Trip to Italy - Journal Entry #15 - September 2, 2009 - 7:35 am
Italy has inspired countless artists, composers, writers, explorers and poets. No surprise there. I chanced upon a note in my guidebook to the effect that, that in our very own little Hotel Wildner, the author Henry James completed his novel, Portrait of a Lady, in 1881. Wow! And just down the street is a little building (at left), formerly an orphanage, where Vivaldi worked (he was a priest!) and where many of his concertos, sonatas, etc. were performed for the first time. I hope to pop my head in there today.
Speaking of Vivaldi, we saw a concert last night where a chamber orchestra performed Vivaldi's Four Seasons. There were seven musicians playing stringed instruments (including a harpsichord!). The lead violinist was amazing. The speed of his fingers and the speed of his bow were mind boggling -- so fast!! It was a beautiful performance. And we were in a sm
all hall next to the Basilica that, we were told, approximated the size of a 19th century concert hall -- very intimate.
And then, on our walk home, we were tempted by the sweets in a passing shop window (pictured here). We purchased a very oversized chocolate chip cookie-cake, and we shared it. It was a very nice end to a very nice day.
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