Lewis Ginter
At the start of May, I visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, in Richmond.
Please view my 23 photos on Flickr and let me know what you think!
Apple Lisa
This was the first GUI computer I laid eyes on; it was very early 1984 before Macintosh was released in our computer store, Mace Electronics.
It’s glowing light; the separate hard disk drive. And the mouse. Ah…
Mariokart Wii
This has been a lot of fun thus far.
We acquired it yesterday; it was a gift.
Walther - Hortulus Chelicus
JJ Walther was a German violinist-composer whose music has become a recent focus for David Plantier and his ensemble, alongside the music of Walther’s compatriot, von Westhoff.
Only a portion of Walther’s collection appears on this disc. Plantier and associates sound all the same in verve, quality of recording, and able bodyness as they did with their Westhoff release. Plantier’s violin has a beautiful tone. Since I purchased this recording digitally, I am not sure what instrument he plays. It sounds in character close to Manfredo Kraemer’s Techler violin from 1704.
Walther’s music is searching, it seems, for voice, and alongside others in the “mid Baroque.” It’s that he doesn’t sound like other composers that you may know, that his ideas are refreshing. Both Walther and Westhoff were influenced by the Italian innovators, but they write music belongs to the so-called German violin school. Westhoff seems to have been the more gifted composer; but Walther’s music still has its moments.
With only one listen under my belt, I cannot say anything profound about this release. The playing is well-done, at times sensitive, other times, virtuosic. Walther’s music is full of ideas, some more satisfying than others. The music above all is lighter than that of Bach; less exotic than that of the Italians, and earthy, to a point of pleasure.
Sonates pour Violon et Basse Continue by Westhoff
I had always hoped Reinhard Goebel would have produced a CD of Westhoff violin sonatas. His colleauge Manfredo Kraemer did some years later release a single sonata (for solo violin) on a poorly recorded CD with Capriccio Stravagante. Another MAK colleague, the talented David Plantier, has now released some Westhoff on the ZigZag Territories label with Les plaisirs du Parnasse.
This is my first chance at hearing Mr. Plantier as a soloist; his dynamic range and tonal sound is really quite nice. Think one part Goebel, one part Onofri, one part Kraemer, perhaps… of course, that’s an unfair comparison. He’s his own player, but rarely do we find a player with such a penetrating tone, playfulness, and directed intensity.
Westhoff published these works, evidently, in 1694, quite remarkable for their quality and complexity. Both with the technique and the harmonic language, Westhoff was a modernist. The recording here is live-sounding, well done, great depth captured between an up-front violin, and deep, plucked bass from among the continuo group.
The six works included in the collection are played out of order and vary somewhat in quality. The opening #4 is rich and virtuosic. #3 is nervous, changing speeds and moods on a dime. Carry a pocket full of change. What we’re left with is a multitude of sound worlds, presented lovingly one after another. Westhoff seemingly likes strong themes, and milks them, but where others might go and follow the full depths of one’s first theme, Westhoff changes course and presents a new idea. Perhaps these are the traits of the world’s finest composers, but it makes Westoff easy listening.
The intense sonata #2 is full of multiple-stopping, Plantier is quite able to shift between the break-neck speeds chosen for the Allegros, and the more contemplative (if not private) slower movements. Let’s be honest, these sonatas contain lots of opportunities for speed and double stopping. They can’t be easy to play. Both Plantier and his colleagues on basso continuo own these works.
This recording is rich with invention. Rich with tonal color, rich with virtuosic challenges met, and rich with passion. It’s the type of CD you don’t listen to from start to finish. Mix a sonata or two with other Westhoff contemporaries. Like fine chocolates, you may feel too guilty eating them at once.
Very highly recommended. Read what Johan van Veen said about this release.
