This hasn’t been the best of years for yours truly, such as https://www.colinscolumn.com/not-in-hospital-but-cant-get-to-the-pc/ and https://www.colinscolumn.com/colins-back-in-hospital/; worse, Kevin Rogers left us, https://www.colinscolumn.com/sad-news-kevin-rogers-classical-source-deputy-editor-has-died/, so too Paul Westcott, https://www.colinscolumn.com/sad-news-paul-westcott-formerly-the-press-officer-at-chandos-died-peacefully-last-night-at-far-too-young-an-age/, both far too young.
To the future, hopefully 2024 will be bright and optimistic regarding our individual wishes, and also globally. Today is the Shortest Day, so we will soon be inching our way to longer less-depressing stretches of daylight.
And there’s music of course – the listening to it and, for those of us who scribe, the writing about it, although in my ‘fantasy conductor’ moments I would trade the pen, not for a sword, but a baton.
Even better, lasting friendships – so, to Column readers, and to my nearest and dearest, I send you all festive greetings. Final measures to J. S. Bach, whether Sheep or Desiring, to enter into January with Joy.
Colin x
I’d echo your comments Col, save perhaps for trading my pen for a baton, ie something I can do (after a fashion) for something I’d probably only ever be able to do in imitation of others – never a terribly sound idea. Still here’s to your improved fortunes for next year and plenty more music for you to see, hear and write about.
Warmest wishes,
Rob
May I add all my not so festive love. In hospital again today but very minor in the scheme of things!
X
David G
I’d probably plump for the Boulez, Masur or Roth hand signals, dear Rob.
Festive good wishes Col. Here is to a happier 2024 probably for all of us. But you in particular, dear friend.
Happily, too warm for red noses of the reindeer sort ! No Bing then ? Your guidance beyond Bing is much appreciated, as is your guidance through the difficulties of the year.
Make Merry, think Dickens, and all the very best for 2024.
Hi Ian, Bing is now added. Col
Keep well, dear Colin, and all best for 2024. I’m busy coughing my lungs up, but so is everybody else, here and elsewhere, it seems. Replacement for a flat tyre today… How nice it is to have mechanically minded nephews, to take aged aunts under their care.
Thanks all, and to those who emailed me. Colin
So glad you are back writing. Keep up the good work. And I love Fleisher’s Bach, thanks for including.
Thanks Helen. Yes, the Bach is totally special.
Thanks for your Christmas urbi et orbi. And here’s to high hopes for 2024 – you never know.
All best
Peter
Papal greetings to you Peter.
Thanks so much Colin. Though you’ve been through such a rotten time, I strongly feel that 2024 will bring a solid if gradual improvement to your health.
In time, you’ll be happily bouncing around and frolicking about as usual!
I do hope so.
Take great care and expect rather than hope for justified recovery.
Have a relaxing Christmas and New Year – may there be plenty more of them.
As always,
John
Many thanks John for your cheering words.