It's time to record "Simsonic ping" and Synchronised Breathing for posterity.....!!

Having witnessed the demonstration of breathing exercises I've developed over a period of years as the means of surviving severe lung damage sustained in a fire accident, by a couple of senior amateur tenors, who have attended a few breathing sessions and have put videos on You Tube, without any consultation with me, their version of what they think I intend to achieve by synchronisation in two of the most complex physiological functions of my breathing routine. To say they make 'a pigs ear' of each one would be an understatement - it is obvious to all my experienced professional singers that they haven't a clue as to how the simplest move is executed, and their efforts could result in physical injury to the general public - scary to think that a osteopath, Peter Saunders, one of the ill -advised, self styled breathing guru's - has no professional integrity or common sense! My breathing routine is not a primary school P.T. workout, but much more spiritually conceived. The original embarrassing video on You Tube was removed, but another is now on view - on the pretext that it will be of benefit to a wider audience, especially opera singers.....hmmm, not if anyone tries to emulate these guys who are not physically co-ordinated, and old enough to know better !! True, many very fine creative artists are enjoying success worldwide in professional music and theatre circles using this breathing method - but they have all studied my "Art of Breathing" for years, and none of them has attempted to explain the process 'on line'.... Methinks the time has come for Rosalind Plowright, one of my most brilliant breathers, and I to put the whole routine on to d.v.d., I continue writing my promised book, and publish "Anna's Breathing Bible" as one of my extremely inspirational singers has named it ...A friend has taken me to task and told me that "your breathing must live on after you, this should be your life project'.....and so it shall be.... I promise...don't forget Dear Reader.....k..p b.......g ....

Winter is a'comin in...brrrrr....

We've been lucky in England that tempuratures have been unusually warm this autumn, putting off the need to engage the central heating unit, gas fired - now extremely expensive, so wartime practises are being revived. Happily the majority of the population won't have experience of such frugal times, when a regular room warming method was to place a 6" terracotta flower pot on it's drip tray, put a night light candle inside, light it and invert another flower pot over it - hey presto, a mini heater ! The warmth created was sufficient to keep the frost at bay in a room about 20' X 20'. It was necessary to be careful not to set the house on fire ! I didn't hear of any such cases, but these days open fires are not a feature in most homes, so I don't recommend this method. It is a fact that in this country we keep our room temperatures much cooler than our European and Scandinavian counterparts. I always advise visitors of this before they arrive, and suggest they bring thermal underwear - ! Another economy to beat the excessive energy price is to use a cast iron chiminey in the garden to cook delicious meals - it always raises a smile from diners when I disappear out of the French windows on to the patio - and return with a
succulent roast chicken, plus all the trimmings - ooh, the delicious smell wafting through the air.... lip smackingly good fare..mmm...I was questioned about such drastic measures as we're 'enjoying peace' - until you realise that we do have at least two wars in progress which are bankrupting the countries finances, draining our resources for health, education, etc., etc., We can only pray for some Divine intevention to restore a sense of security in our troubled world...so, let's keep on endeavouring to respect and be kind to each other - k..p b.......g...Dear Readers...

A balmy summer, and butterflies are back...

Spending a summer in England, instead of careering about the planet on my customary breathing crusade (!), has given me a wonderful opportunity to enjoy my little house and garden, with it's profusion of flowers, fresh fruit daily - and happy hours observing the abundance of wild birds, and several species of butterfly which had become almost extinct, through the use of lethal pesticides, and their effect on the natural food chain ...glory be, we even have song thrushes enchanting with their glorious warbling - and a blackbird which seems to duet with me ! He perches high in the tall wild cherry tree at the bottom of the garden - and I'm convinced he joins me in song - I even recorded a sequence - he trills away happily - I whistle a slightly difference tune - and he either repeats it, or gives me a new air to 'play with' - a sceptical friend assures me it's only in my imagination - which as you know, is rather fertile. Nevertheless, it pleases me to think I have a new singing partner....sweet, isn't it? I wonder if you've ever struck up a musical connection with a bird, beast, or fowl...Recently I journeyed down to Hampshire, to celebrate my Brother's 80th. birthday, a very warm and memorable day. One of the highlights was visiting the Portsmouth Royal Naval Dockyard, and viewing the area from high up in the Spinnaker Tower, a very impressive structure, taller than the Eiffel Tower - spectacular views...Another charming event was visiting my new and delightful friend Ronnie (Schneider), strolling in the beautiful environs of his friendly home and the picturesque village in which it's situated - so very 'comfortably English', much warmth and friendly discourse with local residents and traders, one feels safe and loved in such a community, mmmmm..Ronnie is obviously treasured and respected there...Celeste, my Goddaughter, and Richard her fiance, are here prior to their wedding on Saturday 22nd. August, so we are having a lot of fun, and things become more exciting every day. Richard is a brilliant pianist, coach, conductor, etc. at The Bayerische Oper, Munchen, and unexpectedly offered to play for some of my breathers - gratis - and what do you know ? We discovered that we are en rapporte, and look forward to collaborating whenever possible in future - it was such a joy 'combining' our skills... The wedding guests will converge from all corners of the world, a truly International gathering, small but very distinguished, I'm sure it will be a beautiful ceremony - must remember to stock up on tissues....and not hold my breath too often ....hope you're all enjoying a relaxing and inspiring summer...k..p b.......g...lots o' love to you all - Anna - Simsannabim...

'The Summer Season' (social) is well under way - glorious Ascot today...(and Cardiff Comp. just gone..)

Yes, it's here again, the heady celebration of brilliant riding by expert jockeys on magnificently trained and groomed horses - ooooh, how mellifluously they cover the turf, and with the skill of their rider realising their potential - one winner aptly named "The Art of Timing". A lesson with parallels in life... How often the timing is anything but right, and we're left 'with egg on our face' - you know what I mean...? One trainer was being urged by the interviewer to enter their winning horse in a certain prestigious race, but the trainer said, quite positively, that it would be much too soon for that filly....oh, for such wisdom.....The main competition of the day seemed to be off the racecourse, between the ladies sporting the most amazing and beautiful outfits. Black and white are still favourite colours, and soft dove grey, much the same as depicted in the classic scene in "My Fair Lady" - but no shortage of every colour of the rainbow - all the best couturiere were well represented; I was really envious of some of the ensembles, but pacified myself with the knowledge that I'm a liiiitle past such elegance..mmmm......vital stats. originally 34/24/36 ...long gone...now English pear shape has overtaken the frame - he he hee....at least my calves (legs below the knees) - are still fairly shapely - ha ha ha... Next we have Wimbledon, Henley Regatta, and Glyndebourne all summer...Which brings me to singing and opera. The Cardiff Singer of the World Competition last week produced a very promising, very young Italian tenor - 21 (!) year old Giordano Luca, built like Caruso, with the same 'square' head - and such a wonderful, unspoiled naturally produced voice. (He was supported by an entourage of eleven coaches, family, etc.. such style...) Glory be - no 'hippotamus mouth' or over exaggerated expressions; exciting dynamics and phrasing.... bliss - simply 'talking' magically - I really wanted to huuug him...he is of course inexperienced with repertoire, and for him, the timing into a major International career is a tad too soon....he was awarded the Audience Prize - votes from the general public, and one can only hope he will keep out of the clutches of unscrupulous agents and managements.....The singer awarded top prize was a soprano whom the judges seemed to favour, a bit of a shrieker in the top register - it worried me. My choice was a 36 year old baritone, miles ahead of the rest in presentation and vocal security, plus beautiful voice, but then, I like musical, artistic voices...I'm a bit old fashioned in my taste....I'm all in favour of the movement 'For Real Singing' .....ah me.. may I live long enough to see it re-instated.....'hope springs eternal in the savage breast'...thus saying , I'll growl away....he he heee...please k..p b.......g......XXX

Roses, roses - everywhere roses - and Redoubtable Ronnie !

Yes, it's flaming June and the proliferation of roses here is more magnificent than ever...and oh, the heady fragrances, quite intoxicating without the unpleasant after effects of alcohol....in my little garden there is a simple single briar rose, and several other varieties, progressing to a magnificent hybrid - which I bought unlabelled at a charity garden sale. In our local garden centre it has been identified as "The Spirit of Freedom", (very apt for me) a triple petalled beauty with very attractive perfume...mmm. The blooms keep bursting forth, almost like a fountain of rich dusty pink froth !! Wild flowers are overtaking all the grass verges alongside our highways; dandelions, then buttercups, cowslips and now, Michaelmas daisies - never a dull moment - what's next I wonder, can't remember the annual sequence - and it happens every year...tut,tut, ancient brain grinding to a halt! Te hee hee...Recently I made a lovely new friend, a charming and very special gentleman who has been inspiring singers Internationally for some years as a repetiteur, coach and accompanist - the inimitable Herr Ronald Schneider, affectionately known as Ronnie by all his talented devotees. 'Redoubtable' in reference to Ronnie = "Inspiring, or worthy of awe, or reverence", and yes, he really is he exactly that, such spirituality, and an absolute darling. We have been orbiting the earth on opposite sides for yonks, and Heavenly Hillevi (Martinpelto), has been trying to introduce us for years. At last the momentous meeting has been achieved - at a luncheon date in The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London - and we had some fun with dear Richard Hetherington - repetiteur, coach and conductor with The Royal Opera Company - he and Ronnie go back to meeting as collaborating colleagues at The Aix en Provence Festival, with Peter Mattei, Melanie Diener and several other distinguished singers I've breathed with. Ronnie has been associated with opera in Vienna and worldwide - I'm still learning about his distinguished career on a daily basis - staggering ! One of the most fascinating aspects of this new alliance, is that Ronnie has a house which is only about 20 miles (English) from my birthplace in Hampshire - incredible don't ya think....The circle is growing and becoming more exciting by the minute...lucky, lucky meeee..sorry I've been globetrotting frantically all spring and not in Stockholm for a while.. credit crunch is still crunching..! I miss you all, but am resting awhile and enjoying being at home...until then, k..p b.......g and be happy....see you anon...

Kristina Hammarstrom at the Barbican, London - WOOOW !!!

Kristina and I go back quite a way. We started breathing together in the early 90's, and we've had a lot of fun since then. Much of her technique, b-b-b's, doggy panting, walnuts(!) etc., especially the brilliant coloratura, was developed when she was invited by Kiri (te K ) to stay in her garden cottage with me - I was 'being useful', driving, restoring antiques, and shopping for Kiri when she returned to the U.K. after a stint as Principal Soprano at The Metropolitan Opera, New York, U.S.A. I had taken early retirement from The Performing Arts Dept. at the University of Birmingham, where I was The Studio Controller.. Last Sunday Kristina 'jumped in' at very short notice to sing "Teseo" in "Arianna in Creto", Handel's little known score, wonderful writing, and almost impossible floridity - happily 'right up Kristina's street' as we put it ..I have never heard anyone achieve so many brilliant notes in such a short time - the audience was electrified by her performance and their ecstatic cheering almost 'took the roof off' - as only a London audience can..standing ovation at the finale! At rehearsal, Christopher Hogwood the conductor, couldn't believe his luck when Kristina agreed to lightning speeds - all very normal for her, but a surprise to the orchestra - they did manage to keep up with her..tee hee hee I had taken a young soprano along - Cheryl Coutinho , potential spinto. "How does Kristina do that?" she asked. "With great skill, application and dermination - not to mention 'attitude'!" Congratulations Kristina - please do 'jump in as often as possible - come along 'in your own right' even...so, to all of you ...k..p b.......g ....

At last - my Mecca - Salzburg on a clear day...!

For as long as I can remember, since first hearing the genius music composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, I've been wanting to visit 'his' enchanted city. Many times I was invited to be part of the summer festival, but always an offer from Glyndebourne or some other illustrious festival was confirmed first. So, in my dotage - I've made it - at last ! My first venture to Salzburg was last Christmas, with my Goddaughter Celeste, whilst visting her in Munich - another fascinating city, and we travelled on the excellent Bayerische train inexpensively - a terrific service, with observation type carriages. Trouble was that then it was very overcast and wet, so we didn't see a lot, and I began to think the mountains didn't actually exist - couldn't even see the fortress which dominates the Salzburg skyline - pretty scary place now that I've witnessed it ...My hostess on this occasion was Rosa-Maria Reisinger, a free spirit of a Lady, and very creative artistically - her speciality is angels made of Tiffany class, with crystal heads, wonderful with the light illuminating the beautiful colours of the glass..Rosa-Maria is also an official guide for The Sound of Music Tour ! So of course, the first thing I did, having arrived late on 31/03/04, was to join her at 08.30 on the first of April for the tour, as the guest of her 'boss' Evi... We were joined by a group of English and American tourists - seating capacity on R-M's mini-bus 8 persons, so it was a real opportunity to unite nationalities, and it did ! We all had a great time - and Rosa-Maria must be the finest guide in the city, she was so entertaining and gave us insights into the filming of ' The S. of M,' explaining some of the Hollywood myths ...you'll have to take the tour to find out for yourself, I can give you the 'phone number ....he he hee. Halfway through the tour my mobile ('phone) rang - 'twas the Awesome Anna (Larsson) to invite Rosa-Maria and I to the General Rehearsal of Wagners' "Siegfried" in which she was singing "Erda" with The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Until that moment I hadn't realised it was on that day - at 3 p.m. - you know what singers are like with dates, etc,!?! Rosa - Maria quickly 'phoned her boss to request the afternoon off, and a few minutes later it was confirmed, another driver having been found for the next tour ...phew. We changed, and had a quick lunch, arrived at the Festival Hall with a few minutes to spare, and were treated to 5 hours of a fairly un-adulterated production of "Siegfried" - modern clothes, much cheaper than designer costumes - but I do find it irritating that the surtitles don't match the sung text..I mean, Brunnhilde was wearing a midi - jacket and modern evening dress when her attire is claimed to be - 'a metal breastplate and helmet' - she was not even wearing a hat - and was lying on three saloon type, gilt framed chairs with red velvet seats, and a token small shield lying alongside her - not on a rock ..hmm...Never mind, I've not seen the Woodbird scenes so charmingly played...a beautiful white 'puppet' dove, wheeling, gliding and hovering over Siegfried...Unfortunately, the only voice which was not appropriate to the piece was that of a very shrill (unseen) soprano Woodbird...ouch...Oh for a lyrical Lisa Larsson...Otherwise the cast was exemplary, and Anna gave yet another wonderful rendering of Erda, with Sir Willard White as her excellent Wotan. I had the opportunity to catch up with one of my colleagues from 'way back' ...almost forty years (!) Sir Simon Rattle, conductor - and a more recent 'breather' Katarina Dalayman, an excellent Brunnhilde - much huggin' 'n kissin' all round.. After that, Rosa-Maria and I went 10 pin bowling - with her boss Evi, as arranged before we knew about Siegfried rehearsal...by this time I was a little weary, but not wanting to miss the fun - the only problem was that the bowling ball is rather heavy, and my finger kept being trapped in the hole - couldn't let go - hysterics all round - what a memorable day....mmmm.. so, Dear Friends ...keep breathing...and try the fresh air of Salzburg sometime ....