Sorry (again) for the recent silence. I’ve been a bit poorly (again). A bit of explanation at the end of this post.
I have a somewhat eclectic taste in music but I wouldn’t have thought at my advanced age I’d be discovering new forms of music that I enjoy but it’s happened twice in recent months. Anyone who’s followed me for a while will know me as a ‘classical music man’.
Post Modern Jukebox
The first ‘discovery’, being introduced to it by my Latvian blogging pal Ilze, was Post Modern Jukebox. If you don’t know it they do an amazing variety of covers of well-known songs with a variety of amazing singers and other musicians. The pianist, and founder of PMJ, is just wonderful.
Scala Radio
But this post is about Scala Radio, a much more recent discovery. I won’t go into why I was looking for an alternative to my regular radio listening for the past 16 years or so – the ‘other classical music station’.
You can listen to Scala Radio on an app as I do, on internet, on a ‘smart speaker’ (whatever that is) and on DAB if, unlike me, you can tune to it.
Experiencing new classical music
First, after over three quarters of a century of listening to classical music it was rare indeed to encounter something that I didn’t know or at least did not recall hearing before. It’s happened several times with Scala Radio in the short time I’ve been listening to it, perhaps particularly on the ‘show’ from 4 to 7pm weekdays hosted by Mark Forrest. He usually broadcasts from his historic farmhouse high in the Yorkshire Dales.
Enthusiastic chat
There’s quite a bit of chat from the presenters, and banter between them on changeover. I thought I’d find this irritating but quite the reverse. They are so enthusiastic it’s catching and often amusing. Not one of the presenters has me reaching for the off switch; I cannot say that about other stations.
Interviews
There are interviews with artists who come into the London studio and most of these are really interesting. The most recent I heard was with the Balanas Sisters from Latvia – incredible talent (they played live in the studio) and a really interesting story. It was great to hear John Rutter too; in my opinion he’s one of the great living composers, equally deserving of a ‘Sir’ as those who have it.
Food
There’s a food man on a show once a week and recently a ‘tinto’ from Portugal was recommended. After a trial bottle I went back and bought every bottle on the shelf!
Early morning birdsong
There’s a great show from 5am to 7am called ‘In the park’, alternating calm music with sounds of wildlife – birdsong etc. It’s a perfect accompaniment to my morning tea, Yorkshire tea of course!
I don’t like all the shows: I’m not a fan of film music without the film, nor music from ‘musicals’ except live on stage (there are exceptions to both), and I avoid video game music, so some shows which feature only these get switched off. But on the app I can catch up on something I missed, for a week.
Brass bands and choral music
Being a tyke I really like the fact that brass bands appear now and then. And of course choral music.
I’m not enthusiastic about the some of the musicians(?)/composers(?) championed by the presenters. One I really dislike. I dare not tell you the three I most dislike. They are all very popular. They get paused.
I’ve said enough. Try it!
Regular followers know about the overriding health condition. In recent weeks I couldn’t eat, losing well over 10kg in little over a fortnight. It culminated in camera and surgical instruments being shoved down my throat while I was awake. Far worse than the open surgery I’ve had in the past. But, as ever, I was well looked after by the Airedale Hospital nurses and am now am eating well and feeling good.
December 30, 2019 at 5:18 am
Hi Roger. WordPress is a conundrum of different alleyways to get into and find your friends in order to see how they are getting on. Finally! It’s me and not anonymous again. Just to say I hope the Christmas season was a wonderful experience for you and your generous spirit of intent. And wishing you Good Fortune for the future and wishing me the opportunity to have more readings from your wonderful, active mind this coming year. Of course, written at source from your new re-found love of the beautiful experience that is the fountain pen. Scratching heavenly words with perfect symmetry on earthy Indian Khadi hand made paper maybe? All the best……
December 30, 2019 at 8:17 am
Thanks Gray. I hope your Christmas was great too. Ours was quiet, just the two of us, but Santa came as usual and brought us some interesting stocking fillers and packages.
Our Romanian Godmother (nașa) came on Boxing Day and is staying till New Year’s Day, a big celebration for Romanians, made all the bigger by the fact that it’s Petronela’s birthday on New Year’s Eve, when it’s ‘open house’ with a table overflowing with Romanian food.
It’ll culminate with watching/listening to the New Year concert from Vienna, which will transport us back two decades to the start of our relationship as that’s when it all began.
Happy New Year!
December 30, 2019 at 9:32 am
Sounds like the perfect Winter break culturally. I worked on the ward on the 25th, 26th and 27th December, so Christmas was a bit disjointed. Now? Off until the 2nd January. My VeeDub has to have a new accelerator linkage put in (the old one collapsed and nearly 50 years of wear and tear has produced a poor wobbling excuse for something of German former quality). They were left hand drives and adapted for Right hand drive markets. So? Linkage from the driver’s right pedal side to get to the original left hand side is all a bit springs and bars W. Heath Robinson. I now have bought a modern Buttys Bits linkage to fit!! Expensive at £135. My ethic of stock vintage values slowly disappearing. I’ll be picking up a digital camera next! No…..way too far off my comfort zone values. All the best, I’m sure you’re looking after yourself kindly and thank you for your reply.
December 15, 2019 at 8:05 pm
Good to see you back! Sending good thoughts your way!
December 30, 2019 at 8:28 am
Thank you. I’ve been catching up on past posts so, as usual, testing my Romanian with yours. I’m happy to say I’ve almost never had to consult the English version, but it’s great to have it there if needed. A belated ‘Crăciun Fericit’ și ‘An Nou prosper!’.
December 30, 2019 at 11:46 am
A happy and healthy 2020 to you and writing inspiration for both of us 🙂
December 13, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Glad you’re writing again. Cathartic and positive. What’s not to love? Keep up the valuable intentions. They’re great to read. I’ve got the band Queen song Radio Ga-Ga going round my brain now. Thanks for that! Good fortune and thank you for sharing.
December 13, 2019 at 11:44 pm
Why does Anonymous come up when I’m signed in? From Gray Summers.
December 15, 2019 at 7:15 am
Such mysteries are beyond me Gray, but thanks for the comment.
December 13, 2019 at 4:46 am
I hope you keep feeling better and better. Happy holidays!
December 30, 2019 at 8:33 am
I would guess it’s a little strange to celebrate Christmas in India Kristina. I’m looking forward to reading your writings both long and short in 2020. (I haven’t forgotten about commenting on your summary!). Happy New Year!
January 6, 2020 at 6:08 am
Actually we went home to Slovenia for the holidays and just got back a couple of days ago.
How were your holidays?
Happy New Year!