The Sun has got his hat on....(well, some days in Scotland)😎

Hello summer from Ferryview. After sunshine and rain, the lavender is flourishing. Sunny days on the deck with afternoon tea is a bit of a novelty in Scotland, need to capture the moment !

A real treat during the lockdown has been our “carry out” dinners from “The Wee Restaurant’ in the village. This pretty award-winning dining experience is the brainchild of husband and wife Craig and Vikki Wood. The creative moreish dishes have been a treat for Saturday nights.

https://www.theweerestaurant.co.uk/

Remembering Antonio Vivaldi. Born 1678 died - 28th July 1741

My lecture on Baroque music always prompts great discussion. As a number of you know, I ask the question, who are the real winners in Baroque instrumental music? The academic German composers or the toe tapping Italian composers. I discuss the differences between the concerto grosso form (Bach Brandenburg Concertos – German) and the solo concerto form (Vivaldi’s Four Seasons - Italian).

The concerto grosso form in baroque music, is a form where the music is passed between small groups of soloists (called the concertino group) and the full orchestra (ripieno)

The solo concerto, is a concerto for an Individual player and orchestra.

You can find more information here with examples:

https://www.musictheoryacademy.com/compositions/concerto/

Even better, pour a cool gin and tonic and listen to “Summer” from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

I particularly love Nigel Kennedy performing- the 3rd movement. Presto (very fast)

https://youtu.be/YuF4oYRktcA

For the record, my vote goes the Bach and the Brandenburg Concertos.😀

This 2015 recording can be purchased at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivaldi-Four-Seasons-Nigel-Kennedy/dp/B011NBHV4C/ref=asc_df_B011NBHV4C/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310785775582&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=766926335582318518&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046962&hvtargid=pla-525698462116&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Happy Birthday Ringo Starr – 80 on 7th July 1940

To help Ringo celebrate his birthday I thought I would share some unusual (alleged) facts about the talented ex-Beatle:

· He has never eaten pizza or curry. He is allergic to onions garlic and spices

· He was the oldest Beatle but last to join the group

· Although left handed, he plays on a right handed drum set.

· His full name is Richard Starkey, His first name ‘Ringo, was inspired by all the rings that he wore on his fingers.

· Ringo narrated 2 seasons of the TV series “Thomas the Tank”. During his youth Ringo tried to get a job with British Rail - because they supplied a uniform. He failed the physical exam.

We are all invited to his 80th Birthday Charity Show with Paul McCartney

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ringo-starr-birthday-charity-show-paul-mccartney-1022662/

Subscribers - uke arrangement of “You’re Sixteen” should be with you.

A hit for Ringo in 1974. A remake of this 60’s hit by the Sherman brothers.

Notable dates in July…Pop these in the diary…🤣

· July 4th - International Country Music day – Yee haa

· July 6th – International Kissing day – Pucker up to your loved one xxx

· July 10th – Teddy Bear Picnic day – Take teddy on a picnic

· July 14th – National Nude day – Keep yer vest on in Scotland !!!

Keep Safe and well Friends x