tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27719640456402514472024-03-13T08:58:40.496-07:00Plato's ProcrastinationsWelcome to my second residence, brother blog site to Clouds and Silvery Linings.
Here I post my favourite music and comedy - and sometimes dancing. Oh and let's not forget most of the Stanley Holloway Monologues.
Please take a walk through my blog with Plato. He'll show you where everything is, that is unless he is procrastinating too much.
I hope you find my selections of interest.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-85583067658229170442014-03-11T12:30:00.000-07:002017-05-13T03:43:53.606-07:00The Magic Flute - Wolfgang Amadeus MozartI have always been extremely fond of Mozart's last opera, <b>The Magic Flute</b>, first performed on 30 September 1791, just 3 months before his premature death on 5 December. My fondness remains even though the entire subject is somewhat taboo and the language is German, which is completely incomprehensible to me. It is the music which appeals so greatly, but recently I have found time to study the libretto and write up a fairly detailed synopsis of the story. I like it so much it might well be worth learning German.<br />
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My earliest memories of the work span way back to my childhood when father used to play his 78 rpm gramophone recordings, so a lot of the melodies must have become implanted from a very early age. Indeed when I was three I was taken to see the opera in Liverpool and as I recall I was terrified of the large serpent on stage attacking Prince Tamino, right at the start of Act 1, with more than 2 hours to endure to the end. I think was given a humbug sweet to suck to keep my mind elsewhere but when The Queen of The Night appeared to the sound of loud thunderclaps. also in Act 1, I promptly swallowed it and it got stuck in my throat. A few hefty pats on the back dislodged it and I was marched back to my seat with Mother to resume my treat. Some treat for a three year old! Other later memories come to mind fondly when Mother used to appear in our bedroom each morning uttering her magic words, "Wake Up! Get Up and Shut Up! . . . . . and then proceeding to murder the Queen of The Night's famous aria. <b>"A vengeful Hell doth pulse within my heart!"</b> Boy did it sound awful!! We all laughed every time and even Father was amused, even allowing for her musical heresy.<br />
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Well, I have found a fantastic version on line of two wonderful arias, sung by my favourite character, The Queen of The Night. The first aria is from <b>Act 1</b> when she appears dramatically on stage after a mountain is suddenly split into two to the sound of violent thunder. She then sings, <b>"O tremble not, fear not, my son!".</b> She then walks off stage in a very authoritative manner. This version is played by the very charismatic Diana Damrau who must be one of the greatest Queen of The Night virtuosos ever. Her vocal acrobatics are just wonderful and she is such a good actress too. I have the entire version on DVD, courtesy of my daughter who bought it as a birthday present:<br />
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The next aria is the very famous one from <b>Act 2 </b>- the one<b> </b>which my mother attempted but succeeded every time to sound like a dying duck in a thunderstorm. This aria is sung when she appears to her daughter, Pamina for the first time in the opera. She thrusts a dagger into Pamina's hand and orders her to murder the high priest Sarastro and to return to her his power, held in <b>The Circle Of The Sun, </b>handed over by her father on his deathbed to the priesthood instead of giving it to her. She is furious and insists if her daughter does not obey her then she is no daughter of her's and will be disowned. <br />
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Nice lady!! <b>"Methinks the lady doth protest too much!!"</b><br />
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Just listen to this, along with some pretty good acting before she lets rip with the aria, <b>"A vengeful Hell doth pulse within my heart!" </b>Of course it helps a lot if one understands German.<br />
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Shakespeare had it right, <b>"Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn"</b> lol<br />
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If you are visiting Marguerite - how about that dress for the Mardi Gras!! It would go down a storm there! <br />
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<br />Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-63957837406930519742014-02-18T15:32:00.003-08:002014-02-26T09:10:27.276-08:00Allegri Miserere<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following several hearings on radio I have just ordered a CD of the world famous and much loved Miserere composed by Gregorio Allegri, circa 1630. This masterpiece is so moving - it is based on Psalm 51 and was composed during the reign of Pope Urban VIII. This Pope was so taken with it and he was so powerful that he forbade any performances outside The Sistine Chapel and threatened excommunication from the Catholic Church for those who violated his command. This decree remained unchallenged for 150 years during which time only the rich and powerful were permitted to enjoy it. Sadly, the world was denied hearing this glorious piece of music - that is until a certain very young and highly talented musician appeared who startled Rome and the world with his genius. Can you guess who?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">According to the popular story (backed up by family letters), the fourteen-year-old Mozart</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">was visiting</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> Rome</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">, when he first heard this p</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">iece during the Wednesday service. Later that day, he was so impressed he wrote down the 12 minute masterpiece entirely from memory</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">, returning to the Chapel that Friday to make minor corrections. The news of this feat spread quickly throughout Rome and reached the ears of the Vatican. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Mozart was summoned to attend an audience with the Pope himself, Pope Clement XIV who turned out</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> a much more forgiving successor, for instead of excommunicating the boy, the Pope showered praises on him for his musical abilities. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> Some time during Mozart's travels, he met the British historian Dr Charles Burney, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">who obtained a copy of the memorized piece and took it to London, where it was published in 1771, and the ban was lifted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">I have found a BBC programme about this fascinating subject so I am posting the entire thing which lasts about 30 minutes - I found this so interesting and it concludes with a rare performance of how the piece might have sounded just as Allegri wrote it because, yes, we are now allowed into the Vatican archives and the original score has been found - and performed. Modern day versions are much more complex. Note the high top C sung by the soprano several times, just hanging in the air above the harmony. Wonderful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">I know there are not many readers but for those that do - Enjoy</span></span><br />
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I have always loved this symphony and my interest was rekindled recently when I came across this version, conducted by Avi Ostowski from Poland, conducting a very lively Bilkent Symphony Orchestra.<br />
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I am posting just the last movement but the other three can easily be found near it on You Tube.<br />
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I am fascinated watching this as I listen because of the sheer speed of the piece requiring pin point accuracy in timing and unison - just look at the first violins in action and I was also interested in how they managing to turn the sheet music pages so quickly and flawlessly.<br />
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Also the conductor manages easily to extract the last ounce of expression and pace from his orchestra - superb in every way.<br />
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I have an LP record somewhere which I intend to run through my Audio Program on my computer to make a CD version, along with quite a lot of other favourites. It keeps the lad occupied and out of trouble lol.<br />
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Enjoy - it is really special.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6Q_0a0SLEv4" width="600"></iframe>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-83701805439696311712013-12-23T15:27:00.001-08:002014-01-04T16:36:19.412-08:00O Holy NightFor Christmas 2013 I am inspired to post my absolute favourite carol, "O Holy Night" which to me is head and shoulders above the rest . . . . . so haunting and melodic and moving.<br />
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And what more can we ask than these great tenors to sing it for us, probably two of the greatest tenors ever to grace the earth - Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.<br />
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Enjoy, and like me no doubt you will be greatly moved and I promise it will give you goose bumps. <br />
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Here it is "O Holy Night".<br />
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But to get the English words here is another version with Charlotte Church and Placido Domingo.<br />
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Omg - I've found another version by non other than Luciano Pavarotti. Gosh! Wonderful! Sorry, to listen is a must.<br />
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Omg again!!! I've found yet another version by a wonderful mezzo soprano - Denyce Graves - she is wonderful and I've fallen in love with her and want to marry her!! She has such a beautiful voice and sings the carol in English - this is the LAST version I am posting, honest! But at least you now know the carol by now. Her voice though is so powerful - enough to shatter any chandelier or wineglass.
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Oh dear I am in such a dilemma because I have found yet another version I like even better by Rennee Fleming - soprano - and yea I've fallen in love with her too LOL.
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<a href="http://www.muzu.tv/renee-fleming-soprano/o-holy-night-music-video/252808/">Renée Fleming [Soprano] - O Holy Night</a> on <a href="http://www.muzu.tv/">MUZU.TV</a>.
Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-54804278039251648032013-12-02T15:59:00.000-08:002013-12-02T16:38:56.077-08:00Erbarme Dich, Mein GottI have intended posting this very moving and glorious aria for a while but always considered it rather sombre. Since my dear wife, Maria, passed away 7 months ago I have been in a sombre mood very often, where letting go of emotions continues to play a large part in my life, with poetry and music. So here it is:<br />
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"Erbarme Dich, Meinn Gott" is a very beautiful aria for alto voice from J. S. Bach's St Matthew Passion. It might have been sung originally by a Counter-Tenor - I don't think they did anything too drastic because there are several male counter tenors today who manage to sing it without castration but that takes a lot of traning. Translated, Ermame Dich, Meinn Gott simply means "Have Mercy, My God". This piece of music is one of my all time favourites and a masterpiece. A violin introduces the piece and the melody just hangs so beautifully in the air until the soloist takes over.<br />
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I found two wonderful versions which I am posting:<br />
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Firstly by the Hungarian Mezzo-Soprano Julia Hamari and is wonderful.<br />
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The second version is much older and is sung in English by an American contralto, Eula Beal.<br />
And a real treat for us, the violin soloist is a young Yehudi Menuin, one of the greatest violinists ever to grace our planet, and now playing in the finest orchestra in Heaven. Eula.Beal is up there with him with her wonderful voice.<br />
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Can you hear the crackles from the old record? It is old but still absolutely beautiful. Yehudi Menuin was born in New York City, 22 April 1916 and died in Berlin 12 March 1999. Eula Beal was born in California 15 January 1919 and died in Napa, California 29 July 2008.<br />
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I like both versions in different ways.<br />
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For those interested I have found a counter-tenor version by Michael Chance, but I don't like the violinist at all and I am sorry to say that when he starts singing I have to suppress a laugh - er, sorry.<br />
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<br />Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-55907719083557213212013-10-01T14:51:00.003-07:002013-10-01T14:54:39.212-07:00Dearest WhitneyIt isn't often I am moved so much by a popular song but Whitney Houston singing "I look to You" really stirs my heart, particularly since her sad and sudden passing not long ago. We all know Whitney's big hits and this was perhaps a lesser one in it's day but I think it is one of her very finest.<br />
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Hope you enjoy it as I do.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-13488465834316298472013-02-13T14:47:00.003-08:002013-02-13T14:57:18.760-08:00Freddie Star Floors Muhammad Ali"Float like a butterfly!<br />
Sting like a bee!<br />
There's no way on Earth<br />
Yer gonna get me!<br />
'cause I'm the greatest!"<br />
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Well that may have been the case because no-one ever did get Ali, formerly known as the great Cassius Clay, arguably the greatest boxer the world has ever produced. Our Henry Cooper nearly caught him with his well known lethal left hook which floored him in a world title fight. But Ali survived every attempt . . . . . until . . . . . until.<br />
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Our Freddie Star who is much more cunning!! Just watch this clip from a Michael Parkinson interview - one of my favorites.<br />
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See what I mean? LOLEddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-82690524060094665022013-02-05T11:00:00.001-08:002013-02-05T11:00:08.124-08:00Dick Emery - He Still RulesAhh!<br />
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I am so pleased I found another Dick Emery clip I can share with you.<br />
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This chap is an absolute riot and was for many years the funniest man on British television.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe width="600" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X2X7uJMSgU4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-14726613583243224472013-02-03T13:58:00.001-08:002013-02-03T14:14:30.686-08:00Another Dave Allen TreatHi Folks!<br />
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It has been a while since I posted here but feel the time has come to have another laugh.<br />
There is so much dreary news out there in the big bad world - bad, cold and miserable weather and bad news it seems everywhere - all very depressing so I think I will nominate Dave Allen to come to our rescue.<br />
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Here he is again, one of my favourite comedians - enjoy:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CbgqtvJOJus?feature=player_detailpage" width="600"></iframe>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-29712746337709760142012-07-14T17:37:00.000-07:002012-07-15T11:48:57.194-07:00Flash, Bang Wallop! The Most Surprising Proposal and WeddingGosh! What about this for the most fantastic proposal I certainly have ever seen, and probably you too.<br />
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The action, and reason for the girl throwing the water over the guy will become apparent in due course but just get a load of the action in this video. <span style="background-color: white;">I wonder how many bucks that lot cost. Of course the flash mob element really appeals to me - so funny and absolutely fantastic . . . . . . BUT . . . . . some would argue they left someone out. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Obviously there will be others who disagree.</span><br />
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But back to flash mob dancing. At first I thought the guy was fabulously wealthy and had spent mega-bucks on this surprise. However, it is not the case at all - the whole thing was arranged by a flash mob outfit. I have found a full video which shows the entire concept from start to finish, ending of course with a re-run of the first video. This time, though, it includes rigth at the start more of the sequence of the long black haired lady with green eyes (I think) throwing a cup of water over the guy and shouting, "Screw you!" - all part of the act, of course, since she was pretending to be a former girlfriend to wind up his current lady friend. This bewildered girl, although initially upset, was later literally swept off her feet by 1017 flash mob dancers and of course her selfless boyfriend, as she describes him.. At first he looked manipulative and controlling - but apparently not so. One thing is sure - she will never forget that day.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">It's a bit lengthy but well worth the viewing.</span>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-56793384876680664032012-02-24T16:34:00.003-08:002012-03-23T16:10:42.277-07:00Mendelssohn Octet in E Flat Major, Op. 20Now here is one of my absolute favourite pieces of music. It has particular significance in my life and I played it many times whilst commuting back and forth to the North of England about 25 years ago. I intend writing a post about this on my other blog at some stage.<br />
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This music is quite extraordinary because it was written by a 16 year old genius - non other than Felix Mendelssohn himself.<br />
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I have found a good quality performance of the first movement. The work is in four movements. The third is by far the most well known but I like this first movement which I think is wonderful. Enjoy with cheese and crackers.<br />
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Since posting a dear friend of mine has found an amazing rendition of the first movement with a double bass adding even more beauty to this masterpiece. Also the performers deal with pizzicato passages superbly. So I am adding this version for those interested (in two parts).<br />
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To me the music itself conveys alternating moods of joy and sadness. It seems that way and about three quarters through sheer desperation gains prominence until just before the end when the tempo picks up again the mood changes for the last time to a feeling of hope and joy. Well that's how it affects me. Hope you like it.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-3443523258892935712012-02-04T12:31:00.000-08:002012-02-06T03:07:23.917-08:00Two Funeral Sketches Not To Be MissedNow we all agree that funerals should be sad and sombre events. We have all attended them and we have all shed tears. Yet somehow, when out of context, I detect some funerals can be vehicles for amusement - that is when things go wrong or when something occurs completely out of the ordinary.<br />
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This Dick Emery sketch caught my eye recently and I could not help but laugh! Hmm! sorry!!<br />
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And, of course, my mind is cast back to the famous Dave Allen funeral sketch, which I posted over a year ago. I am repeating this so those who missed it have another chance to share the fun.<br />
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<object style="height: 390px; width: 600px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mt7h3CghJEg?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mt7h3CghJEg?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="600" height="360"></object>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-46393127588821786532012-02-03T11:51:00.000-08:002012-02-03T11:51:25.469-08:00A Rather Strange Rendition Of Grieg's Piano ConcertoHi folks! I am supposed to be on Blog Break but I could not resist posting this hilarious video of Morecombe and Wise teasing a world class conductor and pianist - non other than Andre Previn. He takes the joke well and I think he gives as good as he gets.<br />
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Hope you likes it as much as I did. I remember watching this live in the 1970s.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-52193097656978162762012-01-21T17:45:00.000-08:002012-01-26T10:20:18.046-08:00Moonlight Sonata and a SurpriseBeethoven's Moonlight Sonata No 14 in C-sharp minor has always been a favourite of mine, although the key signature is rather tricky. I used to play the slow first movement reasonably well on a good day, although by no means well enough to play before an audience other than next door's cat. However it is the final 3rd movement which really 'grabbed' me, and still does, and I must confess when no-one was around I did have a go at it now and then, but usually ended up getting totally frustrated with my poor technique and disobedient fingers hitting the wrong keys.<br />
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I have a video You Tube of Wilhelm Kempff playing. Sadly he passed away in 1991 to join many other great departed pianists. I remember seeing Rubinstein playing this wonderfully at a concert in Bristol when Mrs Bluelights and I were in our 20s. not long ago LOL.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed that and now a surprise. Imagine this piece played on electric guitar!! Well no need to imagine it because we can hear it. I just wonder what Beethoven would have made of it and whether he would have welcomed having a pair of digital hearing aids so he could hear this. Do you think he would have accepted them or handed them back in disgust?<br />
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Personally I think the technique of Dr.Viossy playing is brilliant although it is a pity some of his intricate playing is drowned by the synthesisers, and perhaps he plays it a little too quickly. <br />
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Now what do you make of that?<br />
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Oh! and there is another fantastic guitar performance but this time a rendition of Mozart's Turkish Rondo played . . . . . . wait for it . . . . by two men on one guitar. See <a href="http://platosprocastinations.blogspot.com/2010/02/anyone-for-mozart-turkish-rondo.html">HERE</a>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-45701467793974106132012-01-10T16:01:00.000-08:002012-01-10T16:01:31.307-08:00Chopin . . . . Wonderful ChopinAfter my previous two posts you may be asking yourselves:<br />
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Does this fella, Eddie hear Offenbach or Bach often? LOL<br />
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Sorry, could not resist that one! Yes I hear Bach often but this week I have a change for us in the form of wonderful, wonderful Chopin and one of my all time favourite compositions which I have been meaning to post about for some time. Chopin's prodigiously difficult Sonata No 3 in B Minor.<br />
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I have the music and have tried in vain to play it - even at very slow speed. Utterly impossible!!! Mrs Bluelights has on several occasions protested that I am playing all the wrong note to which I reply, "No my dear they are all the right notes . . . . . but in the wrong order!" LOL.<br />
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Enough of the fun . . . let's hear the fantastic final movement, played by a chap who sadly died very young in 1950 from Hodgkin's Disease aged just 33. His name, Dinu Lipatti, born in Romania. He was a fantastic pianist and this recording was made in 1947.<br />
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I could have chosen several more modern pianists for comparison, including Emile Gillels, Katsaris, and other greats but instead I was attracted to this enthusiastic performance by a young lady called Colleen Lee, who is acclaimed as one of the leading piano talents of her generation.<br />
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Now I just cannot resist posting yet another rendition which 'knocked me down' . . . . . . and . . . . . wait for it . . . . . . I am going back in time to 1923 for a recording complete with warts and all plus tape hiss . . . . but who cares? What a fantastic technique and we can hear every note, not drowned by the loud pedal as in some later and contemporary recordings. Her name was Lucy Hickenlooper.<br />
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For those wanting to know more about her here is what I found:<br />
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Her name was Lucy Hickenlooper, and she was born in San Antonio, Texas, August 8, 1880. Later, not surprisingly, her manager Henry Wolfsohn thought that a name change was a necessary career move. She chose the professional name of Olga Samaroff from a remote Russian relative. <br />
At the age of 12, she was taken by her grandmother to Europe where she remained until she was 21. Her talents were so impressive that she was given a scholarship in the piano class at the Paris Conservatoire thus becoming the first American woman to be granted that honor. There she studied with among others, Elie Delaborde (the illegitimate son of Charles-Valentin Alkan). Samaroff writes that when she was first introduced to Delaborde, he gruffly ordered her to play. While she played he restlessly beat time with his foot ..muttering to himself a sort of running commentary on Americans and their lack of musical talent. It was the first injustice that I had encountered in life. When Delaborde noticed that her name (Hickenlooper) had a Germanic origin, he suddenly found that her playing had vastly improved. After completing her studies at the Paris Conservatoire, she made a highly successful debut in Paris. Samaroff then married a Russian engineer, Boris Loutzky, and went to Berlin (1898) where she studied with Ernest Hutcheson, Otis B Boise and Ernest Jedliczka (pupil of Anton Rubinstein and Tchaikovsky). During her Berlin years, she met Richard Strauss, Felix Weingartner, Artur Nikisch, and Gustav Mahler among others. Later she performed the Grieg Piano Concerto several times under Mahlers direction in the United States. Her brief marriage to Loutzky was annulled. <br />
Samaroffs American debut took place on January 8, 1905 at Carnegie Hall with the New York Symphony Orchestra. Her debut was a complete success.<br />
About 1908, she met an obscure English organist and choir master who was a recent arrival in New York His name was Leopold Stokowski. Evidently, Samaroffs families (Hickenlooper-Grunewald) were also prominent members of the City of Cincinnati as they were able to secure for the unknown Stokowski the position of conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. (1909- 1912). Thus began the career of a legendary conductor. Samaroff and Stokowski were married in 1911. Their marriage ended in divorce twelve years later.<br />
About 1920, Samaroff performed nearly all of Beethovens keyboard works in several cities. The concertos were, of course, conducted by her husband who by that time was conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. This project included all 32 of the piano sonatas. (There have been rumors for years that it was Stokowski who pushed Samaroff into giving these recitals. Whatever the truth is, they were enormously significant both musically and historically). Unfortunately, except for Samaroffs recording of the Beethoven-Rubinstein Ruins of Athens Turkish March there are no other compositions of Beethovens music in her discography. (She was asked by RCA Victor to record the Moonlight Sonata. There were four takes. She did not approve any of them). <br />
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In 1926, Samaroff suffered an injury to her left arm. She subsequently devoted herself to teaching at Julliard and the Philadelphia Conservatory. She held both positions until her death after a brief illness. She died in her New York apartment on May 17, 1948. <br />
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Among her many students were, William Kapell, Claudette Sorel, Rosalyn Turek, Eugene List, Sigi Weissenberg, Raymond Lewenthal, Augustin Anievas and Bruce Hungerford. <br />
Her pupil Claudette Sorell writes, Life with Madam was a continuous series of surprises, adventures and brainstorms. Nobody but Madam would call at 7 a.m. or 12.30 p.m. as she suddenly had decided a certain pupil should demonstrate the Romantic Period at her famous Laymans Music Courses at Town Hall, the following day. She would say, I do not care if you have to stay up all night long, but get it ready. And, invariably, the piece was prepared and the pupil was ready to collapse after the performance.<br />
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How about that!Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-67583421335436114362012-01-05T12:42:00.000-08:002012-01-05T12:42:09.556-08:00Jacques Loussier plays J. S. Bach: Sicilienne in G MinorAnyone remember the Jacques Loussier trio?<br />
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Going back a little to the '60's and '70's he was very popular. The trio was formed in 1959 and disbanded in 1978. Personally I did not like every number they recorded, but this one really 'grabbed' me, an adaptation of J S Bach's beautiful Sicilienne, originally played on the flute. <br />
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Hope you enjoyed it.<br />
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I have found another version by Juliette Hurel on the wooden flute illustrating J S Bach's original version but perhaps it is played a little too quickly for my taste.<br />
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<object style="height: 390px; width: 600px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WbHoQhK5_X4?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WbHoQhK5_X4?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="600" height="360"></object>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-86962741412906029702012-01-02T05:43:00.000-08:002012-01-05T12:01:07.385-08:00Bach Piano Concerto in A Major BWV 1055J S Bach has always been one of my absolute favourite composers. I love all his piano concertos, all his violin concertos, all his keyboard works, all his choral works, in fact all his work. His style is always lively, melodic and uplifting. In most cases the music reminds me of a ball bouncing along in time to the beat. I am sure when he died he did not start decomposing - in fact I truly believe he is up there right now, with the other greats, still composing new masterpieces for all to enjoy. What a treat we shall have when we get there, and I really wonder exactly what they have in store for us.<br />
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Some eminent musicians say Bach was the greatest jazz musician of all time, which I find amusing and I can see some truth in it.<br />
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I came across this YouTube gem of David Fray conducting and playing the first movement of Bach's piano concerto in A major. They are rehearsing for the launch of him recording the audio CDs of four concertos for Virgin Records. Bach actually wrote six keyboard concertos so I hope the remaining two will be recorded in due course.<br />
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Notice this brilliant Frenchman's technique, his dexterity and delightful phrasing plus his rather cheeky interpretation, which may annoy some 'stuffy' purists who should really know better because if they are that inflexible they should not be listening to a piano version anyway because J S Bach wrote all his keyboard pieces for the harpsichord. Back to Mr Fray. Did you notice the way he almost rides the piano, how low he holds his head and the way he plays with such enthusiasm. Did you see him turn the music page when really he never needs to look at any of it throughout the entire movement. He plays the piece with perfect ease and looks as though he has plenty left in the tank for whatever further technical demands which may be made of him, no matter what. This piece is taken from a rehearsal and for those interested there follows a longer version which includes him asking the orchestra to play according to his wishes, which sometimes elicits a few turned up noses - it makes a fascinating study. This guy is a true craftsman and I am currently considering buying him playing all four Bach Piano Concerto on the one CD - a bargain from Amazon.<br />
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Well time for cheese and biscuits again with some vino and sit back and enjoy.<br />
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And after all this, I have just found a glowing review of Mr Fray's rendition of his recordings. I am so pleased that someone who knows what they are talking about likes them as much as me. If you have time after commenting here, please have a look:<br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/br54">http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/br54</a><br />
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Oh and no doubt Mrs Bluelights would probably say he should get his hair cut and how on earth can he play without getting in his eyes every few seconds LOL.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-70469497649998285702011-12-28T05:10:00.000-08:002011-12-28T05:52:30.089-08:00Music To Reach Your Soul - Wieniawski Violin Concerto No 1Last time I posted some dancing with a definite "Wow" factor.<br />
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Today I am posting some music which is not very well known but which I think reaches our souls in terms of sheer beauty and lyricism. <br />
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I am playing Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No 1.<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880) was considered a genius and was a great virtuoso violinist and composer, born in Poland. His writing is noted for great technical difficulty as well as highly melodic phrasing. I just love it and in my humble opinion his works rank with the great composers we all know and love.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who wish to learn more about him please press <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henryk_Wieniawski">HERE</a>.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I became aware of this great man when my Polish mother-in-law brought an LP back from her holiday in Poland in 1976 and I loved this music ever since. There are two Violin Concertos but today I shall deal with Concerto No 1, although both are equally great. These works have become more popular in the UK in recent years. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">I found a wonderful Youtube video of SoYoung Yoon playing an excerpt from the third movement, so you can get the flavour of it. <span style="background-color: white;"> Isn't she lovely and a joy to watch her play - and her expression at the end bears testimony to the difficulty of the concerto.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">For anyone who wants to hear more I then have set up the entire concerto for you to enjoy. Unfortunately it is in three parts but this does not mar the enjoyment too much. </span><span style="background-color: white;">So, get some cheese and crackers and a glass of vino and 'drink in' this wonderful music. Both concertos are readily available on CD and I for one think they should be in everyone's collection.</span></div><br />
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And now the full version if you wish.<br />
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C'est Magnifique, n'est ce pas?Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-61771555998479051312011-12-18T10:08:00.000-08:002012-01-05T13:09:29.625-08:00Strictly Come Dancing Professional JiveNow for something definitely with the Wow Factor.<br />
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For those who don't know it we have a TV programme in the UK called Strictly Come Dancing. For non dancers like myself, who definitely have two left feet, I for one am always amazed and wowed watching these wonderful dancers. I have great admiration for those who can dance really well like these folk but for me this would be Mission Impossible.<br />
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Anyone for a Jive? Isn't this fantastic? Does anyone know the song?<br />
And thank you Monica at "Creative Beast" - she identifies the song as "Land of a Thousand Dances".<br />
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And this is even better!! Quite amazing!!<br />
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And the music? "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol. . . . . . very catchy and lively.<br />
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Just how these ladies dance like that in high heels without tripping up beats me! <br />
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Hang on a minute!! I know someone who may be able to dance this!! Marguerite at Cajun Delights perhaps - are you dancing today, cher? LOL. Perhaps you might be the lady with the long brunette hair! . . . and the redhead might be one of your dancing pals perhaps.<br />
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I wish I could do it - boy, it looks great fun. But I expect all these dancers worked extraordinary hard to reach this standard and as the saying goes, "Yer get out of this life what yer put into it - nothing comes for free!"<br />
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I wonder if I take up Jive dancing whether I will appear as young , fit, energetic, handsome, happy, rich, gorgeous chap LOL . . . . like these highly professional dancers! - aren't they fantastic? Oh well, perhaps in the next life.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-46448586064963290402011-11-23T12:36:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:37:22.721-08:00Dave Allen Talks About HolidaysHi folks! <br />
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It's about time we looked again at one of my all time favourite comedians - non other than Dave Allen, sadly now departed.<br />
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This time he presents a no holds barred account of the physiology of holidaying with all the advertising 'guff' and sales promotion which more often than not leads to a total flop of a holiday, making us wonder why the 'ell we didn't stay at home.<br />
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Well here it is - hope you enjoy it - if there is anyone out there LOL<br />
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<object style="height: 390px; width: 540px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7hhDcOvpsXs?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7hhDcOvpsXs?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="540" height="360"></object>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-89282338340186867922011-05-04T16:14:00.000-07:002011-05-05T14:28:28.122-07:00Royal Wedding Spoof and guess who stole the show!Hi Folks!<br />
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We have had a little wedding here in the UK, just in case it had escaped your attention.<br />
First and foremost, I was surprised my invitation seemed to have been mislaid somewhere. I see the Beckhams and Sir Elton John received theirs - wonder where mine went? I thought Harry was inviting me as the court jester. Never mind . . . I had to watch it on the 'telly'.<br />
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Seriously, for a minute, the wedding was very popular here and UK was almost at a standstill with 25 million people watching on TV. . . . . and an astonishing 2 billion worldwide. You know, I feel very good about this wedding . . . I mean with so many failed Royal marriages, I just feel this one is different and for the long haul. William and Kate thought long and hard about this and made a commitment to each other four years ago. May God bless them. Now the serious stuff is over, take a 'gander' at this.<br />
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Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton, certainly generated excitement amongst the male community with an incredible 67 tweets per second on Twitter with the full range of remarks from flattering to downright obscene. In fact Pippa so excited the boys she almost caused the entire Twitter system to crash. And to cap it all we read today that she has come as a complete rank outsider from nowhere to be favourite for the UK's prestigious title of "Rear Of The Year". LOL How about that then - hope she wins - she certainly has my vote.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSAsRkpe7RB-28jJZkymMR9hS2QXMC2KcuJEMtsEDerSjhbbTTRIYPP_b3IonWIsAcEBINjev5WRE5tl6LN8ezzoigWt_GXGghCRGfMboPlBq9SZT2G8b3k2jHga7JiG7-y8-fIdi50kv/s1600/images[21].jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSAsRkpe7RB-28jJZkymMR9hS2QXMC2KcuJEMtsEDerSjhbbTTRIYPP_b3IonWIsAcEBINjev5WRE5tl6LN8ezzoigWt_GXGghCRGfMboPlBq9SZT2G8b3k2jHga7JiG7-y8-fIdi50kv/s200/images%255B21%255D.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And . . . . I found a highly amusing wedding spoof which you I am delighted to share with you, starring 15 Royal look alikes. Prince Harry loves it and has it on his facebook. Enjoy! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><object style="height: 390px; width: 520px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vY0OHQwhiq8?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vY0OHQwhiq8?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="520" height="390"></object>Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-83729496707548889342011-04-04T15:08:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:08:55.279-07:00The Philosopher's Football Match Greeks vs GermanyThis sketch amused me - it is so ridiculous I just had to laugh out loud.<b> </b><br />
<b>The Philosophers' Football Match</b> is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python">Monty Python</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sketch_comedy" title="Sketch comedy">sketch</a> depicting a <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_%28soccer%29" title="Football (soccer)">football</a> match in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Stadium_%28Munich%29" title="Olympic Stadium (Munich)">Olympiastadion</a> at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_Summer_Olympics" title="1972 Summer Olympics">1972 Munich Olympics</a> between <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy" title="Philosophy">philosophers</a> representing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece_national_football_team" title="Greece national football team">Greece</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany_national_football_team" title="Germany national football team">Germany</a>. Starring in the sketch are Archimedes (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cleese">John Cleese</a>), Socrates (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Idle">Eric Idle</a>), Hegel (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Chapman">Graham Chapman</a>), Nietzsche (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Palin">Michael Palin</a>), Marx (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Jones">Terry Jones</a>) and Kant (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Gilliam">Terry Gilliam</a>).<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius">Confucius</a> is the referee and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas">Thomas Aquinas</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_Hippo" title="Augustine of Hippo">St. Augustine</a> (sporting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_%28religious_iconography%29" title="Halo (religious iconography)">haloes</a>) serve as linesmen.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-French_0-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philosophers%27_Football_Match#cite_note-French-0">[1]</a></sup> The German <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_%28sport%29" title="Coach (sport)">manager</a> is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther">Martin Luther</a>. As play begins, the philosophers ponder their theories while walking on the pitch in circles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-French_0-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philosophers%27_Football_Match#cite_note-French-0">[1]</a></sup> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Beckenbauer">Franz Beckenbauer</a>, the sole genuine footballer on the pitch and a "surprise inclusion" in the German team, is left more than a little confused.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ur5fGSBsfq8" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
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The sketch originally featured in the second <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python%27s_Fliegender_Zirkus">Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus</a></i> episode and was later included in <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python_Live_at_the_Hollywood_Bowl" title="Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl">Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)</a>.</i><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philosophers%27_Football_Match#cite_note-1">[2]</a></sup><br />
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Nietzsche receives a <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misconduct_%28football%29" title="Misconduct (football)">yellow card</a> after claiming that "Confucius has no <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_will">free will</a>"; Confucius says "Name go in book". <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Marx">Karl Marx</a> replaces <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Wittgenstein">Ludwig Wittgenstein</a>, but does nothing to advance the game. On the 89th minute, Archimedes cries out "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eureka_%28word%29" title="Eureka (word)">Eureka</a>!" and instructs the Greeks to use the football. Socrates scores the only goal of the match in a diving header from a cross from Archimedes. As the sketch closes, the Germans dispute the call; "Hegel is arguing that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality">reality</a> is merely an <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_priori_and_a_posteriori_%28philosophy%29" title="A priori and a posteriori (philosophy)">a priori</a> adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categorical_imperative">categorical imperative</a> is holding that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deontological_ethics" title="Deontological ethics">ontologically</a> it exists only in the imagination, and Marx <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materialism" title="Materialism">is claiming it was</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offside_%28football%29" title="Offside (football)">offside</a>."<br />
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This sketch is quite fitting for my blog, Plato's Procrastinations LOLEddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-86922428121884720262011-03-23T14:44:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:33:44.572-07:00Dave Allen's Thoughts On ReligionAfter his last hilarious you tube on Adam and Eve, shown on my previous post, I present Dave Allen's masterpiece on Religion and how a four year old boy was expected by a convent nun to understand several complex theological doctrines including the Trinity and Omnipresence. It is an absolute riot. LOL<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jxo81Ok9Urk" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did - and of course it is all just tongue in cheek and innocent fun - I think, although Dave Allen did upset some religious people in his time.<br />
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Whilst writing I note from my marvellous little book entitled "The Book Of Heroic Failures" reference to a highly popular and exciting production of the Holy Bible. This was all about the most unsuccessful version of the Bible ever printed. In 1631 Messrs Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, the King's printers in London obviously failed to proof read the script properly. It contained several mistakes, but one was 'inspired'. The word 'not' was omitted from The Seventh Commandment and enjoined its readers, on the highest authority, to commit adultery.<br />
Fearing the popularity with which this might be received in remote country districts, King Charles I called all 1,000 copies back in and fined the printers £3,000.<br />
What a spoil sport!! LOLEddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-65147308175824451062011-03-08T13:45:00.000-08:002011-03-08T13:58:10.667-08:00More Dave AllenDave Allen was well known for his religious sketches. Here is one about creation and the<em> </em>psychology of Genesis with his typical sense of humour in which he wonders why tell a woman, of all people, not to eat the fruit and actually shows her where it was. I shall say no more except excuse me while I duck for cover!! LOL.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aCOZQSRzKmU" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
All tongue in cheek of course.<br />
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Reminds me of a couple of jokes:<br />
Q. How will we recognise Adam when we get to Heaven?<br />
A. either He will have one rib less than everyone else<br />
or He will have no Navel.<br />
second joke:<br />
Q. How will we recognise Eve when we get to Heaven<br />
A. She will have no Navel either.<br />
or she will have rosy apple red cheeks. <br />
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<br />
Third joke:<br />
God tells Adam he has created a woman for him to share his life.<br />
Adam asks, "Where is she?"<br />
God says, "Walk along the path and I will lead you to her".<br />
Adam says, "What's a path?"<br />
God says, "It's a small road, at the end of it is a cave and she is in it."<br />
Adam says, "What's a cave?"<br />
God sighs and said, "It's a hole in the side of a mountain! - go in and you will find her."<br />
Adam says, "When I find her what will I do?"<br />
God says, "Don't worry, you will know for I have programmed you - there you have arrived and now go in and meet her!"<br />
Adam says, "OK!"<br />
After 10 minutes Adam comes out wearing a puzzled frown and God says, "What's the matter now?"<br />
Adam says, "What's a head ache?"<br />
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LOLEddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771964045640251447.post-16845593960767856152011-02-25T12:57:00.001-08:002012-03-07T13:00:28.792-08:00The Two Ronnies - Four Candles SketchThis sketch by The Two Ronnies was voted the Nation's favourite comedy sketch.<br />
It is absolutely hilarious - see what you think. LOL<br />
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<object style="height: 390px; width: 540px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LaO5nZIUW4I?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LaO5nZIUW4I?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="540" height="360"></object><br />
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Hope you liked it.Eddie Bluelightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18069024660422117718noreply@blogger.com2