Kernel Mustard

It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything (this) irrelevant :-), and since today is Daylight Savings day in the US, I thought I’d use the extra hour to no good end.

I have probably over-blogged my addiction to Beethoven at this point, but my wife just pointed out this trailer for a movie entitled Copying Beethoven that looks fantastic. It doesn’t hurt that the background music in the trailer includes some of the best moments from the 9th Symphony, of course, but from what little I can tell from the trailer, it looks like they basically got the story right.

This is, for my money, one of the greatest stories ever told - depressed deaf composer writes what may be the greatest symphonic work in history to a triumphant reception, etc. - Hollywood could never come up with something this good. There are tons of little details in Beethoven’s life that make for a gripping story. Here’s hoping the movie is as good as the preview looks.

Speaking of movies, I’ve seen three good ones in a row, in the space of about a month. I had been in a major cinematic drought for a very long time (years?) with only a couple of exceptions (Gosh!), so this has been a refreshing month. In particular, I loved Marie Antoinette, who also lived an amazing life, both good and bad. This film has apparently gotten mixed reviews (I don’t spend much time reading film critics…), and it had its obvious problems, but I loved it. Worthwhile if you have any interest in the history of the French Revolution.

And, finally, we saw The Queen this evening. It deals with the life of Queen Elizabeth around the period of the death of Princess Diana. This one seems to be getting a better critical reception, but regardless, I also liked it quite a lot. I’m really curious to know how true it is - they’re going out on quite a limb in a few places by depicting what must have been undocumented private moments inside the Royal Family and the early Blair government. There is quite a slant to this move; I’m curious to know how it’s received in Britain and around the world. It also raises some very interesting Social Contract issues, but that’s a conversation for another day.

Saturday music blogging was so much fun last time that I think I’ll try it again.

A few years ago Suzanne asked me who my favorite composer is. At the time I was on a bit of a Beethoven kick, so that’s what I said. Then, I promptly became a Bachaholic and have remained so ever since.

Well, about a month ago I went on a mission to collect Beethoven’s entire symphony cycle. They are, of course, fantastic, but one thing has jumped out at me - I am, it turns out, a particular fan of the odd-numbered symphonies. I love the evens too, but particularly 5, 7, and 9 are my three favorites, in indeterminate order.

The differences between the even-numbered and odd-numbered symphonies has, of course, been noted many times before. The evens have a reputation for being tranquil, calm, humorous, carefully crafted, and classical. The odds have a reputation for being intense, emotionally charged, and forceful. I guess that’s the kind of mood I’m in lately.

Anyway, I just finished listening to #5, and am stunned that I spent three years basically not listening to this stuff. Oh well, there’s lots of coding time to catch up.

I guess it’s technically Saturday at this point, but it’s close enough. In keeping with Bruce Schneier’s habit of off-topic blogging on Fridays, I am unable to resist talking about music for a second.

The night started off with the purchase of an Airport Express to replace a slightly flaky and recently regifted wi-fi router. I’m currently listening to Dylan on the only good non-headphone speakers I own and wondering what the heck took me so long. The speakers are finally going to get used again in this post-CD world.

Then I headed over to watch Evan, our VP of Sales, play a rip-roarin’ acoustic set at a local bar. I arrived to Highway to Hell and departed on Margaritaville, if that tells you how inebriated they were at the time. Two guitars, some bongo drums, and an electric bass, plus about 50 empty cuervo shots, and you have a recipe for fun! I, however, had only cuatro equises.

Now I’m sitting here wondering what exactly I’m going to play on guitar/bass/drums for a few tracks tomorrow on a bit of a demo CD for my brother Scott, who’s just getting out into the music world after finishing his Master’s degree from Juilliard. Oh, and while I’m on the subject, congrats to Scott and his fiancee Heather on their recent engagement, which was announced this weekend.

And finally, I can’t help writing just one more time about how excellent of a song Tangled Up in Blue is. It’s currently playing on AirTunes. What a great way to christen a new music toy.

OK, I admit it… although I rarely go to the movies these days, there are some old goodies that seem to stick in my head. I had the misfortune to read Jason Kottke’s review of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure the other day, and half an hour ago I quoted it without really realizing it (strange things are afoot at the Circle-K).

Well, I realized what I had done and went to its IMDB entry to make sure I had gotten it right. 30 minutes later, I wish I had that 30 minutes back. But I’m up on Bill & Ted’s again!

I did love that movie, though. I remember seeing it in the theaters and then watching it over and over on cable one summer. More recently, as I got more interested in history and philosophy, the jokes just kept getting better. I really need to watch it again.