn used the final movement to send a not so subtle hint to his Prince that it was time for the season to end and to send his musicians home for the summer. It worked, and the overlong season finally came to an end. In the final movement the musicians leave the stage in groups of two and four, blowing out their candles as they go. At the very end, only two violins remain to quietly finish the work. This makes for a totally amazing way to say goodbye in other ways, too. I know Anita would approve. I have lost one of my very few audience members for my home piano recitals, and she will be sorely missed.
Another odd coincidence occurred, this time on Friday. For the past eight months my hearing has been reduced in my right ear to only 10% of normal. In addition to not being able to hear from it properly, I have suffered from inner ear pressure a good deal, as well as ringing and hissing. However, Friday afternoon following the morning funeral ceremony for Anita, my hearing began to return. I now have 50% to 60% hearing in that ear, making piano practice and listening to music much more enjoyable!
Today we took a little journey to Lake Erie, down to Colchester Harbour. It was pretty deserted this time of year. With grey skies and grey water, it was an odd experience to stand at the end of the pier and gaze over a black, white, and grey seascape.
A large freighter crosses Lake Erie in the distance, appearing from at the edge of Lake Erie and grey skies. Taken from Colchester Harbour.
And Jenn sent us a photo her mom took on Saturday, at the Detroit Historical Museum. I was not a participant, alas.
Aston, Jenn's 14 year old son, "drives" his grandma, his mom, and Deb through downtown Detroit from the 1910s.
Mapman Mike
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