Mnemosyne, in ancient Hellenic mythology, is the goddess of memory.
A Titaness, she was the daughter of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth), and according to Hesiod, the mother of the nine Muses.
She shall be our guide on this new segment of Breaking Boundaries: a journey in what is generally called classical music; we will explore music topographies not only from 1750 to 1900 CE but from early times (1200 CE ) to contemporary interpretations of classical masterpieces. Again, all chosen from my own listening experience with that vast genre over the years.
Let us join Mnemosyne on this Sunday and embark on a new journey together; starting with J.S.Bach, “Cello Suite No1 G Major ” BWV 1007 played by, none other than, Mstislav Rostropovich.
To close today’s first Mnemosyne:
Bedřich Smetana, “Vlatva” from “Ma Vlast” performed by the Gimnazija Kranj Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nejc Bečan.
Until next time, be kind to yourselves & take it easy.
NICK/SPIRA© March 2025
BREAKING BOUNDARIES 
8 responses to “Mnemosyne [Smetana]”
Morning coffee and Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, G Major? Pretty perfect combo. Thank you, Nick.
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Thank you, Denise, for embarking on this journey, too.
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Both are my definition of implicate order – to enfold and unfold, bubbling up into an interconnected wholeness. And then it manifests itself as Visible—rippling up and open as strings —like the stream in my forest; it is a dance of day and night; it is weathered and purely organic. I am so completely and utterly joyous for this new segment, and your two choices interweave the most beautiful of moments and memories. Thank you, MAO.
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It was your inquiry, not long ago M, that sparked Mnemosyne.
So…Thank you, YO.
Your joy in your comment gives me confidence in carrying on with this.
It’s funny… people when they meet me, they see the beard, the motorcycle and the say to me that I must be an enthusiast of rock and heavy metal.
Indeed, I am… I reply. But also my big love is pre classical music, from 13th century onwards to Baroque and classical era.
So, yeah… I have decided to compile this segment from music that not only I love but own in my musical CD collection.
In a way, M, I must admit it is a selfish endeavor. Although I currently use Spotify to cure my endless need for music to listen to, I miss the time when I bought the album and then the ritual of listening to it through my Hi Fi… yes, there is an element of ownership involved – I have the record and I can play it whenever, regardless of internet services availability.
But there is an element of connection; the tactile bond between all things combined to the end result of transporting oneself to musical heaven.
Aye… moments and memories.
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It seems many years since I’ve said “I have that album,” because it was physically a possession, and you did have it. I don’t have LPs anymore. Don’t have cassettes. The CDs are in their plastic cases in the loft. Now my ears are filled with Spotify (and thank you), and I can listen to the music that I like because P and I have totally different taste in music. I listen to music almost all day long.
As I’ve mentioned before, I often—though not as often as I used to— sit at Worth Abbey just down the road and listen to monks practising Gregorian chants. It is peaceful and balancing.
I am so excited to discover what treats are in store for us next. Every Sunday, perhaps?
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I guess, yes, it will be a Sunday feature, interchangeable with The Unknown.
I do not wish to claim additional time/ energy from any of you kind enough to stop by; therefore, I will try and go through the segments on Friday and/or Sunday without necessarily being posted weekly.
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Both really excellent – especially in the morning! (and, of course, coffee… now).
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Perfect! I am a happy man, then.
☕️🎶
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