The QE2 - Final Journey

Now this is confusing as Robin is actually on the Queen Victoria.
But as he has performed many times on the QE2, and I have many QE2 fans who follow this blog, I couldn't let such a significant day pass without a mention.

I am referring to the preparations for the final journey of the QE2 as she leaves Southampton.
You can read an article by Caroline Gammell here.

The QE2 is very special and Robin has had many happy times on board.
I have written so many posts about her over the years, and you can see some of them by typing QE2 into 'search blog', but here are a selection.

'The QE2, the Giant Cat, and Plenty of Practice', 'Comedy on Cunard, Coffee and Clapping and YouTube', or maybe, 'Post Rodrigo's 'Adagio'.

There has been a minor problem though in the early hours of the morning.
Apparently the QE2 ran aground, but even this event was so gracefully done that most passengers were unaware of the problem!
You can read Kate Kelland's report here.

We wish her a safe final journey. Meanwhile, Robin and the Queen Victoria have arrived in Port Said, Egypt, and his second concert is tomorrow.

Last Day at Sea and a New CD...

Apparently there were great celebrations yesterday as the QE2 left Fort Lauderdale, as it will be the last time she leaves the port, before retiring.
As yet, I don't have any further news or pictures, but I will add some if, and when, they arrive.
Today she is cruising the Atlantic, on her way to New York, and tonight is Robin's third, and final concert, before he makes the long journey home.
Whilst he prepares for that, I have been busy here.
I have just had news that the latest CD to be released, 'Arrival', will be ready in the next few days.
So there will be more on that, probably next week.

Today though, I have many things to do in preparation for this event, so I will direct you to Izzy Cooper's blog, where you can read all about her impressions of performing Rodrigo's Adagio with Robin the other night.
Enjoy!

Sun, Sea, Silk, and Second Concert Success

The QE2 was cruising the Straits of Florida yesterday, and Robin spent the day rehearsing for his second guitar concert.
The news is good, and I've had reports from various sources, that the concert was a great success.

There was a minor hiccup about 2/3 of the way through, when Robin's silk nail wrap became unstuck.
For any guitarists out there, they will realise that this is a problem, and one that has to be dealt with before play can continue.
For the non-guitarists amongst you, Robin uses silk wrap on any damaged areas of nails of his right hand.
Classical guitarists require long, and strong, nails to produce the correct sound.
When performing as frequently as Robin does it is inevitable that nail damage will occur.
The problem is how to repair that damage without losing any sound quality.
Over the years Robin has tried many things and his current method is to use a special silk wrap and glue.

Consequently, as the wrap became unstuck, he had to leave the stage for a few minutes, and do an emergency repair.
This happens occasionally, and whilst rather stressful for Robin, the audience don't seem to mind, especially as he always explains what has happened, and occasionally actually carries out the repair on stage as he introduces the next piece of music.

He went on to perform the Mozart variations, which if you recall had been requested on this particular trip.
It must have gone well, as some of the audience showed their appreciation by standing, along with some of the resident musicians.

After the concert he spoke to a few members of the audience and was delighted with their comments.
Particularly the compliments paid by two Spanish men, who are friends with the incredible guitarist, Paco de Lucia.

Meanwhile, back in the UK, I was surprised yesterday by a large increase in the number of hits to the blog.
Sometimes you can work out why, sometimes not.
The trend seems to have continued so far today which is nice.
One of the reasons could be a report by the BBC, about an appeal to identify a body found in 2006 on Islay.
I know that's rather gruesome, and you may be wondering why I have made this connection.
Well, it's because Robin composed a piece called, 'Return to Islay', featured on 'Virtuoso', and as people have been searching this story, they have come across a rather more uplifting side to the beautiful Island of Islay.

Comedy on Cunard, Coffee and Clapping, and YouTube

I have a selection of updates for you today.
First, it appears that the Captain on the QE2 has a sense of humour.
Read this post from a few days ago.
Well, it appears that a number of April Fool pranks were going on, all over the ship, for most of the morning.
The giant cat, advertised in the daily newspaper, had many guests up on deck hoping to catch a glimpse of this beast.
Whether a crew member was parading around with a stuffed cat, I'm not sure, but, there wasn't actually an Egyptian man with an enormous cat in residence.

However, some guests may have missed it.
Particularly if they don't have good sea legs.
In each room is a TV monitor, which you can have tuned to a camera, that's situated on the front of the ship.
Then you can watch the sea, from a similar perspective to the captain, and follow the ships progress.
On the first of April, the live shot was replaced with some video footage, of extremely rough sea, crashing over the QE2.

Robin said he turned the monitor on, saw the huge waves, and was somewhat surprised.
After many trips around the world, some of them in very bad weather, with waves of over 40 feet, he knows what rough sea feels like.
On this day though, the ship was steady as a rock, no cupboard doors banging, no pitching and rolling, no music falling off stands.
He went to investigate and discovered a beautifully calm sea outside.
I can't help but wonder how many guests remained in their cabins all day feeling a little nauseous....

Secondly, it seems that Robin and Izzy's performance of Rodrigo's Adagio is still being appreciated by the audience.
Izzy has now left the QE2, but Robin has a few more days, and two concerts to perform.
He decided to venture into the restaurant for some coffee, only to be met by spontaneous applause from a group of guests.
It's very nice to be appreciated.

Finally, I decided to have a quick look at my husband on YouTube, just to remind myself what he looks like, and clicked on the 'Virtuoso' link.
I haven't been there for a while and there were a couple of new comments, one of which intrigued me.
Someone claims to have met Robin in the 70's, as Robin went out with his sister for a while. He remembers him well because of the many hours of practice he did!
Some things never change.
I shall have to follow up on that one when he gets back even though it was way before my time...

Post Rodrigo's 'Adagio'.

I finally got news of the performance the other night of Rodrigo's Adagio, with the soprano Izzy Cooper, and by all accounts it went very well.
Here are the artists after the concert, a slightly blurred image, but there were many photos being taken at the time, and much autograph writing, which is always a good sign!



I'm sure they will work together again as the performance was so well received.
It was just one extra piece for Robin, albeit and eventful one, and his second 'official' concert is actually tomorrow.

Today though, the QE2 is due to spend a few hours in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
As it is a particularly cold, damp, and grey day here in the UK, the sort that you just don't seem to be able to get warm, I'm not at all envious that Robin will be enjoying some Caribbean sunshine....

Robin Hill and Izzy Cooper to Perform Rodrigo's 'Adagio'.

The QE2 spent a long time getting through the Panama Canal yesterday, as there appeared to be a lot of traffic.
Consequently, they didn't stop for a few hours in Cristobal, Panama, but continued on their way.

I did have a message from Robin that he was due in Cartagena, Columbia, later today, and that he was rather confused as he knew he'd been there before, and only a few weeks ago, but couldn't remember anything about it.
I couldn't either, so I searched the blog, and realised why we couldn't recall Cartagena, when I read this post.
He never went into town.

He may not this time either, although we'll have to wait and see.
The soprano singer, Izzy Cooper, has asked Robin perform one piece tonight in her concert.
They have met a few times before, and always got on very well, so he has agreed to play.
Cartagena may have to wait yet again. It's more than likely that rehearsals will be taking place.
The piece they are performing is Rodrigo's 'Adagio', the song version, which was arranged by Rodrigo himself.
Basically the voice replaces the Cor anglais and the guitar plays the original part.

I must say, I'm sure it will be beautiful, and I wish I could be there to hear it.
I'll let you know how it went.

Concert and Crocodiles

The concert last night went very well, and Robin has been receiving very nice comments all day for members of the audience, from as far afield as Perth, Australia, and Huddersfield, England.
It makes all those hours of practice worth it.
If you are on board the QE2, and have been waiting for the Mozart Variations, then I believe they are in the next concert, so you will have to wait a few more days.
There is a rumour, that Robin has been asked by another artist, to perform one piece in her concert.
I'll confirm this, as and when, it has been finalized.

Meanwhile, the sun is shining on the QE2, as she travels through the Panama Canal:



I'm not sure if it's the third or fourth time that Robin as been there this year, but never the less, I'm sure he will be enjoying it.
Sometimes you are issued with a certificate to prove you have been.
I'll have to start thinking of redecorating with them, if he continues to return so frequently.
I'm sure he'll be allowing himself a little time to relax today though, and will probably do some crocodile spotting up on deck.
A well earned rest.

The QE2, the Giant Cat, and Plenty of Practice.

Here's an image of the QE2 in Acapulco bay:



I can only assume that guests are transferred to shore in order to visit, and that she hasn't left port leaving Robin on land, as I have since had messages from him.
What a beautiful setting though.

It's another day at sea, which for Robin is good, as there will be no distractions for him, as his first guitar concert is tonight.
He happened to mention that yesterday he practised for 3 hours, 16 minutes and 34 seconds, before lunch...(he'd timed it on his iPod stopwatch.)
Whilst I could get concerned at this obsessive time keeping, I know that it is the effect of many hours isolation on the high seas, and he'll be fine. (If you saw some of the photos he has sent with the toy monkey you really would think he'd lost his mind!)

Luckily his neighbour, a German guest, is still enjoying all this music.
He may not feel the need to actually go to the concert though, as from experience, I know that Robin will run through the entire programme, at least twice, and probably more, over the course of the day.
But I hope he does attend, as it is always very different when you see pieces performed in public, with the atmosphere of a concert, and all the introductions.

Robin did take a little time out to sit in the sun and listen to Cecilia Bartoli and some Respighi.
He also informs me that the worlds largest cat is on board.
I know there are a lot of cat lovers out there, and many are fellow bloggers, so I have asked for a photo, as soon as possible.
This should be interesting.

Acapulco Again

Robin spent yesterday in Acapulco, Mexico.
As his first concert isn't until Friday, he allowed himself some time on land, and went to visit a few familiar places.
He was, after all, only there a few weeks ago, and likes it very much.
But Robin doesn't always seek out the tourist sights.
His obsession with the guitar is all consuming.
This is one place he found in one of the back streets of Acapulco.



These guitars may not be like his Miguel Rodriguez 'Churchdoor', but it's a great photo, and a scene you are unlikely to come across in any street in the UK!

If cars are more your thing, then the Mexicans seem particularly keen on PT Cruisers.
Here is the latest delivery:



Robin is now back out at sea and will be cruising the Pacific for the next two days, on the QE2.
So that should give him plenty of time to prepare for his concert.

Meanwhile I am recovering from the early start that the new school term brings.
I'm about to make another cup of coffee to ease my way into the day, and any guilt of drinking this stimulant, has been dispelled by this recent report.

Guitar Practice and the Paraguayan Harp

People often ask me how much guitar practise Robin does.
The answer is a lot, a point highlighted by the comments of a passenger on board the QE2, who happens to have the room next door.

The guest heard him practising and was amazed, he said:

"I went out on deck, came back, and still you were practising, I went for lunch, came back, and still you were practising, went to a lecture, came back, and still you were practising."

Luckily for Robin, this gentleman didn't mind, he was just incredulous that someone could keep up this level of commitment, for the last four days.
I hope he's still enjoying it after two weeks...

Being heard whilst practising is an issue when away, and Robin does often go off, and find an isolated spot somewhere.
He's even been known to put a sock underneath his strings to dampen the sound.
But, in order to give the performance that is expected of you, practise you must.
Good job Robin enjoys it.

However, he did take time out to go for lunch with Francisco, a Paraguayan harpist, who he has met a few times before.
The conversation, as often does with musicians, turned to strings.
We seem to have inadvertently found yet another use for the thousands of guitar strings that we have around the house.
He has now discovered that Paraguayan harpists use guitar strings for their treble register.
We have hundreds of them, so, it has been arranged that we will send some onto Francisco.
So the next time you hear, 'Guantanemera', played on a Paraguayan harp, some of those strings may well have previously been on Robin's Miguel Rodriguez guitar, and played just one concert, somewhere in the world!

The QE2, Concerts, and a Stowaway

Robin has settled in on board the QE2, and is currently cruising the Pacific.
He has met up with a few familiar faces amongst the staff and crew, with one member being particularly pleased to see him, as he loves the guitar.
When having a break from his duties, he can often be found sitting in on Robin's rehearsals.
They've become quite good friends over a number of trips.

I also know that a number of guests on board have seen Robin in concert before, and are looking forward to the forthcoming series.
I know this because they got in touch with me before he left, and requested the Mozart Variations!
I passed the message on, and Robin has agreed to perform them, so hopefully they will be enjoyed by all.

The first concert isn't until Friday, but I have been sent photographic evidence that guitar practice and rehearsals are already well under way.



However, there appears to be a stowaway on board.
Son number two requested that his 'friend' went along, and his antics so far have been causing quite some mirth here at home.



Not the easiest of positions to maintain whilst practising your right and left hand exercises...

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.

An Englishman in New York

Robin has arrived safely in New York.
After spending the night in a hotel, he has now transferred to Manhattan, where he will join the Queen Victoria.
This makes a change as usually you board in Brooklyn.
But there's a very special reason.
The QE2, QM2 and the QV, are all in New York together.
This is an historic day for Cunard, as it has never happened before, and won't again, as the QE2 will shortly leave the fleet.

To celebrate the occasion, there will be a firework display later today, against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.
As snow is also forecast, it should be an incredible sight.

I'm hoping for more news tomorrow, and have requested some photographs, but we'll have to see if they arrive!

Robin Hill Arrives in Boston and Classical Music Blogs...

Robin was unable to get a 'phone signal, in Bar Harbor, hence the lack of communication.
He did however email me to say how nice it is there.
He was impressed to find a very pleasant cafe, which played nothing but opera, with signed photographs of various opera singers decorating the walls.
As he was enjoying his coffee with the soprano, Annette Wardell, it was particularly appropriate.

The QE2 has now arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, another first for Robin, and he will be setting off for home later today.

As Robin's guitar concerts have all been performed, and he has nothing to report but the packing of his suitcase, it allows me time to refer you to some new Links.

The Canadian pianist, Chris Foley, has been working very hard.
Many blogs have been acknowledging his efforts, and rightly so.
Not only is he running, 'The Collaborative Piano Blog', which I have recently discovered, and have now added to my links section, but, he has also put together a classical music blogs pagecast.
Basically, he has taken all the leg work out of looking around for classical music blogs, with just one click of a button.

So, to look at old favourites, or, to discover some new sites, take a few minutes to check out, 'Chris Foley's Pageflakes'.

Meanwhile, lets hope that Robin manages to arrive home, with his suitcase this time....

Bar Harbor, Maine and David Juritz on a Unicycle...

The QE2 is about to dock at Bar Harbor, Maine, USA, but I haven't heard anything from Robin as yet, so I assume he is still sleeping.
I'm pretty sure he will be going ashore, to have a look around, as it is another 'first' for him.

Whilst waiting for news from abroad, I decided to check in on David Juritz's epic journey, as he busks his way around the world.
Since I last looked, he has been touring extensively around Africa, Australia, briefly back in the UK, and is currently in the USA/Canada.
Robin and David will miss each other by 10 days, in Boston, but I did notice that they will both be in New York at the same time later on in October.
Who knows, maybe they will bump into each other, and form a busking duo!
For more details about David's trip, and the charity, Musequality, visit his site, 'Round the World and Bach'.

At some point David did find time to make this very funny film, which highlights just how mad musicians can be!
I do hope his violin was insured, but even so, it's a very brave thing to do.
I can't see Robin attempting this with his Miguel Rodriquez guitar, but, you never know...

Soprano, Socialising and Nova Scotia

The last concert on board the QE2, for this trip, went very well.
Robin was pleased, and relieved, as it was the first time he had performed this particular programme.
It is always a little more nerve wracking, when performing a new programme, as there is always the fear that a memory lapse will occur at some point.
However, that wasn't the case, and both Robin and the audience enjoyed the concert.
He did have a minor nail problem, when one became 'unglued', but this was quickly rectified, and the audience quite amused by proceedings.

He allowed himself 15 minutes on a sun lounger to relax, before setting off for the gym, to add his pedal power to the ships engines.
Last night he went to see the soprano, 'Annette Wardell', and thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
They spent some time chatting and Robin is now working on a string quartet arrangement of 'Cavatina' for her. So that could be interesting.

Robin was obviously in socialising mood, as he got talking to a chap that remembered meeting him 25 years ago, at a concert in Luton.
It started when he was telling Robin how impressed he had been to see his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium', in New York. They went on to discover that they had some mutual acquaintances, so were able to fill each other in on the last 25 years!

I had an email from a gentleman who was very complimentary about the blog and has been following the QE2 on its journey as he has a friend on board.
I've told Robin to look out for her, and was delighted to get some feedback from a reader!

The QE2 has now docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia, so I'm sure Robin will be going to have a look around. As his work is now complete on the QE2 he will be able to relax and enjoy it.
Mind you, even though the concerts have been performed,there's always preparation for the next one, which is shortly after he has returned home....

Dowland to Rodrigo - Guitar on the QE2

The QE2 has left Quebec and is now cruising the Gulf of St.Lawrence.
Today Robin is performing the third, and final, concert of the trip.
I thought you may like to see what he is playing, so, here is the programme:

Two Dances - John Dowland
(Melancholy Galliard - Allemande)

Two Pieces for Viheula
Guardame Las Vacas - Luis de Narvaez
Fantasia - Alonso Mudarra

Homage a Tarrega - Joaquin Turina
(Garrotin - Soleares)

Una Limosna Por el Amor de Dios - Agustin Barrios

Alegrias - Celedonio Romero

Cavatina - Stanley Myers

Two Pieces - Robin Hill
(Canzone - Fiesta)

Adagio (extract from Concierto de Aranjuez) - Joaquin Rodrigo

Alegrias - Traditional (Arr.Hill)

Robin Hill - guitar

This programme lasts for 45 minutes, but every one of those minutes, are pretty eventful!
I look forward to hearing how it went and reporting back with more news tomorrow.

Yehudi Menuhin, Robin Hill and the Psychology of Performance

I'm getting rather mixed messages from the QE2.
The second concert went very well last night and there was a large and appreciative audience. The programme was very much enjoyed, and, there have been many wonderful comments.
However Robin wasn't pleased with it.
There was no particular reason for this, which was making it difficult for me to reply, with any form of reassurance.
So I turned to Robin's own book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium', and read his chapter on 'Performance and Practice'.
At one point Robin refers to Yehudi Menuhin's book, 'Unfinished Journey', and whilst the instrument may be different, the psychology is the same:

"The performing violinist continually reviews the hours, days and weeks preceding a performance, charting the many elements that will release his potential - or put a brake on it. He knows that when his body is exercised, his blood circulating, his stomach light, his mind clear, the music ringing in his heart, his violin clean and polished, it's strings in good order, the bow hair full and evenly spread, then - but then only - he is in command. But neglect of the least of these elements must gnaw his conscience. The audience, even the critic, may not suspect his troubled conscience, or may ascribe a blemish to an irrelevant cause, all unaware of the player's silent admission of insufficiency, his self-disgust, his begging to be given another chance. Even if no fault is noted, the audience's plaudits, their stamping and standing, are of no comfort to him then." Yehudi Menuhin.

So as you can see, Robin is in very good company, with any doubts he may have.
I suspect that the loss of a days practise, due to illness, was enough to upset his equilibrium.
However, he has one more concert to perform on the QE2, which will be on Sunday.
As he is docking in Quebec, Canada, later today, I will at last have the chance to speak to him again.
I must remember to tell him to read his own chapter on performance and remind himself just how difficult it is!

Birthday Blues and the Daily News

The weather has improved and the sea sickness gone, but, that has been replaced by a bout of homesickness.
Robin always misses the family when he is away but today is the 5th birthday of son number two.
No parent wants to be away from home at such a time but sometimes they have to be.
Robin emailed an icard last night which I dutifully printed out and gave to the birthday boy this morning. He was delighted as it was a picture of a frog wearing a birthday cake as a hat!
We had a few family members over for tea, but I have saved the official party with friends until Robin returns.
I'm not so mad that I would attempt to entertain 18 four and five year olds on my own....

Meanwhile, out in the Atlantic, practise is going well for the concert tonight.
Robin was featured on the front page of the 'Daily News', with a caption, 'The guitar like you've never heard it before.'
I trust they are meaning that in a positive way...

Rough Sea - Great Concert

Well I heard from my man at sea and the concert last night went very well.
I think Robin was a little more tense than normal, due to the loss of a day of guitar practice, whilst he was battling with sea sickness.
However, he had some lovely comments from members of the audience.
One couple, who travel every year on the QE2, said it was the best concert they'd heard. So that was very nice.
He was also taken out afterwards by the cruise director which is always a good sign!

The sea today remains rather rough, so Robin returned to the exercise bike, to try and take his mind off things.
I suspect that subconsciously he feels the faster he pedals, the quicker he will reach dry, and stable, land....

However, he couldn't really relax, as tomorrow is the second concert.
This is another 45 minute recital and a completely different programme.
So no rest for Robin.
He has been busy rehearsing, and preparing, on and off all day.

I meanwhile have been holding the fort here.
It's rather strange as it is the first time that Robin has been away since son number two started school.
So, in theory, I should have much more time.
I haven't seen any evidence of it as yet, although, the house has seemed remarkably quiet.