“Mozart stopped writing here.” Those were the words one soprano had written after bar 8 of the Lacrymosa in her score of Mozart’s Requiem: just so she could be sure which bits were from the hand of the master, and which from his much-less gifted composer friend Franz Sussmayr. We were singing with the choir Spires Philharmonic Chorus,Continue reading “People of Inspiration: The Enduring Love of Mozart’s Requiem”
Category Archives: people of inspiration
Thoughts on Christianity and Paganism, by Blogger/Author Vivienne Tuffnell
Originally posted on The Bingergread Cottage:
I’m joined in the Bingergread Cottage today by a dear friend with whom I share a lot. Welcome, Vivienne and make yourself at home. Don’t give Lily the cake, it’s chocolate and she doesn’t like it anyway. Help yourself to tea or coffee and let’s have a chat. Mmmmmm…
Inspirational Tale of African Girl Who Triumphs Through Adversity
I’ve just read and reviewed a powerful and affecting story on Kindle, Eleven Miles by Lance Greenfield. I understand the novel was inspired by a village girl, Boikanyo Phenyo, from the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. The life prospects for girls born into such circumstances are limited: school till the end of primary education, get married,Continue reading “Inspirational Tale of African Girl Who Triumphs Through Adversity”
The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
I saw the last Hobbit film two days ago: The Battle of the Five Armies. And as I watched it I had a strong feeling of Peter Jackson making the most of his final cinematic visit to Middle-earth. Everything was exploited to its fullest extent, the brutality of battle, the sublimity and peril of theContinue reading “The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”
Book Review: The Beatles Lyrics by Hunter Davies
Having received this book as a Christmas gift, substantial 375-page tome that it is, I devoured it in a few days. I found the book utterly compelling. Hunter Davies starts by describing his search among collectors, companies and auction houses for what must surely rank among the most valuable “scruffy scraps of paper” in theContinue reading “Book Review: The Beatles Lyrics by Hunter Davies”
Brilliant Short Documentary Made by Abigail Robinson: Claiming the Spotlight
My film-maker daughter Abigail Robinson has recently created a short documentary for a college assignment as part of the second year of her HND in Creative Media. It’s about young actors trying to get into the acting profession. Called “Claiming the Spotlight” the documentary centres upon Playbox Theatre at the Dream Factory in Warwick, where Founder andContinue reading “Brilliant Short Documentary Made by Abigail Robinson: Claiming the Spotlight”
“The Imitation Game” Film Starring Benedict Cumberbatch – Moving and Powerful
I was very moved by the film “The Imitation Game” which I saw the other day. It tells the story of Alan Turing who led the team which cracked the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park during World War II. Benedict Cumberbatch opened up for us a picture of a hero who was never rewarded and acknowledged,Continue reading ““The Imitation Game” Film Starring Benedict Cumberbatch – Moving and Powerful”
A Gift to the Future – One Man’s Vision to Create Hidcote Manor Garden
I love Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. It’s one of the National Trust’s greatest gardens and was created by an American horticulturalist Lawrence Johnston, between 1907 and 1947. One very special element in the garden is the Beech Allee – an avenue of majestic beeches. Lawrence Johnston planted it knowing he’d neverContinue reading “A Gift to the Future – One Man’s Vision to Create Hidcote Manor Garden”
A New Glimpse of a Dream Arising from the Ruins – Kenilworth Castle September 2014
Kenilworth Castle is my favourite English Heritage property and one I’ve visited many times as it’s so close to my home in Warwick. Now English Heritage have completed new staircases and viewing platforms allowing visitors to ascend to the different floors of Leicester’s Tower for the first time in 350 years. I’ve visited the BuildingContinue reading “A New Glimpse of a Dream Arising from the Ruins – Kenilworth Castle September 2014”
The Writer’s Journey
After being turned down by numerous publishers, he had decided to write for posterity – George Ade It is a truth certainly acknowledged by the author of the above quote that many creative writers struggle for years, enduring perhaps decades in the wilderness of submissions and rejections, before their persistence finally pays off. Most would-beContinue reading “The Writer’s Journey”
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