Apparently you and SheltieLover have the same birthday.

My Mom didn't sing, IIRC, but especially loved the Largo from Xerces (Serse), Ombra Mai Fu, Brahms' 4th Symphony, Sibelius' 2nd. Symphony and most of Hansel and Gretel, especially the dream pantomime. That's all I recall.

Here's the fun part. Mom felt that the Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman was unlucky. No idea why. If she explained, I forgot.

Dad was into big bands and a smattering of classical music. I remember hearing Grofé, Gaité Parisienne (Offenbach, orchestrated by Manuel Rosenthal later on) That earworm won't leave me to this day, some other pieces I can't recall, and a Spike Jones record I memorized. My uncle worked for a radio station and had tons of records, including some naughty Italian-American comedy records and a (redacted) comedy record that it took me some years to comprehend.

I would sing the Jeopardy theme to my little daughter, interpolating her name into my lyrics. Sound familiar? Shorter than Lehar, on purpose. It's a timer.

I find "The Merry Widow" a bit more melodious than "Die Lustige Witwe" (the title, not the music)

Grateful for a musical childhood, and no doubt, you are, too.

Two birthdays today? What a bonanza. Enjoy the musical moments from your past.

reminded me of my mom customizing the chorus then saying my name and "I love you".

I would sing the Jeopardy theme to my little daughter, interpolating her name into my lyrics. Sound familiar? Shorter than Lehar, on purpose. It's a timer.

My mom was somewhat into classical and like that. Perhaps why she presented me with the choice to study strictly ballet from 5-14 yrs.
Russian instructor offered me to go to NYC n go pro, but I decided against it. No regrets.
I may have mentioned about my ballet background b4? Forgive me for repetition.

Greenwald
https://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/293500/hfpn

English, : “ Lippen schweigen”
This translates as “ Lips are silent”
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/lippen-schweigen-lips-are-silent.html

This rendition is titaled: “ For I Love You, So”
https://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/672997/hfpn


Here’s Jonas Kauffmann and Diana Damrau in a rather passionate performance. Wow, and yes, it is hot here. It was 92 today and 79 degrees at 9 PM.

I triggered sumpthin'.

Yes, that's the melody my ma sang to me when a sweet, angelic baby girl. Countered by older formative years as an indy female with an assertive mind of her own. 🫡 😆

Bucatini!

Reminds me

• To lose a few pounds
• To not waste a deep voice like I did for ages
• To appreciate a fine suit, which I haven't worn in countless decades (This IS California), and item #1 helps.
• That my stubble beard, which I keep to protect my skin, is a really good thing, that
• Music is divine and passionate.
• And some other things.

I saw you sneak in the Brahms. I have a transcription by Max Reger, and I have to admit, the orchestral version is light years ahead, and I love my piano pieces, including quite a few transcriptions.

Do you sport a Van Dyke perhaps?
They are majorly cool.

It's to prevent ingrown hairs, which razors will cause by cutting too close or pulling hairs to cut them (the reason for two or three blades) and then they lie below the skin.

I like that Van Dyke look.

Dad was an artist, but he always shaved.

Heck, I can photo edit a beard in to see how it would look. No AI used here.

On edit: Just reviewed all segments of Tales of Hoffman n I have no idea why I said what I said. Not particularly loving this operetta anyways. But nothing conducive for me saying it was orchestral depressing. I must have it mixed up with another piece.