For the Times They are a Changing.

Living in a forest is great. But of course it has its limitations. Fortunately we have the beautiful city of Montpellier close to hand with its wonderful opera house and concert hall. And so yesterday afternoon we headed there to enjoy a Valentine's concert of Brahms's Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, followed by an electrifying performance of Stravinsky's 'Petrushka.' Above the orchestra they projected a picture of a cello and a violin neck , superimposed by two young faces which seemed to be constantly moving towards each other in an embrace, much like the interplay of music between the two solo instruments. These were played by brother and sister : Edgar Moreau on the cello, and Raphaelle Moreau on the violin. It was so romantic.

But our musical treat did not end there. For we had decided to stay overnight, in order to enjoy two films which were being shown at the large cinema house in Montpellier in VO (version original) Although we have a wonderful cinema in Lodève, most of the foreign films that they screen nowadays seem to be dubbed in French. Knowing that the film about Maria Callas was to be screened that night in its original language of English, well, how could we resist? The film features the last seven tragic days in Paris, of this famous opera singer. In spite of the sad story that it relates, many of her operatic performances are shown in flashback, and sung by Callas herself. In this instance I was quite happy for the actress's voice to be dubbed! As you might well expect , the music was utterly sublime.

We stayed on the next morning to watch the Oscar nominated film 'Un Parfait Inconnu ' or A Complete Unknown.' This features Timothy Chalamet as Bob Dylan in the early days of his career , beginning in 1961 when he arrives as a complete unknown in New York, and ending in 1965 when he horrifies the organisers and audience at the 'Newport Folk Festival,' by introducing electric guitars in place of acoustic. He also adamantly refused to play everybody's old favourites, such as 'Blowing in the Wind.' Although I have never professed myself to be a particular fan of Bob Dylan, I always enjoyed folk music when I was younger. But I was still surprised when I realised the degree to which I had imbibed his songs. I had to restrain myself from joining in with the words. This was an absolutely stunning film. Bob Dylan was played perfectly by Timothy Chalamet, who , and you may not believe this, was not dubbed! He played the guitar himself and sang over forty of Bob Dylan's songs. The result was both nostalgic and moving.

Now that we have returned home, I am reflecting on what we have seen and heard.Undoubtedly we have enjoyed three great musical events, each one very different from the others. But one message has come over loud and strong. Bob Dylan's early career was marked by a period of uncertainty and upheaval in American politics, from the continuing Civil Rights movement, through the Cuban Missile Crisis to the assassination of President J.F. Kennedy. At that time Dylan stated that it was important to alert people to political matters through his song writing. In 1964, he released the iconic folk song 'The Times they are A-Changin',' which was used as a rallying cry at the time. But , I have to ask myself, who is out there to rally us now, as our world is seriously rocked by current political events. Will we all sleep walk into disaster as Bob Dylan warned people against at the time. For indeed , just as it was true to sing then, so it is true to sing now

Come gather 'round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters Around you have grown

And accept it that soon You'll be drenched to the bone

If your time to you Is worth savin'

Then you better start swimmin'

Or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin'

Come writers and critics

Who prophesize with your pen

And keep your eyes wide

The chance won't come again

And don't speak too soon

For the wheel's still in spin

And there's no tellin' who That it's namin'

For the loser now Will be later to win

For the times they are a-changin

...The Times They are A-Changin'