Saturday 23 June 2007

YELLOW OF THE BROOM


Broom in the Trossachs countryside

ColourLover states here "In English, yellow has been associated cowardice or the physical illness of Jaundice, but in Hindu Mythology, yellow has the power to bestow intellect and change minds. In South Korea, yellow is associated with jealousy, opposed to our association with green. In China, yellow is associated with royalty and until modern times, common people were not allowed to don the colour. In Arab culture, a 'yellow smile' is a smile that is disingenuous, and in France, 'yellow laughter' is laughter that results in something not being found amusing or laughing off a joke made about you.



Golden varigated Hosta, Peebleshire

Yellow is also used in traffic signage to slow drivers, but it can also be used to signify a quarantined area. In money, it symbolises gold and coins. In Italian Literature, 'yellow books' are mysteries."


Dunira, Perthshire, early morning sunshine

Saturday 16 June 2007

HIGHLAND WEDDING - A SLICE

Arisaig. Morning in the village ...



Noon and ready for the service.



Interlude ...



Glenfinnan Hotel reception looking across the loch to Glenfinnan Monument.



Himself plays for the arrival of the guests.

Wednesday 13 June 2007

TO A WILD ROSE



Edward MacDowell was an American pianist and composer (1860 - 1908) born into a Quaker family of Scottish descent. He is of the Romantic period; he felt music was more complex and expressed emotions much better than words.



This piece "To a Wild Rose" is from his Woodland Sketches, Opus 51, for piano. It is possible to listen to an electronic version here,

Monday 4 June 2007

ORGAN-IZING

One o'clock is organ recital time in Glassgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Recitals and concerts are given by a rotating list of organists who continue this long tradition in the city. Listeners on the balconies can sit on the benches in the alcoves or have a coffee in the open area below.



The organ
is essentially a concert organ as distinct from a church organ. The gallery's website has historical and technical information about the organ here.

"It was played extensively prior to the First World War, and during the inter-war years when evening recitals and Saturday afternoon promenade concerts seem to have been popular.

In the spring of 1941, during an air raid, a land mine falling in Kelvingrove Park caused havoc in the vicinity and the Art Gallery and Museum sustained extensive damage to glass and parts of the structure. The organ was rendered unplayable and, in due course, repair work had to be carried out.

No attempt was
made to rebuild although this was the fashionable procedure at that time and it would have resulted, without question, in ‘modernisation’. It is fortunate indeed that this instrument escaped any such treatment, remaining today entirely as intended by its builder and ideal for the authentic performance of the late 19th century recital repertoire."


And not forgetting: "the polish on the handles of the big front doors".

A WEE CHERUB