Sunset

I realize now that the main reason I enjoy playing Civ4, actually all the Civ games, is the music. I'm not the only one that loves the Civ4 soundtrack.

from the review on ActionTrip

In light of that, I should also mention that the soundtrack in Civilization IV is one of the most soothing, fulfilling and fitting I have heard in a video game yet. This was clearly a labor of love for Firaxis Games, and this is reflected in so many different facets of game design.

I'll always associate Frederick the Great with Goldberg Variation #4.

Day Break

I think it's already past sunrise, but I can't see the sun. Too cloudy overhead, in my head. Blasting Ma's take on the Bach Cello Suites in my cube, #s 2 & 5 are my favorite (D minor & C minor, no surprise there). I'll listen to the Bylsma recording next.

One (Dame's) Furtive Tear

The Elixir of Love was wonderful last night. But now I'm off to North Carolina...

(Edited to add the following)

It certainly was one hell of an elixir! It's the most fun I've ever had at an opera. The '50s era costumes, sets, and most specifically the tongue-in-cheek "translation" of the libretto made it much less of an ordeal than one sometimes encounters at THE OPERA. The "Una furtiva lagrima" (one furtive tear) aria sung by Nemorino is one of my favorite and the tenor did a fantastic job. The heartache and longing behind the song is almost too much to bear. And it was the only time during the performance that I did not glance at the supertitles.

Waiting on the subway platform I was treated to a busking flutist's rendition of "Caro nome" (dearest name). There must have been a performance of Rigoletto at the Met that night. I whistled that song of love all the way home.