Kaczmarek, a world-famous Polish composer and Academy Award winner for the original soundtrack of the film “Finding Neverland” (2004). The London Symphony Orchestra, one of Britain’s leading orchestras and one of the top five orchestras in the world according to Gramophone, was invited to participate in the project. The album was recorded in London at AIR Studios Lyndhurst, one of the world’s largest recording studios, and at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, where such music greats as The Beatles, Pink Floyd and U2 recorded their greatest albums.

Inside the album, you will discover a 40 page beautiful booklet filled with panoramic photos, lyrics, information on the recordings and of course, the CD. Designed with heart and dedication toward every detail. The packaging is very unique and luxurious, a true pleasure to look at and hold. The vocals are fresh in tone and performed in a crossover style, making this an album for everyone! Given this weblog’s vested interest in horses, I was very happy to see that Emma does riding too, see her website (more songs !).Joanna Jakubas’ first studio album features the world’s most beloved songs in new arrangements. As said before, Europe must worry about the Greek economy, and this may well take those thirty years too. The latter would be your own preference though, because on my funeral I would want the duet with Giorgos. If you want to hear only enchanting Emma then see this video, which might be the original somewhat spooky clip. My funeral choice is Spente Le Stelle (Dull are the stars), sang by Emma Shapplin and Giorgos Dalaras, see and listen to this YouTube video.

It is amazing how tantalising it can be, this care that you want to provide your survivors with: some of who might not like classical music or some who might walk out when hearing Dylan. The music was difficult though, and it took a couple of bottles of BdMs to decide from Mozart’s Requiem or The Band’s The Last Waltz or Mahler’s Ninth by Bernard Haitink or perhaps something appropriate by Bob Dylan. The wine was easy: Brunello di Montalcino. I hope to live for another thirty weblogging years but if this hope is cut short then the survivors should know what music to play and what wine to toast with. Now that Europe is threatened by Russian invasion, Chinese take-over and head-chopping terrorism, wise people make a do-list for one’s own funeral.

Spente le stelle