Navigating Naples and the Tale of the Mandolin

Robin has now joined Cunard's Queen Victoria and is currently in Naples.
Fortunately he didn't arrive there yesterday, as the police seem to have been rather busy, '100 Arrested in Naples'.

He is also, once again, a man on a mission.
If you remember, back in the summer, there was an ongoing saga connected to a mandolin.
It started with, 'Sorrento a Mandolin and a Music Box', where Robin spotted a beautiful mandolin but came home with a music box.

By June we had, 'The Mystery of the Mandolin', in which the entire family temporarily became detectives worthy of the best overt operation in recent times.

Swiftly followed by, 'Captain Corelli Causes Chaos', where I had a crash course in the life and works of Hummel, Guiliani and Mozart.

Then finally, 'Guitarists and Their B****y Nails', when Robin proved his purchase a worthy investment as it kept him amused for days whilst resting his battle worn nails.

Well, although the mandolin was found in Sorrento, it was originally made in Naples.
So today Robin is attempting to find the home/studio of the maker, Nicola Spoto.
We have the address, you may have read a tweet yesterday in which I mentioned shining a torch inside the mandolin, to make a record of it...

He allowed himself an hour or so to achieve this goal, as his first concert is tomorrow.
No matter how interested he is in the history of the mandolin, he's more interested in giving a well rehearsed concert on Wednesday.

Well, it was an eventful hour.
The taxi took Robin straight to the right road which was in a fascinating and vibrant area of Naples.
However, most frustratingly, Robin found every house except the one he was looking for.
No matter how many he times he went up and down the narrow street, lined with the most impressive houses, number 34 was never found.
Number 33 and number 35 were discovered, but not number 34.
The mystery of the mandolin is set to continue.

But if the BBC need a reporter, from the scene of the city police station, he's right outside.

Robin Hill, his Hands and an Unknown Mozart Score

The current trip on the QM2 is nearly complete.
Robin actually performed his last concert on Wednesday.
It went very well and he must have been playing with his usual enthusiasm, as the piece of a table tennis ball that had been reinforcing his right thumbnail, managed to shatter!
It wasn't a problem though.
He had another piece prepared in his jacket pocket.

One of the differences when giving a concert at sea, rather than on land, is the access the audience has to the artist, for days after the event.
Robin is always very happy to talk to people, particularly about the guitar, which was highlighted recently when one guest said he'd, "Never met anyone that talked about an inanimate object with such passion"!!!

Robin also appreciates it when anyone takes the time to say how much they enjoyed his music.
This morning I think he had one of the more unusual compliments.
It occurred whilst selecting a croissant for breakfast.
A lady tapped him on the shoulder and told him how much she had enjoyed his concert.
She then went on to say, "I hope you don't mind me saying but you have very nice hands!"
Robin wasn't quite expecting this, all before his first coffee of the morning, and responded with, "Well, thank you very much."
It turned out the lady is an artist, that specialises in painting hands and feet, so had a professional interest.

I must say I agree with her, but I would add that Robin also has very distinctive hands.
Many years before we married, I heard the sound of the classical guitar coming from the television and dashed in to see who it was.
At that moment the camera was focused on the hands of the musician.
I studied the image and declared it to be Robin.
Sure enough, as the camera pulled back to reveal the performer, it was indeed him.
But that's enough about hands.

Robin has had plenty of time to relax since his concert. He has visited Gibraltar, is currently in Lisbon, and later today starts the journey back to Southampton, arriving on Sunday.

I however, have decided to visit my local library.
You never know what you might find.
It seems that a handwritten score by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been discovered in France. Read about it here.

Captain Corelli Causes Chaos

Louis de Bernieres has a lot to answer for.
Only recently Robin finished reading 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', which is a fantastic book, and we also watched the film again, just before Robin went away.
This has partially caused the current mandolin mania...

Late last night I had an email from Robin, with what appeared to be, a simple request.
Could I find a particular book, (directions were issued to locate it within his vast library in the music room), and then look up how many concerti Hummel had composed for guitar and mandolin.
Also, whilst I was at it, did Giuliani compose anything for mandolin.

I found the book, 'The Guitar and Mandolin' by P.J.Bone, with great ease. It was exactly where Robin had said it would be.
I do like a man who knows his way around his own library.

I rather naively thought that I would be able to look up in the index, and find the answers to his questions.
I was wrong.
There were whole chapters on both Hummel, and on Giuliani.
My heart sank.
It was late, I had been working all day at the computer, and I was ready to switch off.
However, after browsing for only a few minutes, I became hooked.
What a fascinating period of time.
To think that Hummel actually lived with Mozart for two years, and whilst there, he did in fact compose many songs and arias with mandolin accompaniment.
At the age of 21 he also compose a concerto for orchestra and mandolin, in which the orchestra take the introductory theme for the first 45 bars. (This 45 bars rest is beautifully depicted in the film, 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', which if you haven't seen, then you should go and get, now.)
He also composed 'Grand Sonata' for mandolin and piano, which was sometimes played on guitar.

Mauro Giuliani on the other hand, didn't appear to write for mandolin, although he was undoubtedly frequently exposed to the instrument. As Giuliani was such a prolific writer I wouldn't be at all surprised if there is a 'lost' manuscript hidden in someones attic, specifically for the mandolin.

Giuliani was a particularly common name amongst musicians, and this caused some confusion on a number of occasions.
In fact, many thought that Mauro Giuliani had died, when it was reported that the guitarist M.Giuliani was dead. It was actually one Michele Giuliani that had met his demise, and the world was to have the pleasure of Mauro for a few more years.
But another Giuliani, Giovanni Francesco, did actually compose four quartets for mandolin, viola, cello and lute.

Whilst this is only a short, and potted history of the era, of which I have only briefly researched, (late last night if you remember), it must have been an incredible time to be alive.
Hummel living with Mozart, friends with Giuliani, Diabelli and Sor.
These names are so familiar to me, and it's very exciting to think of them all sitting around together, 'talking music'.
Thank goodness there was no television at the time. Can you imagine if all these wonderful musicians had been distracted by some awful reality T.V. show...
The world would be a poorer place.

Bermuda and the Pub Trivia Quiz?

Good news.
Robin has arrived in Bermuda, which means, all being well, he will catch his flight tonight, and be home tomorrow.
This is a huge relief.
If the weather hadn't improved, it would have been another five or six days before he got back.
Apart from wanting to see each other, there were more practical issues at stake here.
He's only home for a week, so the loss of any of those days would have been difficult.
I've already had messages from people that will be seeing him in concert, in the next few weeks, asking if he'll be playing the Mozart Variations. They've seen him perform these before, amongst other things, and obviously enjoyed it.
My concern was if he'd make it there with any clean concert clothes!

Also, I have a lot to discuss with him.
There have been a number of 'technological' changes whilst he's been away.
Twitter I have told you about, but, there are many other ideas floating around my mind at the moment.
First I need the musician, here, to try and implement them!

Whilst in Bermuda Robin has been able to collect his emails. One strange, but interesting one, informed him that he is the subject of a pub trivia question!
The question is: 'What group did Robin Hill play in in the 60's?'
Well, I'm not going to tell you, you'll have to go and look it up yourself. Mind you, it could have been one of a few....

Honduras, Name Tapes, and Mozart

I'm packing again.
Not Robin this time, he's still away.
The last time I heard from him he was enjoying a cool beer, sitting in a cafe in Honduras, and watching the world go by.
His only interruption, was the occasional passer by, commenting on how much they had enjoyed his concert.
So a very pleasant day indeed.

No, today, I am packing for son number one.
He's off to France tomorrow, skiing with a school party.
So whilst I don't have to remember quite as much, nor desperately try and fit all the paraphernalia that the travelling musician requires into a limited space, I do have to sew name tapes into socks, something that thankfully I don't have to do for Robin....

An indelible ink pen has become my friend, and clearly marked many items, but there are some things you just have to revert to old fashioned sewing.
Ski goggles for example.
You can't write his name across the lens, he won't be able to see where he's going, so name tape it is.
The temptation is to trust him not to lose things. But I know the state his room can get into, multiply that by around 30 small boys, and I'm sure I can safely assume that it will be chaos.

So, I'm off back to my labelling.
But you might be interested in an article I read yesterday, 'True Face of Mozart Revealed', by Dalya Alberge of The Times.
Two previously unknown oil paintings of Mozart have been discovered, which can be traced back to friends of the Mozart family.
One was painted in 1783 by Joseph Hickel, and the second in 1764, which shows an 8 year old Mozart, with his sister, Nannerl.
Interesting.

Cunard's Queens in New York

There has been little communication from the high seas today and we are now reduced to e mail.
However, I did talk to Robin late last night, and he was very impressed with Cunard's new ship, the Queen Victoria.
He thoroughly enjoyed the experience of standing on the deck, with Mozart playing gently around him, whilst he watched the QE2, which was alongside, and the Hudson Bridge in the background.
The QM2 was of course also there, and the celebration of this historic event, complete with fireworks, was fantastic.
You can read more about it in this article, 'Three Cunard Queen Ships Meet in Manhattan for Once-in-a-Lifetime Event'.

When we spoke, the QV had set sail and the QE2 was still with them, but I expect they have now gone separate ways.

I was rather amused to discover that someone found this site by a google search, 'Cunard Queen Victoria, Does it have irons in the rooms'?
Well, from my experience of Robin's many trips abroad, on various lines, I have never seen any evidence of there being an iron even in the same hemisphere, never mind in the room.
However, I suspect they do have them on board, and probably in each room, but that Robin hasn't quite worked out its function.....

He is there to work though and it's the first of his two concerts tomorrow.
So I would imagine that Robin is running through the first programme, and limbering up his fingers with some right and left hand exercises, to recover from the long journey.

Track 5: 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' - Handel and Cecilia Bartoli's 'Maria'

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) began composing at the age of 9 having already shown considerable musical talent on the harpsichord and pipe organ.

He had a turbulent relationship with his father who insisted he studied law in 1702. However, after his father's death, Handel abandoned law for music.

He lived for some time in London, at 25 Brook Street, which is currently the 'Handel House Museum'.
I know that this is well worth a visit, as Robin went a few years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed a personal tour by a very knowledgeable guide. He came home inspired by his visit and full of numerous anecdotes. He was doubly delighted to find that Jimi Hendrix had lived in the house next door!

Handel was a composer that was, and is, held in high esteem by fellow composers.
In 1824 Beethoven is quoted as saying:

"Handel is the greatest composer who ever lived. I would bare my head and kneel at his grave."

Bach:

"Handel is the only person I would wish to see before I die, and the only person I would wish to be, were I not Bach."

Mozart:

"Handel understands effect better than any of us. When he chooses, he strikes like a thunder bolt."

Really you can let the music speak for itself.

Robin originally recorded his own arrangement of 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' with Peter Wiltschinsky on their album, 'Virtuoso Music for Two Guitars' on the Hyperion label.
I was interested to find that details of this album are held in the 'International Guitar Research Archive', in the Oviatt Library on the campus of California State University.

Today's version of the 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', which comes from the oratario, 'Solomon', is a solo guitar and orchestra arrangement. The piece is eminently suited to performance on the guitar with its rapid scales and arpeggios, the original dialogue between two oboes being replaced by guitar and recorder.

When you have finished downloading this piece, I strongly recommend you go over to iTunes and download Cecilia Bartoli's new album, 'Maria'.
It's fantastic, and you can read all about Cecilia's passion for the Spanish mezzo-soprano, Maria Malibran, here, in an article by Rupert Christiansen.

Sunday Morning Music With Robin Hill

We haven't shared our Sunday morning music session with you for a while so I thought I would today.
As always it's a pretty eclectic mix obtained by putting the iPod on 'shuffle', sitting back, and enjoying.

1) Mozart

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 23 in A Major k.488 Prelude:III.Allegro Assai.
This version was Chick Corea on piano with Bobby McFerrin conducting.
It was fantastic to hear two jazz musicians cross over to classical performances so convincingly.
I've written about Chick Corea on many occasions but it's a first for Bobby McFerrin. We also have an incredible vocal version of Bobby singing the Henry Mancini's theme the 'Pink Panther'.

Two other jazz players who managed to make the change to classical with great success were Benny Goodman and Herbie Hancock.

2)Come On, Come Over

Jaco Pastorius teamed up with the soul legends Sam and Dave on this extremely funky R&B tune.

3) Tehillim/ The Desert Music

Tehillim II:Psalms 34:13-15. Performed by Alarm Will Sound & Ossia and conducted by Alan Pierson.
This is, of course, the American composer, Steve Reich.

4) Michelle

The Beatles of course from their album 'Rubber Soul'.

5) Joke Shop Man

The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. Need I say more.

6) Prokofiev

Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op.63-1, Allegro Moderato.
Performed by Jascha Heifetz.

7) Respighi

Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No 1: 4. Passo Mezzo and Mascherada.
This was the Boston Symphony performing Respighi.

We had to leave it there as Robin needed to prepare for the last of his three summer concerts in the great outdoors.
Thankfully the sun is shining.

Second Concert Success

I'm late posting tonight for two reasons.
Firstly, I have been visiting my brother after his horrific accident. I was delighted to see him looking so well despite the ordeal, and even walking about, well, hobbling really. It was all rather emotional, (for me), as you can't help thinking how lucky we are to still have him with us, and sadness for the family of the other man. Robin has been waiting anxiously for news and is very relieved to hear of Jonathan's progress. He'd guessed that he was doing well, as the reply to Robin's e mail about understanding the concept of bunjee jumping was, "The bridge doesn't usually follow you to the ground."
The second reason is that I have been waiting for news of the last guitar concert on board the QM2.
In true professional style, Robin put his personal concerns behind him, and gave an excellent performance.
He played:

Mozart Variations

Danza Brasilera - Morel

Misionera - Bustamente

Sons de Carilhoes - Pernambuco

Asturias - Albeniz

Jota - Trad.

Berceuse and Danza del Altiplano - Brouwer

Judging by the whistles at the end, I think the audience enjoyed it.
Robin also informed me that earlier in the day Richard Dreyfuss had been in the same theatre doing a questions and answers session.
As Robin's work has now finished I'm sure he will be going for some R&R.

Mozart's Dog Revisited

Meet Coco (Bimps)

Having met Ramsbottom the cat the other day I thought it was time I introduced you to one of our two Labradors. So here she is, Bimps.
As I've said before, she is actually called Coco, but we always call her Bimps.
This is because Mozart had an English Terrier called 'Miss Bimperl', shortened to 'Bimps', which when translated means 'Spot'.
Mozart must have had a sense of humour to call his dog, 'Spot the dog'.
As you will see our Bimps doesn't have a spot in sight as she is chocolate all over, but she is probably the most eccentric dog you will come across, or some might say 'dotty', hence the name 'Bimps'.
She's an essential member of Hillhouse as loves long, rambling walks, particularly if very muddy puddles are involved, and therefore it provides Robin with the perfect reason to put his guitar down and take a break.
She will in fact sit and stare at him until he does.

Mozart's Dog

Robin has two dogs. Both Labradors, one yellow called Milly, the other chocolate called Coco, (as in Chanel not the drink). Coco has become known as Bimps which may seem strange but I will explain why.
Mozart had an English Terrier named Miss Bimperl, shortened to Bimps which when translated means 'Spot'. Mozart obviously had a sense of humour naming his canine companion with a typically English Spot the dog.
Coco is completely chocolate in colour with no hint of a spot anywhere. She is however completely eccentric and 'dotty', hence the nickname of Bimps.
Just a little snippet of information for you.