This and That

 Massachusetts: Scientists at the Saugus Doo Wop Research Institute today announced the discovery of something which can stop the Duke of Earl.

Porridger’s Almanack (Breakfast of Ganglions)

I am fully aware of my mortality, but at 87 years old, I still wake up every morning with the desire to misbehave. Age is not a barrier when you find passion in what you do. The real secret lies in keeping your curiosity alive, continuing to learn, and not letting the fear of time stop you from enjoying life. Every day is a new opportunity to create, to laugh, and to show that it is never too late to move forward with enthusiasm and joy.

— Anthony Hopkins

Twelve years ago today: Eight trivial tweaks, and the Trumpeter [The Mystical Trumpeter, Op. 113 № 1] is done, no, but really, I swear! [22 Aug 2013]

I have posted not rarely of disappointments in communications or musical selection, so it is right to share the rays of sunshine, too.

Not long ago, I mentioned sending the Op. 4 piano pieces around. One friend has technical difficulties and may not have had any chance to read them. Another thanked me and remarked that the first two pieces “look manageable!” № 3 is a rhythmically quirky Toccatina, so I shall ask for more feedback when I can. Possibly Sunday. A third friend I have seen, but he made no mention of the pieces. He did speak of his testing a couple of job prospects. so I shall discreetly sound him out in a few weeks. The fourth friend wrote today:

[T]hank you so much for the three piano pieces! Playing Barefoot Among Dandelions on Sunday morning! I'll be in touch in a bit via messenger with more feedback about both the piano and organ pieces, all of which are wonderful. At the moment, every millimeter of brain is occupied with the Ravel [Trio]. I played your haunting setting of When Jesus Wept on both Good Friday and Palm Sunday. People were very moved by it, some to the point of tears.

On Wednesday, at Methuen Memorial Music Hall for a wonderful concert of Elgar, Sowerby, Peeters and Vierne by Dr Mark Dwyer, I met his Assistant at Church of the Advent, Andrew Scanlon, who responded very kindly to the e-mail message I sent following the concert.