"Blimey, that's a toughie!"

Post title: general response to much of current repertoire.

Another Wednesday and another rehearsal. It was a big welcome back to Alison after her trip to Cuba and to Robin (who has been to... well... I'm not sure where Robin has been) and to Tom who will be leaving us for good soon so we are gearing up for a tearful 'Irish Blessing'. Anne was away on her jollies but we managed to (almost) organise ourselves successfully without her; Jen had to take the 'men's rehearsal' while we women went off to try and sing in tune. My mum visited as well and thought we were great... though it has to be said, she always thinks we are great.

Our evening started with a swimming session led by Claire 2 - yes you did hear right. Imagine us all waving our arms around pretending to do butterfly...nice image huh? Well, we went on to do some concentrated effort on the Tormis and then progressed/regressed on to Arvo Part's 'O Morganstern'. My particular highlight of the week was Alison's face as she plowed her way through these new pieces.

Now, those who are familiar with Rudsambee music will know that we often sing in different languages from Estonian to Zulu. We like the challenge and it makes us sound intellectual and highbrow (joke). We often sing in Gaelic relying on Peter, our resident Gaelic speaker. However he is now in China getting to grips with a really tough language and we are left to battle through alone. Except that Peter made an appearance last night as a disembodied voice on CD. His voice was very deep which is strange as he was a tenor by trade. All I can say is, Peter come back! We need you to shout at us about Gaelic 'ts'! Ol did very well with the CD player though and turned it into a sort of rap which you should really look into recording, Peter. Gaelic rap is a little explored genre methinks.

We finished with a bit of 'Five Hebrew Love Songs' which really sound very strange without the violin and piano. Next week we are practicing this with our new violinist so Ol felt it best to have a bash through. The sopranos remembered how much they enjoyed the final note of Kala :-)

Well, we are looking towards our next concert on August 16th at St Giles. It is always fun to play the festival even if you do find that the bagpiper or shouting escapologist outside ALWAYS interrupt the quiet bits. In fact last year I seem to remember that Ol gave us a note and the bagpipes struck up in another key, its dulcet tones drifting through the hushed church. I for one followed the bagpipes, Ol's note going out of my head immediately. Was glad for Anne who sang the right key loudly and in true Rudsambee style we modulated by bar 2.

That's all for now folks. Sorry for lack of Czech reminiscences. This is due to two main reasons: (1) I haven't got my act together to gather the thoughts of the masses and (2) Rudsambee members are notoriously 'bish at actually getting their act together... this is a hint btw :-)

Enjoy the week ladies, gents, and miscellaneous others.
CSW