Wednesday 27 June 2012

"X" is for Xerxes and xylophones at the RNCM


Xerxes is an opera by Handel based on a Persian king who led a war against Greece. It was performed here at the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music) earlier in the year. Last week I enjoyed a lunchtime concert given by the RNCM Brass band. It featured some contemporary and atmospheric pieces by Elgar Howarth (The Bandsman’s Tale and Tombeau) then Edward Gregson’s Rococo Variations. And yes, one of the instruments played was a xylophone...

Linked to ABC Wednesdays .

On another note (pun intended), last week I met up with Sandi and her lovely family, and we had a whistle-stop tour of Manchester on a balmy evening. She writes the Flying into the Light blog in her hometown of Vancouver, Washington.

22 comments:

  1. Go tell the Spartans... I used to play the xylophone.

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  2. fabulous post! i had a bamboo xylophone when i was in high school.:p

    X is for...

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  3. For a moment I thought you'd taken the photo through a cornet! Nice effect.

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  4. a great effect! and a different take on Xerxes than someone else posted. ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  5. I still haven't figured out how you've done it, but it is a very "brassy" perspective. :-)

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  6. Love the photo, not sure how you did it, but it is perfect for this post.
    I really enjoy listening to lunchtime concerts.

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  7. Chrissy you win the prize, I thought of Xerxes (double X) but thought a picture of my copy of Herodotus would be boring, an opera called Xerxes! simply marvelous, great shot as well.

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  8. I dunno from the opera, but your photo is fantastic! Kudos to you for creative photographic excellence!

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  9. wow girl, very well done, this post is great and I love the effect in the picture, it's awesome!
    hugs
    Léia

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  10. Very creative framing on this and great post.

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  11. I wanted to play xylophone but wasn't given a chance.. sigh.

    Xeronate
    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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  12. eXcellent post...love the story of Xerxes and Esther.

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  13. Beautifully framed Chrissy, great shot. Ombra mai fu was the aria that really got me into listening to Handel many many years ago and is still a favourite.

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  14. Outstanding image ! And yes, I read the story while learning Greek a few years ago. Please have a good Thursday.

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  15. A gorgeous piece of music and love, love how you framed the musicians!

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  16. Stunning pic! and I love the Xylophone!

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  17. Wow, love this!

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  18. Great photo! I had the pleasure of seeing the opera - with Frederica von Stade - at Seattle many years ago, so you've touched a lovely memory for me - thanks!

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