Live Imagination: An Event

Duh, duh, duh, duh duh duh, duh, duh.

Alright, so translating music into onomatopoeic words doesn't work well so here's an idea of what's got me humming today.

If you clicked the link and listened, you'll noticed it's from the 25th Anniversary Symphony from 5 years ago and the event which got me humming this epic theme tune again was the more recent run called the Symphony of the Goddesses which is basically a slightly updated version since the original run was so popular.

A view from in between during some pre-concert videos.

The lights dim, the cacophany of strings, brass and woodwinds tuning fills the air, smelling of anticipation. Murmurs and mutterings grow and then fall, suddenly as cymbals crash and the violins throw us into the world with a series of sixteenth notes.

We gallop through the plains of Hyrule on the back of Epona, we leap over rivers, walls and cliffs, we face down enemies and dark lords, traverse deadly dungeons and face puzzling trials.

A cheer rises around me. Audience appreciation was encouraged, this, may I remind you, is not a regular orchestral concert. This is a celebration.

A celebration of a series of stories in a complex world which we, the audience, have all connected to in some form or fashion.

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses at SSE Wembley in London, United Kingdom, has begun.

For 2 full hours I sit in rapt attention. Squeaking, cheering, whispering "yes!" or "love this bit!" or "I remember that!" as the music flies and a projector screen plays scenes from the games which match with the music. All in all, I am the epitome of the exciteable and adorable fan (according to my companion who has had the tragic misfortune, in my mind, of never playing a single Zelda game...yet).

Said companion has been used as a experimental subject in regards to why everyone should attend a fan-related concert.

As someone who has played nearly every Zelda game in existence, apart from any spin-offs, anniversary editions or remakes, I am with Link (the main character) for every flute twirl and trumpet salute; for every slash, dodge and dive that brings back the intense memories of the hours it took to conquer a particular dungeon or the frustration at a particular boss or the terror as the scenery turned to a shadowy underworld with an equally disturbing soundtrack (a particular dungeon I was never able complete unless the light was on and I knew someone else was nearby).

This experience is a unique one. Though they are growing in popularity thanks to the ever-closing gap between "mainstream" and "geek" (in terms of overall acceptance of the validity to celebrate, and be passionate about, such things).

So, why should you go to a concert for film, game, or tv music?

1. It's live music.

 No matter whether you know the significance behind the following tune, did you have an emotional reaction? Get goosebumps? Imagine something?

That is the goal and purpose of music. 

2. It'll take you back to childhood.

Okay, so you aren't going to recall the sweat, tears and cheers that go with finally getting through a difficult dungeon or a testy puzzle. Nor will you feel the nostalgia for entering the main town after a long trek, or laugh at the antics and snark of a particular character. No, you'll, at minimum, you might  get caught tapping your feet to a tune or humming along.

You might even experience your own imaginings to match the music and perhaps even start to catch the particular themes which hearld the hero, or gasp when the music creeps toward the moment Princess Zelda is snatched or the big bad appears. You're imagine will fire up and take you back to the days you knew you could be anything and were. You were a dragon one day. A pirate the next. And then pirate-dragon-detective on the third day.

That's the power of music.

That's why you need to check your calendars to the next themed concert you can find. They are everywhere these days and cover most everything, so who knows, maybe you will find one which plays tunes from childhood, favourite films or a top composer like Hans Zimmer.

Either way, go, listen and revel in the magic with fellow fans, friends and lovers of music.

You don't need to dress up in costumes, or have a heated debated about what game is the best, or critique the representation of the game via the music and clips used. No, all you need is to enjoy the feeling of imagination washing over and through you via the medium of music.

Relax. Let the music transport you and leave you with a satisfaction and smile achieved by one thing only. A connection to possibility.

Passion. Imagination.

Let your mind run wild.

Moony.

Graveyards: A Memory in Photos

Deep within the Acropolis at Glasgow, Scotland. There is life to death.

Western culture, these days anyway, often associates graveyards with fright, fear ad misfortune. They are a place where teens go to scare each other and what often decorate lawns during the festival of Halloween (except made of plasitc, wood or plaster, rather than proper stone, or even, marble, for the wealthy sorts).

Between graves in Montmatre, Paris.

In reality, graveyards are a place for deep contemplation and remembrance. A bit like the churches, which are usually attached, are meant for. (Though they are admittedly fantastic places to dive in, from out of a downpour).

Plus you don't have to be religious to appreciate contemplation and remember people of the past, you just need to be human.

One thing all humans have in common?

In the seemingly distant future that is impossibly hard to comprehend whether you are on the tail end or the ear tips, we will all pass on. Eventually.

After all, in the words of the great Terry Pratchett (from the mouth of his greatest character and who has just passed on recently himself):

“DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING, said Death. JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.”
― Terry Pratchett, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Whatever we pass on too is, of course, up for eternal debate. It's what humans spend life doing and it's what makes the world go 'round.

“It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. That is true, it's called Life.”
― Terry Pratchett, The Last Continent   

Either way, at some point we'll all go stomach up, like fish (but not really, that's just a metaphor thank you), and our presence will cease to exist on this particular plane.

For me, graveyards take on further meaning and more purpose than remembering the impermence of humanity or honouring the greats who came before me.

Graveyards provide a place to draw inspiration for characters in the written and visual mediums.

What follows are a few of my favourite graveyards in terms of the unique characters found there, or the general qualities of the grounds or grave stones, in these quiet but oft misunderstood environs.

This is the life beyond the grave...

Dance to the tune of Symphonie Fantastique in Montmartre Cemetery, Paris, France.

Be wary of the sentinels.

Break from the forest of the London metropolis and into the memories of Latimer.

Rest a while among the grasses of the beloved of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Remember. Don't scare the guardians. This is crucial.

And don't forget to visit the greats gone before. (Oxford, Oxfordshire)

So long and thanks for all the fish who have swam the seas of before. Now go. Just keep swimming. It'll be your turn soon enough.

They watch over us. Somewhere. Somewhen. In a somehow of some here.

Moony.

Blog Spring Cleaning

This blog has almost hit the one year mark. Almost. I am stretching the dates a little but I've found a stride in writing other things of late that has led to this blog being updated much less so. That said, I've got a solution which just means this blog will be a little more specific and focused from now on, with quick, short and at the minimum, weekly posts. Posts which will cover the people, places, things or events which I am experiencing on my travels as a way to give insights and ideas to all of you who are intending on visiting where I've been, already live here and haven't tried those things out or are just interested in learning more about the world beyond your bedroom.

I have travelled to the following countries so far:
Greece
Turkey
USA
England
Scotland
France
Wales

In those few countries, I have thus far travelled to at least one (or hundreds) of different cities, towns and villages. In all those cities, towns and villages there are so many sights to see, people to watch and things to do. As a photographer I have not only collected these experiences in my memory but I have them captured as images and so, as that is my other passion each post will take one or a series of images and I'll give you some first hand advice, tips and opinions about whatever it is I have frozen in time. I hope you enjoy the new bend to my blog and follow along with a greater fervour than before. I too hope to write with a greater focus.

 Experiencing always, Moony.