I am running a little behind this morning as I can't seem to keep my eyes open. Ever since I got home from work, I have been napping in my chair instead of writing in these pages as I should have. So I guess I will get to the entertainment straightaway rather than dally any longer. Today's featured composer was also a violinist, a contemporary and confidant of Beethoven whose orchestral writings and chamber works were once considered on a par with Mozart’s. Louis Spohr, born Ludewig Spohr, he is usually known by the French form of his name. "When Spohr was appointed music director in Gotha in August 1805 he had just turned 21 and was, as he said in his Autobiography, 'from his earliest youth very susceptible to female beauty'. Here, he soon fell head over heels in love with the eighteen-year-old Dorette Scheidler, daughter of one of the court singers, Susanna Scheidler. Dorette was a brilliant harpist and an accomplished pianist, who also spoke French and Italian fluently. In pursuing his courtship, Spohr brought his musical skills into play, first composing a concert aria for the mother and then the Sonata in C minor for violin and harp, thus ensuring that he was able to meet Dorette regularly at rehearsal. Eventually the sonata was ready for performance and Spohr tells how this led to his proposal. 'With some timidity I ventured to ask whether I might fetch Dorette in the carriage and felt extreme delight when her mother instantly consented. Thus alone for the first time with the beloved girl, I felt the impulse to make a full confession of my feelings towards her; but my courage failed me, and the carriage drew up before I had been able to utter a syllable. As I held out my hand to her to alight, I felt by the tremor of hers how great had also been her emotion. This gave me new courage and I had almost plumped out with my declaration of love upon the very stairs had not the door of the reception salon been thrown open at the same moment. That evening we played with an inspiration and a sympathy of feeling that not only carried us wholly away but so electrified the company also that all rose spontaneously and overwhelmed us with their praise. The Duchess whispered something in Dorette's ear which brought blushes to her cheek. I interpreted this as favourable to me and now on the drive home I at length found courage to say: "Shall we thus play together for life?" Bursting into tears, she sank into my arms; the compact for life was sealed!'" Together they made some beautiful music, Dorette being the inspiration for the two compositions in the play list today which are Sonata in D Major, Opus 113 (1809) and Sonata in B Flat Major, Opus 16 (1805) performed by Sophie Langdon (Violin) and Hugh Webb (Harp). While listening to these two sonatas inspired by love, scroll down the page to choose which of the sultry and Sexy Studs in Swimwear with which you would like to fall in love. Perhaps a short period of extreme lust would work just as well, he he. For now I think I will head off for some apparently needed nap time so that I can awaken refreshed to work on the special delight I have for you guys in tomorrow's post. Thanks for stopping in today, until next time as always, Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment