Sheet music... or Alcohol...

July 11, 2006 at 9:14 AM

I ended up getting a nice little bit of spare money in my account, and decided to treat myself.

But what to treat myself with. Obviously one of my two passions - good music, or good alcohol.

I had been eyeing off a nice bottle of Johnnie Walker Green, at about $90. A very smooth scotch that should only be drunk over ice, preferably with a good friend.

But I decided instead that a trip to my local music store was a better option. I picked up the first five Beethoven Sonatas, plus Two Sarasate Spanish Dances, Romanza Andaluza and Jota Navarra.

On my way home, I analysed the choice, and came up with some reasons for it.

Sheet music will last me a life time if looked after well. Alcohol, if looked after "well" will last a week, maybe two. Winner: Sheet Music

Sheet music has the possibility to bring joy into thousands of peoples lives through the performance. Alcohol can bring a little joy into 12 peoples lives, some joy into 6 peoples lives, a lot of joy into 3 peoples lives, or so much joy that one person can knock themselves out and possibly wind up in hospital. Winner: Sheet music... just.

Sheet music can keep my mind active for many years to come. Alcohol diminishes brain cells. Winner: Sheet music.

Good Sheet music can make me very happy. Good Alcohol can make me very happy. Winner: Draw.

It is said that good music satisfies the heart, mind and soul. Good alcohol satisfies the toungue, brain and gives work to the liver. Winner: Sheet Music.

It's a pretty clear win, though of course one day I shall get that bottle of JW green, and when that happens I shall enjoy it while listening to a great CD of classical music. In the mean time, I Think I shall pour myself a glass of red wine, and stick my nose into this new sheet music. Heaven!

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 11, 2006 at 11:13 AM

Hmm, good arguments. I think you should have got wasted personally, then a) you wouldnt be depressed about not being able to play like sarasate
b) you would have had a whale of a time and most importantly c) I would have been able to buy the sarasate instead! I take it you went in clef music? they have a great little selection there! I went in today and got Vieuxtemps concerto no 2, a real rarity that I didnt expect to find. Should be fun to go through. I wouldnt be surprised if I bump in to you at some point. Are you going to that Australian chamber orchestra concert at perth concert hall on wednesday night?

From Ben Clapton
Posted on July 11, 2006 at 11:34 AM

I went to Zenith Music in Claremont, largest collection in Perth. I'd like to go to the concert, but I spent all my money on Sheet music, and what I have left will be going on fuel. Would be nice to catch up at some point though, I'm always interested in meeting V.com members

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 11, 2006 at 11:43 AM

Wheres claremount? Im in perth for 5 weeks so I have plenty of time on my hands. Are you from Perth originally?

From Ben Clapton
Posted on July 11, 2006 at 1:12 PM

Born in melbourne, moved here when i was about 3, been here ever since.

Claremont is a fairly posh suburb west of Perth. There's a station there on the Fremantle line if you want to explore.

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 11, 2006 at 1:36 PM

Is that the one next to the river where all the multi-million dollar houses are? I drove round there with my uncle on saturday and I was amazed at the scenery. That 'river' is huge! Englands biggest lake isnt that big. The houses are amazing, and palm trees everywhere... drool...

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 12:17 AM

Greetings,
I`ve learnt smething else about the effect of putting that crap in your body over the years: the friends oyu make during the time you drink are not real friends. Their space is fake and so is yours,
Off for a beer,
Burp

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 4:25 AM

True, buri. I never drink. Only if ive had a REALLY bad day or something, haha even then its only one. Ben, where is there a decent luthier to go to round here? Im thinking about getting a new bridge. any reccomendations?

From Ben Clapton
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 5:47 AM

In perth, most people use Trevor West at West VIolins. He does pretty good work, but can be a bit busy at times. I've always found his work to be top quality, and can always get a spot when required, but that may just be me. Unfortunately, unless you know where you're going, his place can be kind of hard to find, and public transport around that area isn't the easiest to understand. But West Violins will probably be your best bet.

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 9:03 AM

cheers, where abouts is it exactly? I have some very kind relatives who are driving me about and helping so I might check it out at some point. Hey they Vieuxtemps #2 is good fun to play, and a darn sight easier than 4 or 5.

From Bram Heemskerk
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 1:41 PM

Ever heard of Vieux Temps- beer, Janacek Beer, Saint-Saint wine, Bach-wine? They are on my blog (6 june 2006). Also on 21 oktober in Verviers Belgium there is a violincompetition, where they will play (with piano) 2th violinconcerto of Vieuxtemps. I will give them some VieuxTemps-beers. see: www.vieuxtemps.be

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 3:22 PM

Ask them if they can play those darn chromatic octaves in tune. I cant! YET!

From Terez Mertes
Posted on July 12, 2006 at 10:50 PM

Ben, this is great!

And Buri, Buri, wine and friends.... they are true. Honest. You just haven't met the right drinker (or appellation) yet.

From John Lanceley
Posted on July 15, 2006 at 5:38 AM

OK I can play those octaves now :-D :-D

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