The Virtues by Marcus Aurelius
* Auctoritas – “Spiritual Authority” – The sense of one’s social standing, built up through experience, Pietas, and Industria. * Comitas – “Humour” – Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and friendliness. * Clementia – “Mercy” – Mildness and gentleness. * Dignitas – “Dignity” – A sense of self-worth, personal pride. * Firmitas – “Tenacity” – Strength of mind,… Read on
A Trip to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
I recently went to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of my favourite writer William Shakespeare. The building is located in very close proximity to the town centre, which boasts several good pubs and shops. Upon entering and paying the entry fee, we walked through to a dark room which had a very good video about Shakespeare and the… Read on
The Final Touches
April Love by Arthur Hughes
Arthur Hughes, best known for his haunting depiction of Shakespeare’s Ophelia, creates another beautiful painting here in his work entitled, “April Love.” It is an oil on canvas work and done in accordance with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, of which I am so fond. It is hard to notice but the young woman is weeping – tears are visible… Read on
La Boheme film
This film adaptation is outstanding and excellently cast with the great Rolando Villazon and the beautiful Anna Netrebko. Quite possibly Puccini’s greatest opera – La Boheme. It is also one of my favourite operas, for the musical quality is quite grand and memorable. Songs like “Quando M’en Vo” “Mi Chiamano Mimi” and others stand out as exceptionally great… Read on
Murray Perahia at the Barbican
Last night, my husband and I attended the Murray Perahia piano recital at the Barbican Centre in London. It began at 7:30 in the evening and we were seated in the right side of the theatre’s C section, seats 16 and 17 in the Balcony section (as last time we sat in the Circle section for Philippe Jaroussky)… Read on