June 22, 2018

Darmstadt-Köln, Germany

A short travel day today, as we drive from Darmstadt to Köln, the site of many a fun KS performance over the years.In recent memory, I particularly remember recording the wonderful jazzer Bill Dobbins' version of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, set by Bill for the WDR Big Band. It's an acquired taste (you may perhaps acquire it yourself by purchasing the album) but personally I loved it! Such a different way of looking at harmony, even though it may have made the great J.S. revolve slowly in his grave. In particular, I love the new chorale settings, and we've chosen to brush a couple of them off for a concert next month - Seid froh diweil and Dein glanz al finsternis. It's therefore appropriate to think of the project again as we drive into the city where it all began.Stephanie flew out on that recording trip, with a very young Bella in tow. Strange to think that we're now on number three, and finally out of nappies after 9 straight years! This is indeed a big moment in life. I'm ensuring that the whole family will be there for my final concert in Washington, DC, although it's difficult to know how much Ariana will remember in years to come...