“If music be the food of love, play on;” from Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare.
“Music was my first love and it will be my last…” John Miles.
Throughout my life music has always been there, in various
forms, and always been important. I grew up with my mother’s radio, or maybe I
should call it ‘the wireless’ and I think we listened to ‘The Light Programme’.
I still have my mother’s records, the singles and LPs that we spent many hours
singing and dancing to in my childhood and our pubs always had the sounds of
the jukebox filtering upstairs, or someone belting out a tune on a piano. My
love of piano music remains. I don’t play very much now as poor sight comes
between me and the sheet music, but it’s nice to have the occasional plonk
about when there’s no one to hear. A familiar song or piece of music can
transport me to times past in a second and fill me with joy and remind me of
how far I’ve come.
I love lots of music,
not just symphonic or progressive rock. Live music is the best but I won’t bore
you with all of the concerts I’ve been to. Music soothes the soul, calms the
spirit, or makes us want to dance, so what I might listen to depends on what
suits at any given time. Rolling Stones, Oasis, The Smiths, Mozart, Chopin,
Prokofiev (especially Troika), gospel choirs, Gregory Porter, Simply Red and
many more are amongst my favourites. When they were living with us, I enjoyed
listening to my son playing guitar or bass; and my daughter’s wonderful
singing, both of them talented. They entertain their own families now.
If you know me personally, or through my blogs, you might
have noticed me mention that the music of The Moody Blues is the main
soundtrack to my life. This month I have had their album ‘December’ permanently
on the CD player. The track ‘December Snow’ has a wonderful piano solo in the
middle and I really wish I could play that myself. I’ve lost count of how many
MBs concerts I’ve attended over the years, many tours, many cities, each one a breath-taking
experience. Those days are gone, the band is depleted and I’m glad I was able
to be there at the time. I look forward to seeing John Lodge again, on his solo
tour next year.
Here’s an old poem of mine, an attempt at capturing the
essence of a magical Moody Blues concert,
The Concert.
The lights are lowered, silence fills
the arena
As the minstrels move through
darkness on to the stage.
This is the moment, breathless
anticipation,
Travelling eternity road has been an
age.
Then a flute’s haunting melody rises
above
Twin guitar riffs to take lead of the
symphony.
Slow, bass drum, and applause reaches
a crescendo,
Orchestral rock and voices singing
harmony.
On the threshold of ecstasy, keeping
the faith,
We’ve made this pilgrimage so many
times before,
To be rewarded with autographs and
handshakes
After waiting patiently outside the
stage door.
PMW
2010
Very best wishes for
2025. May your dreams come true.
Thanks for reading, Pam x
