Paused Spring II

The follow up to last March's post in some ways  with temperatures down when I typed this to three degrees Celsius.

There's a few less restrictions like not being asked questions as you board the bus as to why you are out and the twitching of curtains as you go across the the village green and beyond all of which was permitted so long as you stayed local (and there was no official measure of that).

Whatever happens Spring does its thing in it's own time which was why these daffodil's were later coming out on the village green than those some people  had bought for their front gardens.

The woods are alive with the sounds of birds, birds flying with worms in their beaks to feed the young and those lovable scamps the squirrels playing climbing trees apart from the buzz from the park as children play after school and at weekends.

Paws crossed a few restrictions should be removed today which should help seeing a family member or two face to face and we'll see what Mid April brings.

Classical Music sacd Round up 17 - The Planets are sorted

This week one we may of found the answer to the great collecting chase of where is the best Super Audio cd of the one work you'd of thought there would of been.

Let's face it, Hifi types love to show off just how low their systems low notes go, the almost bat ear high notes matched by ink blank silent backgrounds  all brought by the latest recording and reproduction technology.

From those early days in the 50's with the new fangled lps that spawned the hobby with a high quality playback source rather than 78's and AM radio people had then, the explosion that followed stereophonic sound on being on record, radio and tape to the cd and the you are in the room feel multichannel sound can offer one work has always figured in demonstrations.

This just might be the Batastic super audio cd that matches the finest performances from the days of analogue tape with superb multichannel super high quality sound.

This does offer playing to equal my much loved imported Shm regular stereo cd of the 1971 Boston Symphony recording  by William Steinberg which was originally engineered for Quadraphonic multichannel sound just beating the previous sacd go to, the Andrew Davis recording which is part of his four sacd series of Holst's other sadly neglected works.

The Elgar is an enjoyable piece you do benefit from having a 'spare' version of too even if as a coupling another piece by Holst would of been ideal.

Mothering Sunday

Most of us probably knew someone who had a birthday near if not just a day either side of it so even if you did have separate presents they all blurred into one.

With me it's like no sooner that it has been my birthday which normally of involved people calling in and going out for lunch followed by the thank you letter writing and telephone calls than you're into Mothering Sunday which is about a week on.

Mothers do play a big part in both running the home even if Dad's like to think they do it all, looking after the domestic side, keeping an eye on older relatives and yes did (and in a good many instances still do) look after you, showing care and support no matter how old you are (in law).

You're still her daughter (or son).

Mothers also do things in the community, looking after people, being involved in community organizations, the Parent Staff Association and Girl Guides (and Scouts) and so on.

So it is right to take a day to think of their contribution and to your own mothers part in your life.

Around the sun edition 2021 style

Well its another around the sun day that we're marking on this blog today although like most things this year it isn't like it normally is with visitors coming in and going out with family to mark it

I had a number of cards,book tokens money from relatives for when the Zombie Madness is all over with and a few presents.

This years main present from mommy isn't new as such but an upgrade on something I've liked since I first had it some nine years ago where now it gets the original record covers restored and the original box set illustration.

André Previn was a very accessible and cool conductor to which these recordings remain my favourite all time set of the whole of Tchaikovsky's ballet scores. 

I do like records and this compilation by the Jazz Funk group Level 42 is a well put together summary that uses the original singles versions which is handy.

Spring means more now

So it's spring already, at least officially although the last week has been a good deal warmer than the start of February with the return of insects from winter hibernation buzzing about joining the many birds in an audio visual extravaganza.

Very much the weather to be be outdoors taking in some fresh air and sunshine while enjoying yourself which after everything we've been through in last near enough twelve months is needed I feel as we slowly start to get out this paused of all but the most basic life we've been living through.

It's not so surprising then to be at the point a few things can get better leaves me feeling happy, just ready for the moment I can be around people feeling their love, sharing a soft drink and a hug.

Happy St. David's Day!