It’s cold. These days it seems like many of us are wrapped up in current events there is so much going on in the world and in our lives. But we forget that the past was filled with events and people then were concerned for their lives and welfare – wars, disease, famine, political upheaval, economic disaster and so forth were all concerns 300 years ago about when this music was composed. Enjoy…and relax.
Today is Errol Barrow Day – a public holiday in Barbados. The holiday celebrates the birthday of Errol Barrow, the first prime minister of Barbados. Born in 1920, Barrow served in the RAF during World War II and flew more than 40 bombing missions over Europe. After the war he earned his law degree in England before returning to Barbados. He was a key figure in the movement for independence and became the first prime minister on 30 November, 1966.
Today is the birthday, in 1941, of Placido Domingo. He has recorded over 100 complete operas and is known for his versatility, regularly performing in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Russian. Together with Luciano Pavoratti and and Jose Carerras he recorded as ‘The Three Tenors’ which became the best selling classical album of all time.
Today’s holiday is ‘Farmers’ Day’ in Ghana. National Farmer’s Day is a statutory public holiday in Ghana observed on the first Friday of December. Since it was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1988, the first Friday in December has been set aside to honor farmers and fishermen for their efforts in feeding the nation and recognize the vital contributions of a strong agricultural sector to the prosperity of the Ghanaian economy.
wounded in a card game…
Yesterday was the anniversary of the death, in 1990, of Aaron Copland, outstanding American composer. He is best known for his works in what he called his ‘vernacular’ style evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. Here is a piece called ‘Hoe Down’ from his ballet ‘Rodeo’ performed by the National Youth Orchestra. It’s great fun!
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