Music
Over the Waves – Juventino Rosas
Composed in 1888 it is the best-known work of Mexican composer Juventino Rosas and one od the most popular Latin American waltz pieces worlwide. It is so melodic and has such great resemblance to other well known European waltzes while keeping an entirelly distinct character.
The Skater’s Waltz – Émile Waldteufel
Composed in 1882 by French pianist & conductor Émile Waldteufel it is inspired by the poises of skaters and it’s rapid runs invoke scenes from a winter scenery, which have a wonderful appeal to the current season.
Dance of the Hours – Amilcare Ponchielli
I have so many fond memories of this song! I discovered it by accident as I was listening to other classical songs (see above) and remembered when I perfomed with my ballet class at a local theater as a child and we used this song for our dance.
Romance in the Dark – Ada Lee
Romance in the Dark has been sung by many singers, including Dinah Washington, but I find Ada Lee’s version far more romantic and lyrical and it subtly reminds me of Nat King Cole.
O Sole Mio – Strings of Paris
O Sole mio is a universally known Neopolitan song that was writen in 1898. It’s a favourite classical operatic song of mine and I’ve enjoyed many of it’s adaptations, including the ones by Andrea Bocelli, Amira Willighagen & Patrizio Buanne. This instrumental version however is such a wonderful adaptation with entirely unique vibes and I enjoyed listening to it while I was out shopping.
Books
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
In the last part of His Dark Marerials Trilogy, Will has become the bearer of the knife. Now, accompanied by angels, his task is to deliver that powerful, dangerous weapon to Lord Asriel – by the command of his dying father.
But how can he go looking for Lord Asriel when Lyra is gone? Only with her help can he fathom the myriad plots and intrigues that beset him.
The two great powers of the many worlds are lining up for war, and Will must find Lyra, for together they are on their way to battle, an inevitable journey that will even take them to the world of the dead…
Village in the Treetops by Jules Verne
Set in the deepest corners of Africa where an attack by enraged elephants leads to the discovery of a lost race of ape-men and an unknown kingdom ruled by a mystic monarch…
TV Series
Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1989-2013)
Inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel series featuring the eponymous detective each episode of this British mystery drama is adapted from a novel or short story with Hercule Poirot as the main detective in charge of the investigation as well as the protagonist at the center of of most of the episode’s action.
