Usually Sundays begin with either baked molasses French toast, courtesy of the master of the house, or whole grain nutty and fruity pancakes, courtesy of the mistress. Three loads of laundry follow, and there is often some morning music (none today). It is too windy and bone-chillingly cold for a walk, so I went right to the piano after breakfast (pancakes), and Deb returned to her animation project.
Nearly every week, and sometimes twice, Deb wins a major animation award. Her 2nd award of the week came in today, as her web series "22 Bones" won best web series at a major Australian festival. My piano playing seldom wins awards, though it has happened in the past. However, in order to win, one must enter competitions, and I haven't done that since my student days. Anyway, my program is marching along. I have increased my weekly practice time, and have begun narrowing my focus on the more difficult passages I need to master. I am hoping for a January recital date, barring illness or injury.
I finished an excellent book by Hal Clement today (Still River), and we played a game of Middle Earth: The Wizards, which I lost by one point. We also watched a movie. Deb's film choice this weekend was called Gold Diggers of 1933, a Busby Berkley extravaganza starring Dick Powell, Joan Blondell (in one of her best roles), and gawky and awkward Ruby Keeler. Comparable to 42nd Street, this one feels more like a play than that other great film, though many of the numbers are as spectacular. The closing number is dedicated to the returning soldiers of WW1, who were scorned and forgotten by government, and often left on their own. Definitely a film highlight, and worth watching.
Despite the cold weather coming in, and frequent minor snow squalls, it appears that we will have another white Solstice next weekend. The longer that snow can be postponed, the better. Our long delayed trip to Detroit is currently scheduled for Tuesday, after Deb's morning infusion. A visit to two superb beer destinations is planned,and likely some other highlights as well.
The next painting to be featured from the DIA is, like the last one, by Oskar Kokoschka. This one is an amazing masterpiece cityscape, and has long been a favourite of mine. This is a large canvas, and very striking. One is drawn directly to it when entering the gallery. Last year we saw the magnificent painting of the same subject by Frederic Church, which normally resides in the art museum in Kansas City. It would be amazing to see these paintings side by side.
View of Jerusalem, Oskar Kokoschka, 1929-30. Oil on Canvas.
31.5" x 50.5". Detroit Institute of Arts.
Detail of above. The energy radiating from this painting is immense.
Sunday evening, like all recent evenings, will conclude with some listening to recorded music. Last night we heard the 2nd piano concerto of Brahms, a powerful work that grabs and holds the listener for a full 50 minutes. Tonight we will be hearing Monteverdi's Magnificat For 6 Voices. Can't wait!!
Hope your weekend was a great one, too!
Mapman Mike
No comments:
Post a Comment