Custodians of high journalism
September 23rd, 2008 § 3 Comments
In his op-ed piece in the Weekend Australian, Greg Sheridan writes of his recent attendance at an Australian Chamber Orchestra concert that “There is precious little consolation to be found in classical composers of the 20th Century…. ..My complaint, really, is that the ACO played four Bach fugues but between every one interposed a Kurtag movement. That’s not really playing the game.”
Let’s examine these statements for a moment. With the flick of a keyboard, he opines about the worth of all “classical composers of the 20th century”. Granted, the generic descriptor of music performed by the ACO and other Australian orchestras is classical so I won’t have a semantic debate about the term here, but his description is a powerful reflection of the sort of music he feels is appropriate at a gentile gathering of “older women”.
He also referred to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” as having the ability to “cheer one up”, as if they’re some sort of musical anti-depressant. Follow that line of argument, and we’ll never get to experience the musical depths of despair that some great examples of “Western Art Music” have to offer.
What exactly is “the game”? Is it one played by his rules? That is, we are consoled, or we are not consoled. The arts should know their place. They should not ever challenge their audiences.
Upside Down Flag and freedom of speech.
September 19th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Malaysian authorities have arrested bloggers for speaking out about various issues.
This from the AFP website today…. “Syed Azidi, known for his links to the opposition conservative Islamic PAS party, had recently organised a nationwide Internet campaign to fly the Malaysian flag upside down in a sign of protest over the country’s political and economic turmoil.
The campaign caused outrage in the conservative Muslim-led country, with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ordering a police investigation into the matter.”
I was in Malaysia when there was a huge protest about rights for Hindu ethnic minorities there. Riot police, tear gas, water cannon with chemicals that sting the eyes and skin.
Could speaking out about this mean I can’t work in Malaysia again? If so, I’d rather not work there. Freedom of speech is what democracy is all about. The Malaysian government would like the world to think they are a democratic nation. They would move closer towards democracy by removing these sedition laws and releasing these bloggers.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.“
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Another “delicious” recipe
September 14th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
The cover photo on the September edition of delicious featured more broad beans and baked salmon drizzled with parsley-infused olive oil.
Jill Dupleix’ recipe is delightfully simple and the contrast of the salmon with the broad beans is simply stunning.
Risotto Primavera
September 14th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Risotto primavera
Reading this week’s ABC Delicious magazine I was particularly inspired by Ben O’Donaghue’s recipe. It’s a real taste of spring using fresh asparagus and broad beans that appear at this time of year.
Luckily, I’m a regular at the Mondo Markets and they have these things in abundance.
It was a sheer joy to shell, peel stir and grate the yummy contents of this dish. Early in the process, you need to add a cup of dry white wine. Most recipes should mention you’ll need an extra glass to sip while you stir the rice!
Vino e riso
There’s something really meditative about ladling in the stock and the smell of garlic, butter and white wine is intoxicating in itself!
It’s an opportunity to listen to some great music, sip on a glass of something cool and crisp and let the process be the point of the exercise, not getting the dinner on the table in record fast time.
Stirring stuff!
A dollop of mascarpone cheese and some mint slivers add a really classy finish to this great recipe. Oh, and you’ll need a top up of the dry white. All that stirring’s thirsty work!
If you can’t get hold of the magazine for Ben’s recipe, here’s one on a BBC website…..
Or click here for more recipes using broad beans
Coffee Obsession
September 11th, 2008 § 2 Comments
If I do go out for coffee, it’s gotta be good for a whole raft of reasons including the barista and coffee quality. Some local cafés kicking goals in Perth in my book are Tiger Tiger, Boucla, and Epic Espresso.
Perth’s recently become far more educated in its coffee culture in spite of the fact that DOME originated here. Nothing against Dome personally, just find it impersonal. A café version of Maccas.
If you like to do coffee at home and have the implements to do so there’s some great roasters here. Five Senses, Fiori, Essenza and many others besides. This means that its possible to get freshly roasted beans virtually anywhere, anytime. You don’t have to spend a fortune with them either and this means supporting a local industry as opposed to buying in Segafreddo, Lavazza et al. Nothing against them either. Just like supporting local businesses.
I love the daily quest for pouring the “perfect” espresso in the morning. Getting the right amount of brown liquid out of the machine in around 20 seconds. Then, if I remember to buy it, texturing milk so its creamy, not foamy. Hot but not burnt.
My favourite implements are my Rancilio Miss Silvia with matching Rocky grinder at home. At work, the Presso’s enabled great shots of coffee without having to lug a huge machine between venues. btw, the following video is not by me or about me but I love its’ creator’s work. Very cool.
I could be called a coffee obsessive. I would take that as a compliment.
