The organist librarian

Having woken again in the middle of the night as a result of jetlag I was reading my dear Mum's diary from the 1967 European tour and realised it sounded just like my blog! So many of the incidents come back to me vividly and I was telling Souk and Craig about the transforming moment on Dad's birthday Aug 23rd in Salzburg when we tossed for the tickets (2 between 4) and I went with Dad to hear the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Karl Bohm with Barenboim at the piano. Never again could I accept the musical standards of Joburg - this was where I had to be! Watched Young Apprentice last night and managed to keep Liz awake. Ashleigh was a worthy winner. Am now up again and putting more videos on Facebook.

Sunday August 1st which would have been Grandma's birthday. Went into Saint Sebastian church Mass ab oriente. Mozart Mass with large choir and orchestra at the Dom. Host fell on floor but I just picked it up and consumed it - because of a balustrade. Sat at cafe Tomaselli - balalaikas and harp in squares. Icons display. Went on river cruise - very hot. Michael Haydn museum and returned for hammerklavier recital of Haydn, Clementi and Beethoven. Gregorian vespers at St Peter's. Mozzarella salad and iced tea at cafe next to Festspielhaus - concertgoers beautifully dressed. After dinner sat on hotel terrace. Monday August 2nd to Berchtesgarden - fantastic panoramic views and coach ride up and lift. To the village - 3 nice churches, cake and coffee. Lovely cemetery and public gardens. Back to Salzburg via the castle. After dinner rest of party went to Marionette theatre Magic flute but we went to a fine organ recital on both organs in St Francis by a Polish organist who even played...

July 30th set off from Munich to Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps. Lovely 4 star hotel at Bad Kohlgrub which made up for not staying in the village. We had a large suite with balcony - must be one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. To Oberammergau for the play starting at 2 p.m. Audience of 4300 rapt by the fine chorus and orchestra and the enormous cast and stunning tableaux vivants. Supper at 5 and visited the Catholic church before the play and Lutheran communion service in the evening. Met Eleanor from the cathedral! Second half 7.30 to 10.30 - special blankets we had bought came in useful and tiny torches we had brought to follow the text. Taking Jesus down from the Cross was so calm and beautifully done - it was intensely moving and then came the Easter scene with echoes of the Vigil and candles in the darkness. So often the music exactly matched the mood. We were fortunate that a damp start cleared up although it got cold later on. Had hot chocolate at the hotel or rath...