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
The situation of your relative does not sound good. Hope that everything will turn out better than one might think now. Hope it´s not to much stress for you.
ReplyDeleteI heard and read about the two musicians of a different style of music. I must confess I did not hear about and noticed Brendel as I am not a heavy classic fan. Sometimes I really like this kind of music but mostly I hear rock and pop. So Brian Wilson is well known to me. A great musician and composer- but I also must confess. The Beach Boys weren´t one of my favourits. Nice happy sound to me.
Have a good time and a big thank you again for your so kind visits to my blog and your nice words.
All the best
Violetta
Thank you for your kind words about my family situation, Violetta. I don't think it will be too bad in the end but my relative is being very negative about his prospects.
DeleteAlfred Brendel was Austrian (although he lived in many places) so I imagine there has been a lot of talk about him in Austria this week. He was a great performer of Beethoven. I listen to quite a range of music, but my favourite is always Beethoven.
Sue x
Sorry to hear about complications around your relative's health. I hope things go as well as they can, given the circumstances. Equally, please remember to practice some self care, as you can't look after someone else if you're not okay 🩷
ReplyDeleteI hope you are managing to keep cool during the summer. The pool sounds amazing and it's one way to work off the ice creams! 😁
I can't comment about the classic piece - beginning frightfully gauche as one of those ear bothering "metalheads" 😉. However, Brian's passing and the mark he and the band made on music is incredible. That's a rare few who leave such a footprint in musical history.
Thank you for your supportive words, Lynn, and good advice. Yes, I'm trying to keep relaxed and concentrate on other things as the family situation (not to mention the world) is something that, realistically, I can do little about directly.
DeleteI am being good about the ice-creams. Less so about the G&Ts!
Let's just say that Beethoven and Brendel are to piano music what Wilson and the Beach Boys are to the '60s sound.
Sue x
Sorry to hear that. My best wishes. Avoiding the news, however difficult, is probably a good idea, although there's a secret glee in watching the Trumpers starting to fight amongst themselves.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susie. Extremists are all such egotists that they cannot get along for any length of time. Sue x
DeleteHi Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about your 'extended family' concerns and I can understand your relative's girlfriend being in a bad place at the moment. Enjoy the fine weather - here we've just gone through a short heatwave and surprisingly there haven't been the usual complaints, except from the water companies ... those people who diverted their profits from infrastructure to back pockets.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice here that Radio 3 gave a lot of time over to Alfred Brendel. I have grown to admire the greats of classical music, their commitment and, in many cases, their humility (although, in writing that, the overture to Tannhäuser is playing and Waggie was anything but humble)!
Nikki xxx
Thank you, Nikki, I appreciate your supportive comment.
DeleteFor me, Beethoven has always represented the pinnacle of musical achievement, and Brendel was a thoughtful and loving interpreter of his piano works, so I couldn't pass up mentioning his death. One of those who saw himself as a device through which the composer could speak to us.
Sue x