In the dark days of November 1828 Franz Schubert’s short life came to an end. Schubert – a composer whose extraordinary gift for melody delighted the Viennese concertgoing public in the early romantic era – still enthrals us today with his powerfully poignant writing.
And maybe our thoughts at this time of year may drift to the darker side of November – Remembrance Day, Schubert’s untimely death, the Kennedy assassination. So how wonderful to watch the remarkable effect of playing Schubert’s sublime G flat impromptu to a boisterous 7-year-old neighbour (who just happened to drop in, hoping to be allowed to play a few notes on my – Viennese! – piano). It was simply amazing to see this youngster (who normally cannot sit still for more than 5 seconds), as he sat there completely mesmerised, transported who knows where by the mellifluous sounds of Schubert. Oh the eternal magic of music!
Recipe of the month French apple tart with chantilly cream.