4 August 2012
I promised my readers that would I would not to go into great detail about the Olympic Games but I cannot restrain myself from mentioning what a great day it was for team GB. In cycling and rowing, in particular. There were some extremely close finishes to some of the races, although on the whole the team GB appeared to be in a class of its own. The result was that by the end of the day. Team GB were third in the medal table behind China and America.
With all this excitement going on. I had rather lost touch with the second test match between England and South Africa. Played at Headingley, the South Africans were all out for 419. England made a shaky start and that one stage work 173 for 4. However, a magnificent knock by Pieterson, rendered the day 149 not out brought the English team within 68 runs with six wickets in hand.
With such a surfeit of riches to entertain me. My dear wife had arranged for Barton W-P, to drop in for coffee about 11 (and to be thrown out, unceremoniously, just for 12, when the carers came in). It was good to see Barton, I gather, together with wife Judith was looking after a clutch of grandchildren and I had the sneaking suspicion that Barton was relieved to have an hour or so off!
We concluded what had been a very pleasant day by listening to Handel’s Water Music, written originally for a Royal pageant on the River Thames in 1717 George Frederic Handel was a British-born German Baroque composer who became a British subject. Born in 1685 (the same year as Bach). Handel was commissioned by George I to write some music suitable for a River pageant. It is as a result of this commission. we have the Water Music and the Royal Fireworks suite.
As part of the recent Jubilee celebrations for our present Queen, she also had a River pageant, which include a barge accommodated to take the 50 musicians, as did the original pageant. Unfortunately, the music could not be heard clearly from the shore, which rather disappointed those subject who had turned out to watch the pageant. The music we heard last night, from the Royal Albert Hall was played on instruments available in Handel’s day. Frankly, I prefer the modern version which is crisper and more melodious. Those readers who are interested in hearing this music can click here.