Handwashers’ Newsletter 29th March 2020
‘This is the CCS Home Service’
(You’re too young to get it.)
We hope you are all coping in these difficult times and keeping well. Though the ‘Choral’ bit can’t happen right now, the ‘Society’ bit can, so we’ll keep knocking out Newsletters for now. Several members have commented that music helps them, so there’s plenty more below.
By all means email timp470@btinternet.com if you want to contact other members or if you have a contribution to a Newsletter.
STREAMING MUSIC
Fiona, our Treasurer, suggests the following sources of world-class music if you are into screaming streaming:
– Berlin Phil. is currently offering 30 days free access to their virtual concert hall, but you have to register for this and redeem a voucher by the end of this month
– Metropolitan Opera are streaming a new opera each evening, which is then available for the next 20 hours
– LSO are streaming concerts on Sunday and Thursday evenings
Fiona also suggests: https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/live-streamed-classical-music-concerts-coronavirus/ which offers lots of music – if you scroll down to the bottom of the page then it has a calendar showing what is playing when.
ANOTHER TIMELY POEM
Thank you, Jenny Hall, for another timely poem:
IN THE TIME OF QUIET (original source unknown)
No one’s told the daffodils about the pause to Spring
And no one’s told the birds to roost and asked them not to sing
No one’s asked the lazy bee to cease his bumbling round
And no one’s stopped the bright green shoots emerging through the ground
No one’s told the sap to rest, deep within the wood
And stop the sleepy trees from waking, wreathed about in bud
No one’s told the sky to douse its brightest shades of blue
And stop the scudding clouds from puffing headlong into view
No one’s asked the lambs to still the springs beneath their feet,
To stop their rapid rush and quell each joyful bleat
No one’s told the stream to halt its gurgle or its flow
And warned the playful breezes, not to gust and blow
No one’s asked the raindrops not to fall upon the earth
And fail to quench the soil in the season of rebirth
No one’s locked the sun down, or dimmed the shimmer of the moon
And even in the darkest night, the stars are still immune
Remember what you value, remember who is dear
Close the doors to danger and keep your family near
In the quiet all around us take the time to sit and stare
And wonder at the glory unfurling everywhere
Look towards the future, after the ordeal
And keep faith in Mother Nature’s power and will to heal
BEETHOVEN GOING DUTCH
Lorna has found this remarkable performance by players of the Rotterdam Phil; do play it: https://slippedisc.com/2020/03/believe-it-orchestra-plays-beethoven-9th-from-their-homes/ . . . . and remember that, coronaboris permitting, we’ll be working on the Choral Fantasia, forerunner of the Choral Symphony, next term.
MALONE AT HOME
Several members have suggested singing along with Gareth so send the family out for their one daily exercise, shut all windows and doors and go for it here: www.greatbritishhomechorus.com
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Chairman Andy recommends this to bring back memories for the less young: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uLYcWln0uQg
That lot should keep you out of mischief for a bit!
AND FINALLY . . .
STILL HAVEN’T DECIDED
WHERE TO GO
FOR EASTER
THE SITTING ROOM
OR THE BEDROOM