Beethoven 9

Tuesday was a long day. Swam 34 lengths - the pool was busy and not arranged as it usually is with wide fast and slow lanes. I did my best to catch up on work so I was tired by the time I got to the Festival hall. Liz sat in for the first half of Henze Bassarids suite which apparently was better to watch than to listen to. The Beethoven went well but Dohnanyi was not always clear and speeded up the finale. We were joined by Philharmonia Voices directed by Aidan Oliver and some members of the Bristol choral society so we filled the new choir stalls. Afterwards we went to the bar for the farewell to Robert Dean. He clearly enjoyed Rosa's choral item featuring some of his favourite expressions and rolled rs. He gave an excellent speech and was presented with wine and a leather bound score of Rosa's piece. It was Jean Taylor who got him to come 10 years ago and there have been some memorable concerts notably Gerontius and Mozart under his direction. We were home by 11.30 p.m. The car tire is replaced and Liz has been clearing out the garden.