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AnnaMayZing
1 week ago
0 miles · England
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Chasing Dragons
Christmas has resulted in a wealth of classical pieces. My absolute favourite is Oh Holy Night. It makes me cry whenever I hear it, it is just such a beautiful piece of music. The only other piece which has a similar effect is Ave Maria by Gounod. My favourite rendition is by Karen Carpenter, God rest her soul. Then, of course, Stille Nacht (Silent Night). What other carol has such an incredible history?
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Quote by Mendalla
First time I've tweeted a Stories Space story that wasn't mine, though that's something I plan to do more of. Good way to promote the site (hint hint).
I generally tweet my own stories. That is why my views are so high, especially for The Long Road Home series.
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As much as I love classical music in it regular form, I also enjoy the same music when re-imagined of different instruments. So long as the music itself isn't altered too much.
Since it is the season, I have chosen this example by the magnificent Sky, led by the classical guitarist, John Williams.
Since it is the season, I have chosen this example by the magnificent Sky, led by the classical guitarist, John Williams.
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Mostly Autumn. A very talented band from York, England who have shunned the major record labels in favour of producing and recording their own material in their own way.
This track features the Uilleann Pipes played by Troy Donockley (Nightwish).
This track features the Uilleann Pipes played by Troy Donockley (Nightwish).
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Quote by Mendalla
Bingo! That's the one. I don't do concerts much but I would love to see Nightwish live someday. Their live videos are terrific. Probably need a hearing aid for a few days afterwards though. They strike me as a "turn it to 11" band.
Like you, I don't go to many. The last was Jean Michel Jarre in 2010. three years ago I discovered that Nightwish were playing Munich when we were to be there. The concert was sold out.
A year later, they were to play London but we were in Munich. Finally, I had hoped to see them this year, but guess what? Covid! One day, I hope...
In the meantime, I have several blurays and a powerful surround sound!
My other dream would be to attend the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Day concert but that is, in reality, highly unlikely to happen.
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Quote by Mendalla
This one intrigues me. Tuomas and Troy are excellent musicians. I was watching a Nightwish piece from a live performance (Elf-something) that opened with an instrumental featuring Troy on pipes. Wonderful performance.
Would that have been Elvenjig and Elvenpath, Live from Bogota 2018, by any chance? I agree, absolutely stunning. I think Nightwish have taken metal to a different level.
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Quote by Mendalla
Symphonic metal, art rock, prog rock, exist in a bit of weird space where popular styles mix with classical skills and composition. I love all of them, probably for that very reason.
And, yes, I've listened to The Greatest Show on Earth. Incredible piece of music. Nightwish are really something else. I've listened to some other symphonic metal since getting into them but they seem to be the cream of the crop in that genre.
You should try The Bonding, a track by Edenbridge. Not really on a Nightwish scale but superb , nonetheless. Tuomas Holopainen, the musical genius behind Nightwish, has branched out into other fields. A work of note would be The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck.
Some critics claimed that it was too much like a film soundtrack, but that is exactly the point. He wrote as though it were the soundtrack to a film that was never made.
Then there is the trio that make up Auri. Tuomas, his wife Johanna (who has the most exquisite singing voice) and Troy Donockley. They are more folk orientated. Absolutely recommend them.
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I love classical music. Beethoven is my favourite too. I like all music that has depth and power which is probably why I have got so deeply into Symphonic Metal in recent years. One of my favourite pieces is Siegfried's Funeral by Wagner. It makes the hairs on my neck stand on end whenever I hear it. However, I also like more gentle pieces such as the Trois Gymnopodies of Eric Satie. Other favourites include Finlandia from Sibelius, Le Quattro Stagione from Vivaldi, Peter and the Wolf by Prokoviev.
I could go on and on, the list is endless.
However, having mentioned Symphonic Metal, who knows? Some pieces could be the Classical music of the future. Have you heard The Greatest Show on Earth from Nightwish? Now that is epic! 
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Hello friends.
Just thought I would drop in and say hi, maybe share a coffee and one of Sara's delicious cookies.
My back is mending albeit slowly. It seems I cracked a rib.
So many of us are suffering, right now and Christmas is so near. Hopefully we can all salvage something for next week and do our best to have a good time, regardless.
I am sure that we will not let this vile disease beat us and surely it won't if we all take precautions against it.
I wish you all the best for the holidays and leave you with a little reminder of the poem I wrote an incredible five years ago. Where on earth did that time go?
https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/poetry/christmas.aspx
🎅🎄
Just thought I would drop in and say hi, maybe share a coffee and one of Sara's delicious cookies.
My back is mending albeit slowly. It seems I cracked a rib.
So many of us are suffering, right now and Christmas is so near. Hopefully we can all salvage something for next week and do our best to have a good time, regardless.
I am sure that we will not let this vile disease beat us and surely it won't if we all take precautions against it.
I wish you all the best for the holidays and leave you with a little reminder of the poem I wrote an incredible five years ago. Where on earth did that time go?
https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/poetry/christmas.aspx
🎅🎄 
Chasing Dragons
Quote by elizabethblack
Nebulous - Useful
Oopsie! Last letter, Elizabeth.
Useful - Laughter
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Estimate-ambition
Shame on you, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team!!
Shame on you, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team!!
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Quote by gypsy
How's the bruised and sore back, Anna, is it feeling somewhat better?
Sad to say, Gypsy, no, not much. I am wondering if I have possibly cracked a rib. Coughing is agony!
pettifog-eyewash
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Quote by Robert0909
I'd offer a back massage, but I suspect you are locked down tight, so take it easy. Thought: Matron Kauffman might be of more use to you. Rest if you can.
Hi Robert. Thanks for the offer, but even that would be too painful right now. I am beginning to wonder if I haven't cracked a rib. I could do with a couple of efficient and caring nurses. They would would make things better, I am sure.
Quote by Welshdreamer42Quote by Rumple_deWriter
Hello Robert, and welcome to Inspirations, the most happening coffee shop on Stories Space. Of course, this is also the only coffee shop around here but no doubt a Starbucks will soon be opening nearby.
If you are a writer, think about accepting the new 'Challenge' over on the 'Prompts and Challenges' forum. And come back soon.
Later, Inspirators
Not inspired to do it, sorry. I’m not impressed with the way this site is treating its writers at present
I am afraid that I have to agree with you, Helen. I, too, am not greatly impressed.