Arnold's "Tam o'Shanter' was one of the classical pieces which helped me to really 'get' the classics. We had a music teacher who was very much influenced by the folk music revival of the '50's and '60's. She transmitted her appreciation to me; and, to this day, traditional music is still my favourite genre. Modern traditional music - and there's an oxymoron - is thriving, with young people re-interpreting classic folk songs, writing new ones, and doing amazing things with the traditional tunes. I try to get to "Celtic connections" every year, in January. Held in Glasgow, this brings together the stalwarts of the folk scene, and newcomers, in a series of events and concerts that really make the winter hot! It's marvellous to see literally thousands of youngsters queuing up for concerts! Believe it or not, some combinations of Bohdron, Uillean or Northumbrian pipes, and top of the range electric guitars sound fantastic! If you want some links to some of my favourites, which are on Youtube, let me know, and I'll post them here for everyone to have a listen....after all, it might even eclipse a certain person's exercise class...with any luck! -----Original Message----- From: Elizabeth Kay - Email Address: ebeth.kay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent On: 05/10/2012 10:50 Sent To: James Liddell, Guide Chat - Email Address: james.liddell2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, guide.chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: In Reply To: [guide.chat] Poems? Yes James I read and write poetry. I would not like to say I have a favourite poet but Edwin Muir the Orkney poet ranked high on my list in the days when I could read from a book. Still available on line but not the sme. My favoutite of his is "The Combat"a wonderful allegorical poem about two mythical beasts, one representing the weak and opressed creatures of the world in combat with with the strong and tyrannical. The imagery is so vivid it is as though the reader could be secretly observing the fight. His poems are all very deep and meaningful. I love the ones anout horses. I am also famiIiar with the poems of Robert Burns for whom I have a soft spot as my birthday is the 25th January. I have a good collection of poetry on tape amd cds of Wordsworth and Coleridge along with many others including some modern poets.At present I am busy arranging a programme for the Bolton Recorded Music Society entitled "Words and Music for theWinter Season." I am including Malcolm Arnolds "Tam O' Shanter" which interprets Burns poem in music. I have written poetry myself but this is of a rather personal nature.Says things that cannot be said in aby other way. Hope this reaches you. Several emails I have written have not appeared on Guide Chat although the are in my sent emails list. Best Wishes Elizabeth -----Original Message----- From: James Liddell - Email Address: james.liddell2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent On: 04/10/2012 21:26 Sent To: Guide Chat - Email Address: guide.chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [guide.chat] Poems? Does anyone here write poetry, or have a favourite poem? I like reading some poetry, and have written a few as well, and I was just wondering if anyone else was like-minded. Jim PTL! < < ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5310 - Release Date: 10/04/12