Christopher Waller > Recent Status Updates

I:1-Longtang

A scene without a character, like one big establishing shot. Wang Anyi introduces the alleyways of Shanghai, whose puddles fill with "fish scales", whose air renders strands of evening-light wearisome. And yet, from the right perspective, the undulating sea of buildings is striking: its balustrades of drying clothes look as though they come from a painting. I look forward to reading the book again!

Both of the op. 27 sonatas have got really stellar climaxes in their final movements. The Fantasia sees the return of the gorgeous slow theme, the Moonlight that terrifying and gargantuan wall of sound. Beethoven now seems to be hitting his groove.

Having finished "Place-Names". The episode involving the gate on the side of the road stands out, fleeting and ephemeral, an extended version of what du Maurier would adapt as the "woman on the bend". I think, however, that "Place-Names" most focuses on uncovering psychology of people. The discussion of personal foibles is particularly insightful. The narrator's curious detachment also comes through pointedly.

The Pathethique is absolutely gorgeous.