28th August 2008

I have always had a somewhat eclectic taste in music, ranging from the really old stuff like Al Jolson, through the wonderful '50s music of Doris Day, Alma Cogan and Patsy Kline, the heady pop days of the '60s to the almost wistful American country styles of John Denver and Crystal Gale. So, it was with some trepidation that we went along to a classical musical soiree last night, held at the prestigious chateau home of some friends of ours. The event was held in aid of two local artistic charities so it would have been churlish to refuse. It was a beautiful evening, gloriously warm with streaks of red and gold in the still-blue sky. The reception was held in the grounds, where we were able to chat in both English and French. There was also a sprinkling of Dutch (who, from the road-sweepers up, speak every known language under the sun). Soon, we all climbed upstairs into a giant barn, with huge wooden rafters way above our craning heads. Examples of local artwork, towards which we would be donating, were displayed all around the heavy stone walls. The music started and for an hour we were lulled into reverie by a trio of musicians: a flute, clarinet and bassoon. There was a gentle selection, flowing with ease from Stravinsky, Debussy to Beethoven. Even to musical heathens like us, it sounded good. Afterwards, we wended our way through the sunset, despite stories of the history of the chateau where someone was apparently beheaded! But, I wasn't worried. If music be the food of love, play on.