Billy Bob--

That's just horrendous news about the pub in Sidford. I certainly have no idea about accomodations in Festival week in the area--but I bet that if you resurrect the thread about Sidmouth 2006--or possibly start a new one explaining the situation, there will be knowledgeable and helpful people responding.

WLD--

I agree, Amadeus is such a wonderful film on so many levels. One of my strongest memories of the film is how easy it was to sympathize with Salieri--who after all tried to do everything right--only to be hoplessly upstaged by this filthy-minded (based on fact, I undertand--his letters sure were often scatalogical)--arrogant youngster--just because that youngster was taking dictation from God--creating masterpieces was that easy for him. It must have been--to churn out so many in such a short time. Of course Schubert did pretty well too--in even less time.

Now I have Amadeus on DVD--really looking forward not just to the movie again--but to all the extras the DVD is bound to have.


Jerry--

Mozart may not have had to deal with the vagaries of electric instruments--but it sure must have been hideous being just about at the mercy of your patron. The first composer to beat this problem--thanks to the cult of the composer that started with him--was Beethoven. Since then, as you know, it's been "the public" you have to please if you want to make a living at music--which ain't easy either.   BIrth of the Modern (1815-1830), by Paul Johnson is a book I never get tired of re-reading--lots of information---and great stories about this development--and so many others. Paul Johnson has written a lot of great, factual but very vivid histories. And I find history so fascinating I'm not even tempted to read fiction.

It's so great to be in a thread where there's not even theoretically a topic.

But here it is--late again--had another rehearsal tonight--for a totally different concert. Hope to get back here tomorrow night--at least there's no rehearsal.