Emailing new music.

On Friday evening I sat indoors at my computer and after checking a few websites and updating my ipod with my weekly podcasts I put on some Beethoven and set about replying to some emails I had let sit too long in my inbox.  Snow drifted silently down outside and the house was warming through nicely, whilst a cup of tea steamed beside me.

There was something soothing about sitting there as it snowed outside and the music played quietly in the background.  I replied to some friends in various international locations and thought how they’d appreciate my current musical choice.  I enjoyed re-reading their news and set about sharing my own.

As is often the case I also included some YouTube musical links within each email to share some music that has moved or delighted me.

For one friend in New York I included a piece by a group called Rondo Veneziano.  They are a classical group that also include drums in some of their pieces and which my father introduced me to as a child.  Whenever I hear them I think back to those times listening to them on vinyl in his living room and that warm glow you have as a child when food and safety are taken care of and you can just sit back and enjoy what life brings your way.  I told my friend it reminded me of a time before you realise your parents are fallible and when I loved my father unconditionally.  Whilst my relationship with him has changed somewhat over the years, I think beneath it all, that nugget of unconditional love still lingers, despite (or maybe because of) our ups and downs.

For another friend in Geneva I shared a song I have recently discovered and which I adore.  The song is ‘Laura’ by Bat for Lashes.  I discovered this artist (Natasha Khan, who performs under a band name) when she performed on Jools Holland on the BBC and after buying her first album I quickly went out and bought the other 2 as well.  I love her style, her lyrics and her voice.  I keep thinking I must get a copy for my father-in-law as I think he’d enjoy her as well. 

I hope with both friends I have shared something both beautiful and new to them and I can think of nothing better than sharing a part of myself with music in this way.

So now on this Sunday evening, as it still snows outside I thought I would sit down and share both of these music snippets with you as well.  I hope you enjoy them and if you are shivering in the UK cold somewhere they help to warm you up just a touch.