#11 The Smell of Restlessness

After twenty-four years being together and another eleven years being separated, my parent are getting divorced today. Romeo and Juliet sounds appropriate for such a day. The introduction is unstable, like off the beat, waiting for something to happen. When the Prince arrives, it's only pretending it's calm. The end in strings is restless, and although the contrabass exhales for the last six bars, the rest of the strings is getting nervous again.

Then plainly know my heart's dear love is set
on the fair daughter of rich Capulet.

Composer: Hector Berlioz
Work: Roméo et Juliette
Recording: London Symphony Orchestra, Colin Davis

#6 The Smell of Jollity

Today it's literal–Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity. I haven't heard better six horns unisono and more joyful and rich playing than from LSO. It's a moving, blithe piece. It's forcing you to stand up and dance.

Do you feel how the tempo is uprising, how the theme is exalting? It's like if you should be proud of something, of yourself. When I feel blue, I listen to Jupiter. And I smell it's helping me getting better.

Composer: Gustav Holst
Work: The Planets, IV. Jupiter
Recording: London Symphony Orchestra, Colin Davis