Thursday 24 February 2011

My depression was lifted considerably at lunchtime today by a performance of John Cage's One by Simon Smith. The determined non-intention of the piece was exquisitely beautiful, and even enhanced the other sounds in the room which included the gentle snoring of the well-known musician sitting on my left. The final piece in the programme, by a composer famed for his religious convictions, was played with breathtaking skill and commitment, but I had to leave the room before it ended, as I really dislike being emotionally bullied. 'Feel this!' screams the music. 'No. I don't feel that. Bugger off.' I went across the road for some soup which did me more good. As did Richard Michael's transforming of a room full of people into a gospel choir and a horn section later on this afternoon.

To reduce my stress level a bit I've taken to walking rather than cycling which has given me a chance to take the first edits out for a walk. So if I've been walking down the street and I've ignored you I'm sorry - a nice album is taking shape.