When I sit down at the computer to prepare a blog posting, I
usually have something in mind that I plan to write about, and I start with
coming up with the little phrase that will become the header on the posting. Of
course sometimes while I am writing I change gears and go back to revisit that
header. Today I started with “beautiful weather, great food, dear friends, and
loving family,” and for reasons I simply cannot fathom it reminded me of an episode
of The Twilight Zone first aired in March 1962 called “To Serve Man.” If you
have never seen this you must find the 25 minutes or so to watch what is
undoubtedly one of the best
episodes of that legendary television program.
We did have beautiful weather here in the northeast. There
was a bit of rain on Wednesday afternoon but we managed to get home between the
brief showers. Thursday was a magnificent day, and we spent much of the
afternoon sitting on those new lounge chairs (I wrote about earlier) in Dina
and Aaron’s yard.
The food was also great; no Jewish holiday is complete
without its special foods. We had a delicious and relaxing lunch with some
friends on the first day of the holiday, and we had my cheese blintzes and Dina’s
cheesecake at Dina and Aaron’s house yesterday.
Today we have been playing catch-up, Barry with his work and
me with my various cognitive exercises, including the two days of New York
Times crosswords puzzles I missed doing. I have been playing Set by myself and
I think I might almost be ready to go up against Joshua now, but my guess is he
will still cream me.
This morning I registered for the next semester at the 92nd
Street Y. I am going to take the next installment of the classical music class,
“World of Music II: The Classical Symphony – from Haydn to Beethoven.”
Haydn
traveled to London for the first time on New Year’s day 1791 and began the most
celebrated period of a very celebrated career. The twelve symphonies he wrote
during his two London residencies are known as his “London” symphonies, and
they mark the pinnacle of his symphonic output. Haydn’s student, Beethoven,
would then pick up the mantle of his teacher, build from Haydn’s
accomplishments and dramatically reimagine the symphonic form. Our studies this
semester will travel from Haydn to Beethoven, exploring works such as Haydn’s
Symphonies No. 94 (the “Surprise”), No. 97 in C major and No. 103 (the “Drum
Roll”); and Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1, 3 (“Eroica”), 5 and 6 (“Pastoral.”)
Along the way we’ll explore a changing post-Emperor Joseph Vienna, and the
impact of the French Revolution on musical composition.
I also signed up for the course given during the slot before
that one, called “Women in Song, A look at Women’s Role in American Popular
Song.”
This
section will focus on a generally underappreciated group of
songwriters—women—across most American genres—Blues, Jazz, Theater, Film, Pop,
Gospel and Folk—from the 1920’s through to the present. Artists to be
considered are Bessie Smith, Dorothy Fields, Nina Simone, Carolyn Leigh, Sister
Rosetta Tharpe, Carole King, Cynthia Weil, Laura Nyro, Aretha Franklin and Joni
Mitchell—all the best of the best—as well as more recent and influential
singer-songwriters such as Kate Bush, Fiona Apple and Joanna Newsom.
I am familiar with some, but not all, of the artists he is
planning to discuss in the course. But
what caught my eye was Carole King. Many of you know that I am a long-time avid
fan of hers. I am the only person I know who owns every one of her albums; lest
some of you are wondering, there were two before and many after “Tapestry.” So
I am really looking forward to this course.
Have a wonderful weekend, all.
Love,
Rebecca
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