As it’s Holy Week this week, I thought I’d stay away from overtly bouncy things. This final movement of Ravel’s suite Ma mère l’Oye (Mother Goose) shimmers with magic and ecstasy. I love gardens, but I don’t have one myself, so this allows me to imagine a paradise garden, full of roses, graceful trees, quiet ponds and shady corners instead.
Echoes of Hansa Europe
A fascinating journey around the great trading cities of Northern Europe and bringing to life one of my favourite albums from recent years.