Sometimes a Light Surprises: J.M.W. Turner at Tate Britain

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings; It is the Lord, who rises with healing in his wings: when comforts are declining, he grants the soul again a season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain. William Cowper (pronounced Cooper) was one of the earliest of the nineteenth century romantic poets, much … Read more

The latest opus of Graham Johnson: Francis Poulenc: The Life in the Songs

He who would valiant be ‘Gainst all disaster, Let him in constancy Follow the Master. There’s no discouragement Shall make him once relent His first avowed intent To be a pilgrim Who so beset him round With dismal stories, Do but themselves confound His strength the more is. No foes shall stay his might, Though … Read more

Poetry Truth and Understanding

Poetry Truth and Understanding. That trinity comes out from my church-attendance friends as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. Pontius Pilate was almost as witty as Jesus himself. My vote for the fifth Prefect of Judea goes with the Orthodox Church’s, who revere him as a hero: unlike the spoilsport Western Church, who portray him as a villain. What is truth? is the question that the Godhead Himself must constantly ask as well as urge his followers to ask. Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things which are God’s says Jesus, in the response to the Pharisee’s trick question as to whether it is lawful to pay your taxes. Good Christians do well to follow Our Lord’s advice. So, no apologies to the super-taxed wealthy. And absolutely no excuse for your responsibilities toward God.  Those responsibilities are both complex and a delight. Further thought is needed.

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Bombast, lyricism, and harmonic inventiveness of Liszt by Leslie Howard at St Mary’s Perivale

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Exploring Liszt at the keyboard: A lecture-recital by Leslie Howard (piano) including Grosses Konzertsolo, S.176 and short excerpts from other works. Live-streamed (and available on YouTube) from St Mary’s Perivale, 25.10.2020. (JB)

Leslie Howard at St Mary’s Perivale

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