Antidotes to random chaos

 I mentioned last week that I expected to have to spend some time this summer looking after a relative of mine who went into hospital for an operation. Thanks to readers for their kind words about this. As it wasn't an emergency op but a fairly routine one and he was supposed to be home after a week, things have clearly gone badly wrong as he'll be in hospital for at least two months in all. There is the possibility that he may be housebound from now on, which will involve serious lifestyle changes. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen. 

As luck would have it, his girlfriend, who would normally be his main source of support, and tries to visit him every day, is also unwell and still weak from an op she had six months ago. Her daughter died at the same time and her son is now in hospital, too. As you can imagine, she's not in a happy frame of mind. 

There's not actually a lot we can do at the moment but wait for outcomes. So I have been trying to relax, avoid the stupid, mad news as much as possible and, as it's been a hot, fine week, I've been spending time in the outdoor swimming pools and in the lovely surrounding garden with its palms, cactuses, hibiscus and oleanders. And at home, various floaty and light floral skirts and dresses have been ideal. 

Music

Not everything in the blog is about trans matters. Last week I mentioned the passing of Brian Wilson and his influence on surf rock.  This week I pay tribute to Alfred Brendel who has just died and was one of the greatest pianists. 

The moment I heard the news I played one of his recordings of what has always been my very favourite piece of music since I first heard it aged 17, Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto, the most lyrical. Perhaps Beethoven's early biographer, Adolf Marx, in 1859, likening the soft plaintive piano and the insistent strings in the second movement to Orpheus pleading with the gods of the Underworld to return the soul of his dead spouse to the living seemed apt. 

Here's Brendel playing the "Funeral march on the death of a hero" from Beethoven's 12th piano sonata, another apt work, music that was later orchestrated and played at Beethoven's own funeral. 

If there were more musicians around to create and fewer "leaders" around to destroy, I think the world would be a much better place. Rest in peace, maestro, and thank you for your lifetime of dedication and mastery.

 

Sue x