Who Reflections: Tyndale Legend: Folk Stuff: Summer View

Last week, as I reported, I was fortunate to see The Who in concert at the O2 Arena in London.
They performed their Pop Opera "Quadrophenia " in its entirety.

I must admit, when it was first released, in 1973, I was a little underwhelmed by the music; having grown up with ' The slash and burn, ' aggressive style of their earlier work, including the opera "Tommy", ( 1969 ) featuring   ' Pinball Wizard; ' ' The Acid Queen;' 'Smash The Mirror; ' and 'We're Not Gonna Take It'  amongst others.

But now, upon reflection I have come to realise that "Quadrophenia " is their most complete work.
 The music is full of subtle shadings, changes of pace and better instrumentation throughout.

I was particularly impressed with the use of horns in many passages. This was the work of the Late John Entwhistle, who curated and played the instruments showing a greater versatility then just being an outstanding bass player.

Before, I finish with these reflections, some negative thoughts regarding the concert.

We were seated on the ground floor of the arena, which should have afforded us an excellent view of the proceedings. Unfortunately, when the band appeared on stage, everybody in the stalls stood up and remained standing throughout the concert. This was not necessary at all. I am happy to stand at concerts, where no seats are provided, but in this instance, the seat rows restricted leg movement, and being above average height, I was conscious of blocking the view of those immediately behind me.
So just like football games, if seats are provided, sit: if not stand. Simple.

When I attend any concert, I always look at the merchandise on sale. I have to report, in the case of the above one, items were overpriced. Fifteen pounds for the programme, which gave only limited information in the credits  of the personnel involved in the performance and no mention of the tour dates.
 I  therefore judged this to be poor value indeed.
Likewise I never bothered the cash till, for various Tee Shirts costing £25 each;  for as far as I could see, there were not even tour shirts available. I should add I viewed these products prior to the commencement of the show, so there should have been no excuse for  being sold out.

But, apart from these negative remarks, the concert was an outstanding success, both visually and orally. Pete and Roger sang and played with a greater maturity and  brought out the concepts and ideas behind the lyrics. It will live long in the memory.

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You may remember, two weeks ago on the blog, I mentioned the BBC2 programme " The Most Dangerous Man In Tudor England " presented by Melvyn Bragg. Its theme was the life of William Tyndale, who made the first translation of the Bible into English and as a result gave his life on the stake for this enterprise.
Mr. Bragg gave Tyndale's birthplace as Slimbridge, rather than North Nibley, where a monument is erected to him. Here are my words:
Bragg said that Tyndale was born in Slimbridge, in Gloucestershire. Please don't mention this to the good folk of  nearby North Nibley, who  not only believe  they have the birth place; but also went to the trouble of erecting a monument in his honour,

Unaccountably, this monument was not shown in any footage I saw in the programme. Shame!

The monument, all 111 feet of it, was erected upon a hill and can easily be seen from the M5.
I have recently learnt of a folk story connected with this building.
It was said, when completed in 1866, the masonry constantly cracked open and needed repair, until a Bible which had been built into the wall was removed.
The moral being that Tyndale gave his life to make the Bible available to all and thus the copy in the monument refused to remain hidden.
A lovely story and surely another reason for  Mr. Bragg to include North Nibley in his programme.
Time for repentance Melvyn.

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Recently D. and I visited the Gloucester Folk Museum, in Gloucester.

We had not been there since a refurbishment took place over a year ago. I was very impressed with the items on display and the thematic way in which the rooms had been put together. Here are some of the items we saw.

                                   Wheel- Wright's Shop

                                            Cobbler's Shop.

                                      Salmon Basket.

Cider Jug and Mugs
Morris Dancing and Instruments.

Well worth a visit. More info here:Folk Museum

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 Finally, wishing you a good week ahead, with the start of Wimbledon on Monday. (Murray 4/1) here is a picture from Dover's Hill, taken last Wednesday (19/6 ) on a glorious day in the Cotswolds.

Cheerio,

Ck.