If the attractions of Rome are too many and too splendid, there appears to be only one solution: don’t try to choose. Don’t try to do everything and run yourself ragged attempting to connect to ancient Rome, musical Rome, artistic Rome, historical Rome, or even shopping Rome. Indeed, perhaps it is the latter that might …
La Fine di Sicilia
Only for Mr. Guy. Not the end of Sicily but just the end of Mr. Guy’s week in this very interesting region of Italy (and if the attempt at an Italian title is not perfect, I beg the reader’s indulgence). And since this visit began with impressions, let’s end with some as well. How about …
Feeding the Soul in Palermo (2): Lampedusa
For many of us, the emotional connection to Sicily is not necessarily musical. Mine began as a lad, when I for some reason was offered Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s totally beautiful Il Gattopardo to read. I wish I could remember who suggested I read it, for I’ve been indebted to that person for many years. …
Opera: Feeding the Soul in Palermo – “Rigoletto”
Tuesday 24 November 2009 [Some postings after the fact due to spotty Internet access.] Is Mr. Guy ever any happier than when he is at the opera? Probably not, and opera in Italy seems to push all the right buttons. The enthusiasm of the musicians, and of the audience, the almost embedded respect for the …
Mosaics and Manuscripts (Rev.)
Monday 23 November 2009 [Some postings after the fact due to spotty Internet access.] If, as is purported to be the case, Ibn Jubry in the 12th century said of Palermo, “it dazzles the eyes with its perfection,” he might have been right. Indeed, one of my colleagues continued the idea as we approached the …