A New Year and an Old Recording

Normality, or what passes for it in this house, hasn't quite returned yet, and won't until school re-opens on Monday.
However that hasn't stopped Robin from getting on with his work.
He has a lengthy foreign trip coming up, which requires a number of programmes to be prepared, so rehearsals are in full swing.
He did however allow himself some time to listen to an old reel to reel recording of Eduardo Abreu playing 'Madronos' by Torroba.
You can guess what's coming.
Yes, Robin dug out the music and has been relearning it in his leisure time.....

He has in fact recorded this piece, many years ago, on an album for the BBC, which was never for sale, but frequently played on air.
What I find interesting is the way that revisiting a piece of music highlights the learning curve which never diminishes for classical musicians in particular.

As Robin has been playing through 'Madronos', which incidentally means 'Strawberries', he has discovered new fingerings and positioning for both left hand and right hands, which makes for a smoother performance.
Years of practice, listening and observing really do pay off in the world of music, and there's always more to be learnt.

Nor does Robin's delight and enthusiasm diminish over time.
The reverse is probably true.
The pleasure he got from listening to Eduardo Abreu play this piece, and also from the rest of the album featuring both Abreu brothers, was immense.
It reminded me of this quote, even if it is a little tongue in cheek:

"The older I get, the more I admire competence, just simple competence, in any field from adultery to zoology."
H.L.Mencken