Found you! I wondered where you had gone, you fabulous writer you. I've just discovered Substack, and grey-surfer that I am (my children's moniker for me) I tripped over your glorious piece. You are one of Aotearoa's most glorious wordsmiths. More please.
We've just watched "The Grand Tour" (we somehow missed it originally) and really enjoyed it: Jeremy Wells's somewhat gauche quirkiness, the candour and self-deprecation of the musicians and their insights, and the glorious concert halls and music.
One time, with very Cool and Awesome clients who had literally just walked back indoors... I decided that I would knock on the door and ask to use the bathroom. I was about to explode. I knocked and knocked- he had only just gone back inside! I gave up... unsure... he came out about 5 minutes later and asked why I had knocked- I said I'm so sorry can I please use your bathroom... he looked extremely uncomfortable, paused, and said ok.
He had not answered the door because he had been doing an absolutely life endingly smelly poo. You could smell it in the hallway. I realised he had been waiting for the wife to leave. Our eyes met and although mine were watering I did an Oscar worthy impression of someone who did not notice a smell. I reassured him with my innocent, ignorant eyes, said thank you and we avoided each other for years to come.
Brilliant evocative piece about brilliant evocative music making, perfectly crafted. The Sibelius is my favourite violin concerto. And the reno angst and misery takes me back to multiple tranches of reivation over the years. Thank you!
Loved 'The Grand Tour' and been an eager collector of Hilary Hahn's CDs since then. And I love the Sibelius violin concerto (and Grieg's piano and all the other large chocolate-box classical works) too. Enjoy the shared experience of beauty
Anne, I remember one of the players telling me that from the back rows they could see all her shoulder and back muscles as she played - what it was taking for her to hold grip on the music and the audience. She is an athlete.
This is magnificent piece of writing. Superb juxtaposition. Evocation...oh the evocation. Thank you dear Leah.
Linda, this means the world
And as for The Grand Tour... I reviewed - favourably - it in my TV column in the Dompost. Hmmm.. that was an interesting experience.
Some ardent concertgoers hated it. One memorable email called for our sacking. But a traditional fly on wall documentary would never have gone to air
Many ardent concert goers would avert their eyes when they saw me in the street. They saw me as a total peasant.
Found you! I wondered where you had gone, you fabulous writer you. I've just discovered Substack, and grey-surfer that I am (my children's moniker for me) I tripped over your glorious piece. You are one of Aotearoa's most glorious wordsmiths. More please.
We've just watched "The Grand Tour" (we somehow missed it originally) and really enjoyed it: Jeremy Wells's somewhat gauche quirkiness, the candour and self-deprecation of the musicians and their insights, and the glorious concert halls and music.
Oh, I’m so glad! The last bit always makes me a bit tearful
One time, with very Cool and Awesome clients who had literally just walked back indoors... I decided that I would knock on the door and ask to use the bathroom. I was about to explode. I knocked and knocked- he had only just gone back inside! I gave up... unsure... he came out about 5 minutes later and asked why I had knocked- I said I'm so sorry can I please use your bathroom... he looked extremely uncomfortable, paused, and said ok.
He had not answered the door because he had been doing an absolutely life endingly smelly poo. You could smell it in the hallway. I realised he had been waiting for the wife to leave. Our eyes met and although mine were watering I did an Oscar worthy impression of someone who did not notice a smell. I reassured him with my innocent, ignorant eyes, said thank you and we avoided each other for years to come.
GARGH!!!!!!!
Zoe, you are a card
Brilliant evocative piece about brilliant evocative music making, perfectly crafted. The Sibelius is my favourite violin concerto. And the reno angst and misery takes me back to multiple tranches of reivation over the years. Thank you!
My pleasure, Janet xxx Young tradies these days are so NICE. I’ve really been charmed by them, despite the fact they’re bankrupting us
Loved 'The Grand Tour' and been an eager collector of Hilary Hahn's CDs since then. And I love the Sibelius violin concerto (and Grieg's piano and all the other large chocolate-box classical works) too. Enjoy the shared experience of beauty
Lovely bit of writing too - thank you
Anne, I remember one of the players telling me that from the back rows they could see all her shoulder and back muscles as she played - what it was taking for her to hold grip on the music and the audience. She is an athlete.