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Why Vienna?

Mozart, Haydn, Gluck, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, Mahler, Bruckner, Schoenberg – it reads like a roll call of the great and good in classical music – but the amazing thing …

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Running Commentary

Running commentary (A few light-hearted lessons learned training for a half marathon) When you tell people you’re going to train for a half marathon they divide into two groups: the …

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Comedy Classical

A look at the funnier moments in music….   SOMM Recordings have just issued a CD taken from a live performance by my instrumental group at the Turner Sims Concert …

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Gorman’s Iconic Slide

The clarinet player who could arguably be said to have had the most influence on the history of twentieth century classical music is not a household name, nor even remotely …

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Pure Gold

Every now and then, to refresh my soul and rejuvenate my being, I listen again to Glenn Gould playing Bach’s Goldberg Variations. It is the recording I return to more …

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The Robots are Coming…

For years scientists have been predicting that computers will eventually take over all the work in the world. Visions have been painted of humans in the future putting their feet …

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In Praise of Skipping

15 minutes jogging:           120 calories 15 minutes walking:         50 calories 15 minutes swimming:     105 calories 15 minutes vacuuming:    53 calories 15 minutes climbing stairs: 120 calories 15 …

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