Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Capriccio Italien Op. 45

I believe one of the most influential works of Tchaikovsky, in my view his opus magnum, should be his opus 45 Capriccio Italien. In composing this inspirational piece Tchaikovsky was saliently incited by his experiences during his stay in Rome between 1870 and 80.  Drawing from his admiration of Italian folk music which he had found abundant time to familiarize himself, he blended Italian Capriccio's free measured tunes with gripping valse melodies.

The piece starts off with a brass fanfare what was apparently a referral to frequent performances that were occasioned nearly every morning by the hotel Tchaikovsky stayed during his times in Rome. Moreover there are noticeable fanfares and tarantella tunes throughout the composition which adds a delicate twist to it.  Nevertheless composer's signature sharp descents and ascents, which maintain a steady flow end-to-end, reminds you of his musical philosophy in every occasion.

Final revision of the composition was completed in Russia, hence the first live performance of the song took place in December 18th 1880. Apparently the performance was received in exuberance by the audience and had to be repeated.

Eventually, Capriccio Italien, with its impeccable flow, exquisite melodies and grandeur, has been my favorite Tchaikovsky composition, and one of the best in my all time list. I would like to attach a clip of its performance hoping that you will also enjoy it as much as I do. 

1/2 Capriccio Italien - Tschaikovsky - TMEA Region 26 Concert

2/2 Capriccio Italien - Tschaikovsky - TMEA Region 26 Concert

Learning to Live

I need to live life
Like some people never will
So find me kindness
Find me beauty
Find me truth
When temptation brings me to my knees
And i lay here drained of strength
Show me kindness
Show me beauty
Show me truth

The way your heart sounds
Makes all the difference
It's what decides if you'll endure the pain that we all feel
The way your heart beats makes all the difference
In learning to live
Spread before you is your soul
So forever hold the dreams within our hearts
Through nature's inflexible grace
I'm learning to live

Comfortably Numb

There is no pain, you are receding.
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but i can't hear what you're sayin'.

When i was a child i caught a fleeting glimpse,
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone.
I cannot put my finger on it now.
The child is grown, the dream is gone.

I have become comfortably numb...

My Boy

I don't know how it feels to have a child, yet I believe that having a pet must be the closest you can get to such experience.

My life changed since July 11th 08, when our boy Felix, named after Lucius Cornelius Sulla "Felix", a German shepherd joined our family. He was immediately the center of all attention and love, just as a new born would be. For the following days and weeks, me and my brother spoonfed him and coddled when he was sick.

It has been more than 4 months now since I left Turkey to continue my degree in Finland. Felix was 2 months old back then, he was still a puppy running around ransacking the house with a cunning smirk on his face.

Today, I was able to have his latest photos, which invoked a dampened joy in me. My little boy, it seems is now a full grown man. He now has his own place where he hangs out. Moreover, his feeble body and childish cunning grin is replaced by a dignified firm posture and austerity. I can't help but regret the time I spent away from him, missing all the good times while he was growing. Yet, on the other hand, I am very proud of him as he bode through quite a hassle compromising surgeries and dreadful illnesses. In the midst of such hazy feelings, one thing I thing I am sure of is that he is indeed "My Boy"!