Well, dear readers, we’re giving ol’ Ludwig Van another go. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, I, BK, am giving ol’ Ludvig Van another go. Mind you, at this point I’ve given ol’ Ludwig Van many a go – single performances of symphonies as well as complete cycles. So, a couple of months ago someone posted about a set of a critically acclaimed complete cycle by a conductor I’d never heard of named Frank Konwitschny, a German baton waver. The cycle was recorded between 1959 and 1961 on Eterna, which I also never heard of. Well, you know I’m a sucker for early stereophonic recordings, so it caught my attention. However, what caught my attention more was that an overseas site was selling the 6-CD bargain box reissue on Berlin Classics for sixteen bucks plus only four bucks for overseas shipping, grand total twenty bucks – could not resist and I didn’t. I’d completely forgotten I’d ordered it because it only arrived about a week or so ago, two months after placing the order. I finally got all of it uploaded and into Music and I just began with the first symphony by ol’ Ludwig Van. And instantly one was transported to that wonderful land of stereo in the Golden Years, where engineers were making the best stereo recordings ever, ones that to this day have never been topped. I could not believe the sound issuing forth from the Audio Engine desktop speakers. Stunning, supple, clean, airy, gorgeous mid-range, nice low end – really, everything you’d want from a stereo recording of that or any era. Add to that a first-rate orchestra and a non-fussy conductor clearly in love with the music and you have what is frequently referred to as musical heaven. And when that happens, you can suddenly appreciate music that you’ve tried to like forever. I’m really looking forward now to this entire set. It is available on Amazon for thirty bucks, which isn’t as much fun as twenty bucks. I don’t know if they German company is still selling it for what I got it for – well, let’s look, shall we? Nope, now 35 bucks and much more expensive shipping.
I did watch more episodes of Alba – I’m this far in (about to start episode nine) so I’ll go the distance, but boy is there a lot of the usual stretching and repetition here. There’s no reason this couldn’t have been eight to ten episodes, but I guess they make more money the more they stretch. The actors are all very good, it holds the interest pretty okay, it’s not especially well directed, but we’ll see how it turns out. The bad people are truly vile so you do shout at your TV occasionally – you also shout when characters behave really stupidly – that’s just lazy writing, I’m afraid.
Yesterday had its moments, both good and annoying. I did get ten hours of sleep, mostly consecutive, so that was a good thing. Once up, the annoying had to be dealt with and deal with it I did. I honestly think some people are just wacky and determined to only see things as they wish to see them – they’re in their own little square boxes and can’t see beyond them. Anyway, I did what I needed to do to rid myself of that negativity. Then I wrote more of episode six. I have about three pages to go, then I’ll futz and finesse. It’s kind of a tour de force for the lead actress, at least that’s my hope and goal in writing it. For food, I made the remaining two hamburgers and those were fine. The only other thing I ate was Milk Duds and I think with all of it I barely went over 1000 calories. Got to keep doing it. I had a couple of telephonic conversations, the Indiegogo funds did not arrive, not that I thought they would – I do think it will take the three business days and so far we’ve had only one, unless they count Thursday, even though it was sent late. I really don’t quite understand why it wouldn’t just show up quickly, but this is how it’s worked in previous years. But do send some excellent vibes and xylophones for an early and safe arrival. The rest you know. Now listening to ol’ Ludwig Van’s second symphony. I will say these are swift performances and that’s helpful, at least for me.
Today, I’ll be up when I’m up, I’ll hopefully finish writing episode six, then I’ll futz and finesse, and then send it off. Then I have to beat out the remaining four episodes – I’d only done the first six. I do have a few things noted, but I just need the beats more detailed – easier to write that way. I’ll hopefully pick up some packages, I may have a dinner thing – I’ll know at some point by early afternoon – if that doesn’t happen then I’ll just eat something fun. I may even go sit in a restaurant somewhere. And then at some point I’ll watch, listen, and relax.
Tomorrow will be more of the same and hopefully I can start writing episode seven. Then this coming week will be very busy, finishing the rest of the episodes, starting to organize the Indiegogo stuff – thankfully, I heard that the Darling Daughter will be in town for a week, and she’s offered to come and help organize, so that will be a really good thing.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, be up when I’m up, hopefully finish writing episode six, futz and finesse, hopefully pick up packages, either have a dinner thing or eat something at a restaurant, plan more episodes, and then watch, listen, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your favorite symphonies of ol’ Ludwig Van? What was the first one you heard, what are your favorite performances? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, happy to have made the acquaintance of Mr. Frank Konwitschny and his thus-far marvelous symphony cycle of ol’ Ludvig Van.