Friday 30 January 2009

Z is Inspired by Minimalism

I've finished the governors' link week at the high school. Although I didn't have enough time for everything and I've made an appointment for a meeting next Thursday and am doing another lesson observation next Friday. I have also, it seems, offered to do anything I can useful for French. I half-offered to learn German, to be useful there, but thank God I don't think I was taken too seriously.

The Sage has been plaintively asking me when I'll be free to do some work for him for the last three days. I've said, not in the evenings. So, Sunday at earliest. Because, tomorrow Al is busy all day (new governors' training, which lasts 8 hours) so I'll be in the shop.

Al and Dilly are out tonight at the theatre, so it's very quiet around here as Ro is babysitting. Not that he's loud, but usually the television is on or we're chatting or something. The Sage is on the phone in another room. The only sounds in here are Tilly's sleepy breathing and the crackling of a log fire. And the tapping of the keyboard, of course. I may put some music on.

Ooh, that reminds me. Year 10 music classes have been studying minimalist composers, such as Philip Glass and Steve Reichs. Others were mentioned but as I'd not heard of them I didn't remember them. I liked the piece she played for them to analyse (which was used as an exam piece - in the listening exam, it would be far too hard for GCSE students to play).



I'm thinking I may let Mahler lie for a bit and investigate Adams. I don't know much about him, except that he wrote Nixon in China, but it could be a good time for me to find out.

6 comments:

Dave said...

My knowledge of modern composers is minimal.

Z said...

I see what you did there, Dave.

Time to put that right, as far as I'm concerned.

A wildlife gardener said...

I like Philip Glass...not sure if I'd listen to the piece on your post again though... :)

Z said...

If you listen to it with a music teacher and realise how cleverly it's constructed, you appreciate it more, whether or not you actually come to like it. I've ordered a CD which includes this piece (same orchestra and conductor, in fact) and in a couple of weeks time I should know whether more acquaintance is a good thing or has palled.

Gordie said...

Knock knock
Who's there?
Who's there who?
Who's there knock knock who's
Who's there?
Who's there who? Knock knock
Who's there who knock knock who?
Who knock.
Who knock?
Who knock knock?
WHO'S THERE?
Philip Glass

Z said...

Heh - splendid, Gordie.