Oct. 05 review:
Rachmaninov, Piano Concertos Nos 1 - 4, Stephen Hough

Performed by Stephen Hough, comes four spectacular Rachmaninov concertos. Hough, with his awarness of tradition places himself in a class along with Zimerman. To play Rachmaninov is a pinnacle pianists dream of meeting. As a soloist Hough brings the transcriptions to life and thoroughly grasps the original feeling Sergei Rachmaninov intended. The music felt very at ease and not to overly romantic. In the opening movements of both the second and third concertos, he keeps the music on the move so that the tender melodies float above the listener. I look forward to new Rachmaminov recordings each year and this was a great treat.

Oct. 05 review:
Critique of Pure Reason, Immanual Kant

A must read for philosphy lovers. This version of a Critique of Pure Reason has student commentary which is very helpful because the book is historically a difficult read. I read another translation and found myself lost between pages. Kant's ideas are powerful and still hold true to this day. If you are a person that ponders whether our knowledge is a direct result of experience or if it is something we are born with, then this book shall give you insight that I certainly would have never come upon my own. God, freedom, immortality, and with a student commentary my brain was able to comprehend that there is so much more to life.

Oct. 05 review:
Motorcycle Diaries, Gael Garcia Bernal

I am a big fan of Gael Garcia Bernal and so pleased with this movie. Gael portrays a young Che Guevera and his trip along South Amercia. It is an inspirational piece that left me wanting to trade in my gass guzzeler for a motorcycle and simply ride. Che, a young doctor at the time, vetures out with a close friend Alberto Granado, and is shaped into the revolutionary he will become. The transformation is presented subtly but only those who are aware of Che's future will feel complete as the credits are rolling. The climactic sequence of this movie comes as the young Che, swims across river to the people he believes shaped the land. I certainly was along for the ride, knowing the beauty of the countryside and the ugliness of the human condition.

Oct. 05 review:
Gruet 2004 Chardonnay
$20.00 per bottle

I young wine with structure and freshness. The aroma is peach and apple. The taste is a bit tart at first changing to a sweetness as the flavors of the peach and apple arrive. It has a buttery after taste which I think can be contributed to the wine being oaked, a common thing in chardonnays. I had this wine on it's own but the label proclaims it to go well with poultry and creamy pasta dishes. It also reads to keep it about 2 hours at 11-12 C, however in a rush 30 minutes in the freezer did the trick which is usually plan B for me. Plan C, of course would be liquid nitrogen but I have yet to test this in fear that the Chardonnay grapes may retaliate.