The brothers Ron and Russell Mael, better known as the now, somewhat belatedly acclaimed ‘pop’ – as in popular – group Sparks, have been having somethings of a renaissance – itself something to wonder at as both men are now well into their seventies. That speaks volumes for the sustainability of the creative muse when many men are happy to drift into retirement, and accept their best years were long ago. But not these Gentlemen. Here is a brief career background – it’s been well covered elsewhere, and their ultimate journey back to referencing their Paternal Mother Russia.
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It’s been a glorious spring in Northern Europe this year, a little later than usual however now it has arrived it is absolutely superb. These photos were taken just close to where I live on Lai Street, by the Old Tallinn city walls. These photos show lilac, apple, cherry and horse chestnut blossoms.
An interesting Nordic classical music concert, “From Ice To Est” at the Tallinn Concert Hall last night, with acclaimed young Icelandic pianist Vikingur Olafsson leading a quartet featuring works by the Estonian composer Arvo Part and Icelandic composers Jon Nordel, Borkell Sigurbjornsson & Snorri Sigfus Birgisson. Some beautiful and often enchanting music, a lot of it reminding me of descriptions of weather and especially rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. Nordic classical music is not so well known, however Estonia has a long and proud musical heritage. It was a real privilege to hear these pieces, which were played,without a break, one after the hour to form a type of symphony. I especially enjoyed the Arvo Part piece, “
A dramatic Mazepa at the Mariinsky last night, in Tchaikovsky’s (via Pushkin) tale of Maria, a girl driven mad by the greed, scheming and conflicts instigated between her Father and Husband. She is the naive victim, only wanting to be loved but instead encountering murder and war. Two intervals, and both much needed to recover and have a stiff drink as her doom marches onto its unrequited conclusion of love and the loss of her redemption. Thought-provoking as much of Tchaikovskys work was – dealing with the cruel hands of fate.
