Some of the old-timers may remember a music-related post on the old site about a road trip to Berlin a couple of years agoā¦
I had ākidnappedā my dementing mum from Dublin to live with us in West Kirby during the Covid years and had asked my cousin Aran Corcoran in Dublin if I could commission a guitar composition for herā¦ Support the arts and make people happy etc.
He refused
On my last day in Berlin, I received a message with a YouTube link from Aran called Hans (my dad who died in 1982).
He mentioned that he was thinking about composing a whole suite/sonata, but I was just overjoyed with what he had created.
Last Saturday I received a package in the post with a lovely cover letter from Aran, saying that he had finished the Sonata for my mum (Ann).
Itās in four movements (26 sheets):
The Barn, referring to Dolphinās Barn in Dublin where our granny lived, and mum grew up
Hans (her Danish husband, see above)
The Sea Between the Lands, the Mediterranean, between Lebanon and Spain, Mum and Dadās first and last postings for the Danish Embassy, and
Christmas Eve, the ever-expanding family festivities that Mum hosted as long as she was able.
Needless to say, I was very touched and full of admiration and gratitude.
However, I canāt read sheet music. I donāt even read TAB, so I am resigned to waiting for some gifted pianist to record the composition so that I can appreciate the oeuvre. They say anticipation is even better than the real thing
Thank you all for your comments and positive vibes
Regarding āwanting to hear itā, beware what you ask for. Itās long and wonāt be everyoneās cup of tea
Iām sure Aran could play it, but hasnāt because heād like a good recording of it. Heās a classically trained guitarist and composer, but piano is not his first instrument.
I did pass it on to my goddaughter in France who tinkles the ivories and she said sheād like to have a go at learning it. Weāll see.
Meanwhile hereās a link to the second movement he sent me a couple of years ago, recorded by a friend of his
āWell,ā said Pooh, āwhat I like best,ā and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didnāt know what it was called.
A. A. Milne, [Winnie-the-Pooh (Winnie-the-Pooh, #1)])
Wow Brian what a superb gift even if you cannot use it yourself. I know Chris seems to be a talented musician so was wondering if he had enough knowledge to help you bring this to life and even play alongside you ? No doubt a question you will have asked already, so just thinking out loud, never a good thing !
What better motivation can you get to learn how to read sheet music. Iām sure Justin must have a book somewhere on the subject. If not thereās always the berklee books. Look forward to hearing it.
