h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I was reading what you said about being an archivist and Dark Side//Wish you were Here.

I definately prefer Dark side of the Moon
I also like Chopin

If you know any more people who have stolen money from me please let me know. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they were in America.

How long is my list?
1>
2>
3>
4>
5>
possibly 6> ???

Hi Mrs A - the thing about Dark Side and WYWH generally depends on which one I'm listening to at the time. Like my sons - they grew up with Floyd and we still argue about which is best.
I'm post Syd Barrett myself, but they all have complete collections.

Do you know what I mean when I say that Floyd, on those two albums in particular, approach the realms of Classical music? At least, it seems that way to me.

Chopin? What can I say? I first heard his music one beautiful summer evening as I relaxed on a rooftop patio in Hampstead, overlooking the Heath. I was gone. It was so moving, I had tears in my eyes - not of sadness, but from the sheer beauty of it. And, being an unreconstructed young working class male at that time, it's power - if that's not too strong a word for Chopin, surprised me. What other composers do you like?

My youngest son listens to Chopin when he's studying at Uni.

Who's stealing your money, Mrs A? Your instinct to look toward the good ol' US of A is spot on. But it's a long (and depressing) story. Much better to take time out with a little Floyd or Chopin, wouldn't you agree?

PS I also like opera, especially La Boheme. Not everyone's , how about you?

I don't want to talk about Hampstead Heath at the moment.
I find some of the residents there depressing.

I guess it's a different place now, than then.

I'm sorry that was extremely rude of me. I have been feeling unsettled all evening.

I have listened to Pink Floyd for many years, I liked their 'Division Bell' album particularly, certainly better than 'Wish you were Here'. I like playing Chopin but not very much because my hands are not large enough.

I mistook the place, it wasn't Hampstead Heath I was thinking about. I visited there many years ago, haven't been recently.

Hi - apologies for delay - intermittant 'mouse' problem made life very awkward.

No need to say sorry - we all have difficult days.

Yes - Division Bell's a good album, especially when you're driving and the sun's shining (and there are no idiots on the road!).

If you don't mind me asking, what has the size of your hands got to do with listening to Chopin?

I only listen to it when I (or another person) are playing it on the piano. It is easier to play Chopin if one has larger hands. My excuse. The excuse started when my old piano teacher made me miss a year before I could take my Grade V exam because, apparently, my hands were too small. Thank you for the much appreciated!

I think I may have listened to La Boheme once, it isn't exactly my cup of .

What is wrong with your ? Is it a ?

Obviously not a but a

I feel silly for asking now!

That's terrific - whatever your tutor thought about the size of your hands! When I was a kid I was told I had 'piano playing fingers'. I remain today, unable to play a note. At the end of the day I guess it's about talent and application. You must have them both - and that's enviable, believe me.

I'm afraid I only play blues harmonica. These days I only play now and then with my youngest son (he plays acoustic & electric guitar) - but I do know, as I'm sure you do, that music has more power when you play it yourself - because, I think, you, yourself, become the music. It's not really listened to as such - it's experienced.

A bit clumsily put, but I hope you got the gist.

Re the mouse: thought I was going to have to buy a new one - but now I've fixed it.

That is terrible that someone told you you had 'piano playing fingers' and you didn't try playing

What happened?

(Pleased to hear about the and the )

Nothing happened, that was the trouble! My family were never in a position to pay for piano lessons, and my school didn't give lessons for the playing of any musical instruments. However, I could afford a Vamper Blues Harmonica from money I earned from doing 3 paper rounds and various oddjobs. Then, soon after leaving school, I joined a local blues group. What with doing a daytime job, and fitting in 4 hours a day of practice, I never got around to pursuing the piano.

An old friend of mine was a jazz pianist. He's sadly no longer with us, but I could spend hours sitting by the piano, just watching his fingers move with enviable fluidity. One of the best left hands I ever saw.

It's way too late for me now, my fingers are not up to it - so I guess I'll save it for my next life....

That is a crying shame
It is never too late to learn to play the piano!