JohnOfPatmos

Hi, Hal :)) Yes, indeed I’m really a ghost around here these days! But I haven’t forgotten these pages and this space, where I hope to return soon. In the meantime, let’s revote this review while we wait for the loggione to fill up! JoP

I agree with you, Hal. It's not easy to fully love Felix. What I like most about him are his works for organ; I don't know much about the symphonies, this one included, alas. However, he has the tremendous merit of rediscovering Bach's passions. As for "Ein' Feste Burg ist unser Gott," I remember the splendid (and colossal) cantata of the same name by Johann Sebastian. Hi everyone, JoP

A huge review for an album I don’t know but that seems very, very intriguing. The mood of Evans, his struggle, and his courage come through beautifully in the opening of this lovely page, symbad. The ultimate sacrifice for Bill, just as it was a sacrifice to return to the trio after La Faro's death, even though he was splendidly replaced for a while by a less charismatic Chuck Israels, perhaps, but more accommodating towards the master's art. Saludos, JoP

"Every depressed person enjoys listening to someone more depressed than them." Very true, morningstar. Nick was indeed a poet, who did not self-destruct, but who had an illness, depression, without which he would not have been a poet. It’s the eternal dilemma between happiness and malaise. Sometimes, when I listen to Nick, I really wonder if depression (in a soul like his) may not have provided a positive, constructive push. And I answer myself that it probably is so. People like Nick found art in their own illness, turned their suffering into a message. To the point of self-sacrifice to convey something to others through their music.

What a review, guys!! I still haven’t quite figured out whether I love it or hate it, the "Sagra". But, "the dances of the teenagers"...

One of Beethoven's highest peaks, without a doubt. It is a symphony (for me, in Karajan's version) that perhaps more than any other has given me emotions I've experienced firsthand. And how tenderly the oboe introduces the theme of the initial "Allegro non troppo," before the explosive " tutti" orchestral entrance. Even in the first movement, I have always been amazed by the strong references to folk dances from the Germanic tradition, like echoes of an allemande. I also adore the second movement, with its "ornithological" sounds and the "murmuring" of the stream conjured by the strings. And then there's the placidly calm atmosphere, which culminates in communion with everything in the final allegretto. I don’t know why I would associate this Beethoven with certain verses of Leopardi, those that are more landscape-oriented, which transfigure very rich landscapes of the soul. A warm greeting to everyone in the gallery, JoP.

Extraordinary album, and in my opinion the peak of Jarrett's so-called "Norwegian" quartet. Although the subsequent "My Song" is no joke either. In "Belonging," a special mention goes to the captivating "The Windup," and to the monumental, programmatic "Long As You Know You're Living Yours." Great review, as usual, dear Grass.

I already sent my resume, Fabrizio, thanks. Have you tried sending yours to the railways? :)) Reading funny comments like yours is the reason I always allow anonymous comments!

I see you're well-versed in translations, Sanjuro! :)) Thanks to everyone who commented on this beautiful live performance that I'm very fond of, made up of just three musicians in a theater in Wisconsin sharing moments of true emotion. Pure, simple, and direct. @ Lello: thank you so much, and your reflections are always precious :)) @ odradek: thanks rocchetto. And yes, that's just how it is... @ Massimof: thank you for always following me with such attention; you are one of the DeB that I feel most aligned with my feelings. I'm still re-listening to "The Melody," which you reviewed so well, and I have to say that little by little I'm raising the score I gave that album!! :)) @ sfascia: hello my dear, I really do recommend this EP to you, I think it would truly suit your tastes! If you decide to give it a listen, I would love to hear your thoughts on it (I added a few samples just to give you an idea...) @ Wanderer: dear traveler, you are too kind to me! Warm regards to everyone, JoP

I don't know if they would please me... But your reviews always have great style! "Each piece is a brushstroke of gray but with always different shades." And just a phrase like this would be enough to give you a solid 5! Best regards, JoP