Though I May Vanish

Skating and lunch today were very enjoyable. While I was down there, I thought I'd take the opportunity to wander the Freer for a bit. I was very taken by this translation of a Chinese inscription on a scroll:

Like the dew

that clings for life

on hare's foot fern

so I, too, rely on you,

though I may vanish.

[photo by John Serafin]

The Gift

I watched WETA in HD. This isn't as good quality, but still lovely and meaningful. The piano was incidental, which breaks up this week's theme, but whatever, it was The Inauguration.

John Williams' Arrangement Air and Simple Gifts

Bach + Inspired Artist = Joy

Before we begin, I'd like to thank our source, muz1kf0rever, for providing this evening's delightful performance. I'd also like to highlight the Glenn Gould quote from the channel page linked above:

I believe that the justification of art is the internal combustion it ignites in the hearts of men and not its shallow, externalized, public manifestations. The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but is, rather, the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.
- Glenn Gould

The recording's mangling of the orchestral part at the beginning is annoying, but the rest is beautiful enough to forgive it:

Keyboard concerto in D Minor (Part 1 of 3):


(Part 2 of 3):


(Part 3 of 3):

Debussy Evening

Courtesy of mdbownds...

(you might want to get a glass of sherry before we begin, I'll wait)

Reverie

Valse Romantique

Arabesque

Ballade


Now how do you feel?