Where Do I Begin?

I hope that title hasn't led you to expect a piece on how to start a novel!

It's a phrase that's been ringing in my ears for the last few weeks because Santa came a little bit early for me last year by way of talented Australian author Gracie Macgregor,  Gracie was clearing out her house preparatory to moving and she delivered a huge box of sheet music to my place.

What a treat! Fabulous, fabulous stuff!

Mainly hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s, with a very nice smattering of musicals like SOUTH PACIFIC and GUYS AND DOLLS and LES MISERABLES. The neighbors have started dreaming a dream - it involves me moving VERY far away!

And as I'm sure anyone of a certain age has guessed, among the jewels from a rich musical past comes the theme from LOVE STORY. Hence "Where Do I Begin?"

I'm still making my way through this collection. So far favorites include the aforementioned LOVE STORY theme, the GODFATHER theme, and Ballade pour Adeline which I've never particularly liked to listen to but which turns out to be fun (and reasonably easy - always welcome!) to play.

One source of really lovely music has turned out to be something called BUGS BUNNY'S BIRTHDAY ALBUM. Wasn't sure what to expect when I opened this one but it's full of all these beautiful songs from Warner Movies over the years published to celebrate the Warner Brothers 50th Anniversary back in the 90s. 

There's also a smattering of popular classics which I'm looking forward to bashing out. And some rather groovy 80s numbers which I don't actually think I'm hip enough to play. There's a reason I've steered clear of playing I Got Rhythm. I don't!

The photos only convey a smattering of the glories hidden in Gracie's present. I had a lovely time over the Christmas break bashing out showtunes and revisiting memories of my youth. Music is one of the quickest ways to access those memories, isn't it?

So do you play an instrument? Do you have a favorite show tune? I grew up on musicals so I'd be hard put to think of just one! 

Ah, "Memories light the corners of my life..." Yup. The Way We Were came in the box as well!