Salem-King Night

The Endless Night: A Valentine to Film Noir

La Danza della Morte, di Hans Holbein (1538)

An idea of the Middle-Ages through 'The Dance of Death', Hans Holbein's masterpiece of the
macabre, originally published in Lyons in 1538. Music by Tomaso da Celano, 'Dies Irae'

Harvest Rain-Iron Flowers

Harvest Rain-Venusian Eyes

Paganini

"Paganini's technique was outstanding and unusual, but it was his satanic bearing which caused great crowds to attend his concerts. Schwarz states that "It was more than technical wizardry that attracted the masses: there was a demonic quality as well as an enticing poetry in his playing" (Great Masters of the Violin 181). One instance of superb technique being mistaken for supernatural guidance was the "duel" between Lafont, a famous French violinist of the time, and Paganini. Lafont had volunteered to give a joint concert with Paganini; however, people gained the impression that the concert would be a contest. Paganini was the unofficial "winner" of the contest. Schwarz states that Paganini "won" by improvising during the concert by adding octaves, thirds, and sixths (Great Masters of the Violin 172-173). Paganini was always eager to showcase his technique. Sachs states that Paganini, at a concert in Paris in 1832, played his Sonata a movement perpetual at an amazing twelve notes per second (Virtuoso 33). Most people find it difficult to imagine twelve notes in one second. Paganini managed to play twelve notes in the same amount of time it takes for most musicians to read twelve notes. Paganini's talent extended from the mere mechanics of technique to innovations in technique.

Paganini is the father of modern violin technique. One innovation Paganini began is the practice of memorization. Violinists before Paganini always used music during a concert. Paganini, on the other hand, would boldly walk onto the stage, shake back his long black hair, place his violin under his chin, and begin to play without the aid of music. Audiences were astounded. They marveled at the thought of one man memorizing an entire program of music. The current practice of memorization was attributed to Paganini's supernatural abilities."
Listen to Paganini here

My Curse

LIFE.WHERE THERE IS NO STRUGGLE THERE IS NO LIFE.

"The truth is that life is hard and dangerous; that those who seek their own happiness do not find it; that those who are weak must suffer; that those who demand love will be disappointed; that those who are greedy will not be fed; that those who seek peace will find strife; that truth is only for the brave; that joy is only for those who do not fear to be alone; that life is only for the one who is not afraid to die."- Joyce Cary

Alcest

Reflections in Suspension

Bob's Shadow

I've stopped my dreaming,
I won't do too much scheming
These days, these days.
These days I sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten.
Please don't confront me with my failures,
I had not forgotten them.
-Nico

Beausoleil