Categories: food, concerts, music
Date: 21 July 2006 14:56:53
Regarding the comments on The Brandenburgs post below, I can well understand your friend needing to ensure "that the quality is consistent" Jan: I may very well use that line. The Lindt & Sprüngli café (which oddly has no mention on their website: and I am led to believe that the Sydney café is the first -- and only? -- one) is a veritable feast for the senses as well as the palate. I'm sure you and your bridesmaids will enjoy it Miss Lisa; and I hope you can get a queue-free day Deeleea. I managed to get there just before they stopped new customers coming in: I ordered a hot dark chocolate and chocolate tart. The hot chocolate is brought out in its components: a jug of steamed and frothy milk, and a container of melted hot chocolate. It was rather fun trying to get the combination right. The chocolate tart was delicious, and very, very rich: I think I have had enough chocolate for a few days.
I then walked through Martin Place, biding time until the concert (though silly me forgot about the pre-concert talk I could've gone to: next time). I looked around at the majestic buildings, generally now banks, though some up-market retailers have moved in also. I also, with a reasonable sized group of people, viewed Channel Seven news through the glass window. It was interesting to see a studio in operation (and to realise how small they are: though I remember thinking similar when I toured the ABC studios last year as part of my Discovery after Dark wanderings). I was also fascinated that the conversation for "live crosses" was displayed on the autocue: innocent me had thought the person on the other end was speaking ad-lib.
What can one say about Bach?: I can well understand Deeleea commenting that Bach is her favourite. Brandenburg Concertos 6, 5, 3 and 1 were played: and I really only recall hearing #3 before-hand. Many highlights, but two in particular were: the 64-bar (!) harpischord solo in Concerto No 5 in D major, played wonderfully by the artistic director; and the hunting horns used in Concerto No 1 in F major. Wonderful stuff. As always, the orchestra received rapturous applause: and it was clear to see that they enjoyed playing -- smiles on their faces throughout. Handel coming up in Septemeber: looking forward to that. And I'm also looking forward to some more from The Canberra Handel Choir: though Singing Semele's move to far-flung lands may mean it is on hold: any news Semele?