resting

So, I've decided to take this week off to rest, renew, and recharge before jumping back into work mode again. I'm hoping to get physical as well as mental rest, and also spend good times with God and catching up with friends. Being the "J" that I am, I've already planned out the entire week: it's mostly a mix of errands, coffee or lunch with friends, some light reading and professional training workshops, and quality k-soap time. :)

Something else that I've really enjoyed are the following two CD's by Joshua Bell, who is a classical violinist that has recently "crossed over" into the mainstream, i.e. he's actually getting more people to listen to classical music.

The first CD, Romance of the Violin, is actually not cheesy, sentimental, romantic music. Basically, it's comprised of all of the most famous melodies in classical music (whether from opera, piano, symphonies, etc) and Bell reinterprets them for the violin. It's breathtakingly beautiful: lyrical, haunting, melodic. The accompanying orchestra complements Bell's playing really well, and the sound is very full, lush, rich. If you like violin music, this is a great CD.

(I find this CD cover picture incredibly creepy)

The second CD, Voice of the Violin, is also violin interpretations of classical repertoire (again, lots of opera), but more from the perspective of melodies that feature the violin as "voice." In this CD, the accompanying orchestra is quieter, and the violin solos are stronger, so it's a bit more intimate. This CD is good too, but I think I prefer the first one more, just because I like the richer and fuller sound.

These CD's aren't really meant for dinner parties as background music, or even a romantic dinner. I think they are perfect for when you are alone, and just want to hear something really melodic and lyrical: I like listening to them when I fold laundry, do dishes, cook dinner, etc.