Q Quartets

Irritated beyond measure that my twitter has updated and become X. Going to uninstall now ....

@CharlesEsdaile @LandofRob There's an acute analysis of Russian cynicism and rhetoricism in Conrad's Under Western Eyes (1911). Still sharp!

@LandofRob @QuartetsQ He certainly isn't just lashing out at random. There is a degree of opportunism, of course, but also a fixed agenda. The issue, I guess, is whether said agenda springs from genuine belief,

For the last 2 years, I have been struggling to make sense of this dreadful war. Herewith the books I' ve found most useful: M. Sixsmith, ' Putin & the End of History'; J. McGlynn, 'Russia's War'; S. Ramani, 'Putin's War on Ukraine'; M. Stuermer, 'Putin and the Rise of Russia'.

@LandofRob @CharlesEsdaile No, not lashing out, not revenge ... instead, self-image as Russia, supported by rhetoric and a fan-dance of subsidiary goals. But 'belief' is just a rhetorical colour, nothing more. (Imo)

@frederickmpj @aquilanebula @deeplyclassical The TV series is *really* good!

@aquilanebula @deeplyclassical All the Quatermass films are worthy,,,,,the best being Quatermass and the Pit (1967) with Andrew Keir in the titular role.

Time for super-dumb sci-fi fun #NowWatching

@houghhough @Tate magic!

Just loving this Sargent show @Tate So rich. The blur of the piano in this portrait of Madame Ramon Subercaseaux is a marvellous way to draw us into the folds of her gown. But the precision of the piano's horizontal white line keeps pulling the eye back. A dance of perception

@CharlesEsdaile @LandofRob Imo, he's like a character in Senecan drama ... he has goals and he has rhetorics aimed at fulfilling them. Belief does not enter the picture.

@LandofRob Well, I certainly know lots of detail, but knowing isn't the same as understanding. Above all, what beats me is what is going on inside Putin's head? Does he actually believe the rubbish he comes out with? Answers on the back of a postcard please!

@benjcartlidge Think it features strongly in Aki Kaurismaki's Ariel.

@benjcartlidge As I remember it, not having listened for some time of course! - it is brilliant. Great bassoon solo. Isn't there also a clever stretto in the finale?

Started Shostakovich 9 tonight and I am surprised!

@mikeirons12 Sibelius 4 Beethoven Bruckner 8 Mahler 6 Brahms 4 Mozart 4 Dvorak 9 Russians nowhere, due to boycott

#ClassicalDiscussion If you have nothing better to do at all, how would you order these symphonies in terms of your personal favourites? Mozart 40,Beethoven 5,Brahms 4, Dvorak 9,Tchaikovsky 6,Bruckner 8, Mahler 6, Rachmaninov 2,Sibelius 4

@tonyprinciotti (You have also to take into account the philosophico-political views implicit in - say - the Ring. Not exactly the same as 'his' views.)

Since I'm not drawn to Wagner's music, his appalling views on race and politics don't create a crisis of conscience for me, But I wonder: what if I loved Wagner as much as I do - for instance - Bach, whose music I find all-but indispensable? THAT would create a big conflict.

@Oberon48 @tonyprinciotti An element of defiance too ... 'He belongs to the world; he's not your property, you Nazis.'

@tonyprinciotti Strangely a lot of Wagner was played at the BBC Proms during wartime. I think someone loved the music, as I do..

@CARNZEE @tonyprinciotti It can be a political act, not necessarily the same as bad.

@tonyprinciotti Sad that people think listening to a bad person's work is an immoral act.

@tonyprinciotti People will say keep politics out of nusic, but that's a cop out. Your issue is real, though different people will have different ways of coming to terms with it. I am boycotting Russian music because of the use to which Putin's Russia is putting it.

Indeed. ‘Not losing’ is not enough: it’s time for Europe to finally get serious about a Ukrainian victory | Timothy Garton Ash theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

@jonathanbfine Parmenides , Spinoza, Kierkegaard

Ok, now what philosophers do you hate the most? I’ll start: 1) Hegel 2) Hegel 3) Hegel 4) Hegel 5) Hegel 6) Hegel 7) Hegel 8) Hegel 9) Hegel 10) Hegel

@jonathanbfine in the first list I think you forgot Hegel .

@hutchingsmusic @kursedtea @Rotary No, look at the strings and how they angle over the fingerboard. There never was a bridge on this cello. Just conceivably there was once a derelict cello which had lost its bridge and someone put strings on and used it as a prop.

Perhaps the Scottish @rotary young musician competition should take a closer look at their poster. 😶

@Lindsey_Art @VisualArtsScot @RoyalScotAcad Particularly like this one!!!!!

One of my three small-scale works currently showing @VisualArtsScot Centenary Exhibition 30x30 curated exhibit @RoyalScotAcad : 17 February - 13 March Stair Snippet 10x10cm acrylic & oil on board visualartsscotland.org #Edinburgh #Scotland #painting #cityscape #infrastructure