Parsifal

They say you can email straight to your blog - so this is what I am doing. It is a test to see if it works.

One of the operas I will be seeing in Bayreuth in August is 'Parsifal'. It is so much more interesting watching Wagner's operas when you know the story and the music, so between packing and organising I am listening to Parsifal and reading the libretto (the text). Wagner was
interested in Buddhism when he wrote Parsifal and there is a lot of Buddhist thought in the text disguised in a Christian wrapping.

At one point Parsifal says that although he is hardly walking, he seems to be going fast. He is told that time is space.

"Du siehst, mein Sohn,
zum Raum wird hier die Zeit."

Hello Einstein!

The story is about attaining enlightenment (if you take the Buddhist view of it). It is unexpectedly moving and I found myself weeping at the end of the libretto. And that was before I had even heard the music, which is even more emotional! Judging by my reactions so far I think Bayreuth will be a memorable experience.

Yes, I'm Toadstool

Like good little bunnies you deleted the email about Toadstool's blog because you thought it was spam. Bravo - "Aufgepasst ist .... ??" (I can't remember the end of that saying - maybe someone else can?) Now I have changed my name back so you recognise me.

Logging on is easy and you can call yourself anything including Marilyn Monroe if you want, but if you don't want to become a member - then you can just visit the blog occassionally.

For members of this blog

If you are looking at this blog the odds are you have been added to my invited-members list. I have no idea how that works - but I will wait and be surprised when someone registers.

I went to a Wagner Society meeting today and heard some young singers with wonderful voices. Their German lessons are sponsored by the Wagner Society so once a year they come and perform for the members. They also showed a film with Richard Burton playing Richard Wagner. It must have been a TV series I think as it is in 4 installments of an hour each.

How come whenever I sit down at the computer in the evening time collapses and it is suddenly 10pm? Well actually it is 11pm, I just looked at the clock. I wondered why I am so sleepy. I listened to part of Parsifal this evening while reading the libretto. Getting prepared for the real thing. (Yes yes yes.)

Yawn. Have to sleep.

Yes yes, online again

Well, I’m back online, finally got my act together after a very longish gap.

And hey folks, if you have been added to my members list, it is because I am going to use this blog to keep in touch over the next 3 months. Well that's the plan anyway. Add your comments and link me to your blogs if you have one (or start one - it is dead easy!)

Starting doesn't always mean continuing ... but I will try.