Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Show

~ John W. Howell

When will the brain-saving liquid show up? It has been an eternal minute since the process was engaged. It seems to me there might be a glitch in the brewing mechanism. No wait. There it is, the first few drops of Elixer slowly making their way to my cup. Finally complete, the first sip is a reminder to grab that clock. I set it for April 26th, 1924, with the location in London. The duration is two hours. When the plunger is pulled, we are immediately transported to Aeolian Hall in London.

Lucky us because we get to witness the first performance of Tzigane, a rhapsody for violin and orchestra by French composer Maurice Ravel. Tzigane, the title of which is derived from the generic European term for “gypsy,” was composed in a short time in 1924. The violinist performing is Jelly d’Arányi, who is of Hungarian descent. He is joined by Henri Gil-Marchex at the piano.

The premiere piece’s performance lasts eleven minutes, and the audience applause is deafening. Maurice is most famous for his Bolèro, which was written in 1928, so he clearly has a great career ahead of him.

Just as the champagne is served, the alarm goes off, and my usual high dive into the couch is accomplished with plenty of welcome barks from the resident pouches.

My text notification goes off, and it is Linda Hill, our prompt for this week. Here is the message: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “show.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!

To see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/04/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-27-2024/

Show by John W. Howell © 2024

“Well, that was some show.”

“It was terrific.”

“How did you know to go there?”

“I Googled it.”

“I would say that worked ten.”

“Would you like to hear the music?”

“Um, you know I’m not big on classical.”

“Okay, then we will skip it.”

“Well, I don’t want to stand in your readers’ way. Maybe they would like to listen.”

“For those who would, here it is.”

“While they are busy, what say we hit the pub.?”

“Uber?”

“Over there.”

Photo by Resa McConaghy

“What on Earth?”

“Don’t be hasty.”

“It is a moving van.”

“With lots of room.”

“Okay, I’ll give you that.”

“Think of pulling up to the front of the pub in this.”

“Yeah. Quite a scene.”

“Maybe we could convince the pub mates to join us on a roadie.”

“Hold it right there.”

“What.”

“No roadies.”

“How about a parkie.”

“What’s that?”

“Where we just stay at the pub but invite everyone to sit inside the truck.”

“Redneck fun, I suppose.”

“Don’t you know it?”

“Okay, let’s go.”

71 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Show”

      1. Hi John, We love Bolero…It was my dear old Dad’s favourite piece of classical music. Another favourite is Rhapsody in Blue, as I danced (tap and ballet) as a child and vividly recall prancing around to it…We have many favourites…Music from Carmen (best opera) and so many more. My husband is lucky in that he has a retentive memory (still)at 95… All the best.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Cool, John. You show us how it’s done, as always. This one brings to mind how Maurice Ravel became my favorite composer back when I studied music, and this piece in particular caught my ear.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I used to have an old 78 of Bolero that I played the heck out of. This piece is wonderful! Thanks, John. The conductor watching the violinist was interesting. He seemed truly fascinated with his playing.

    I had to laugh about ‘redneck.’ I worked with a woman who never did understand that redneck was both noun and adjective. She always said ‘redneckish.’ We got tired of correcting her.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. What a fun visit back in time! I love this and the music is outstanding. I’d say he had a long career ahead of him. 🙂 A ‘parkie?’ Lol, John! Never heard of that one. Too funny. Happy weekend!

    Like

  13. I’m typing this up as I finish the last 8 minutes of listening to this wonderful violin music.

    So, a great trip in time today, thank you. I do know Ravel’s Bolero, and have been exposed to some of his other works. This one is new to me.

    A ‘Parkie” ….huh!?

    Well, why not? Lotsa room and looking at those rusty wheels and bits, best not to move around!

    Will send this when the music is over!

    O🎻 O🎻 O🎻 O🎻

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Ahh, the cross bow shows in the annotator box. On your page it was… different.
        The grips and electrics have on set parkies all the time!
        O🎻 O🎻 O🎻 O🎻

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Wow, that was magnificent! It starts slow and builds just like Bolero. I’m partial to the horn because our daughter played the French horn from 4th grade through college. Our school district had a very progressive music program and it was wonderful. Thank you for posting.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. When I read these wonderful journeys of yours, your introduction always has me intrigued. I almost want to try coffee again from your descriptions. Almost.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I was not very familiar with Tzigane but it is beautiful music. In Swedish the term for gypsy is zigenare, somewhat similar to Tzigane. I’ve heard Bolero many times. Like you say it is probably Ravel’s most famous piece and I love it. Unfortunately, I’ve read that Ravel wrote it as a mockery of contemporary music, basically, “I am going to write a piece that is in really bad taste but everyone will love it…”, and we loved it. Anyway, it is great that you had a good time.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Now that is perfection, John. Some classical to enjoy, giving us the finer thing in life, followed by some Redneck fun.

    Life is all about balance, I say! Love this piece of music, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. That van would be the center of attention just about anywhere, John. And, as it turns out I may have participated in a parkie or two in my lifetime but didn’t know it had a name until now!

    Liked by 1 person

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