Alessandro Moreschi - (Der) Letzte Kastrat

Advantages: I am glad I was introduced to this one.
Disadvantages: One dodgy track could have been omited.

...Auf Der Maur were a band that I had not heard of before last week. It was not till I read a review by one-true-ben that they came to my attention. I was interested enough to investigate their web site and was very impressed and I downloaded the four available video's from there and have been listening to them for days while I have waited for the album to arrive. I am writing this as I listen to it for the first time because I wanted write it now to get my first impressions. I haven't even opened it yet. It says on the cellophane wrapper, 'Le premier album de Mellisa Auf Der Maur en collaberation avec les meilleurs musiciens du rock nord-american' The album arrived from CDWoW via airmail from Hong Kong, actually faster than the royal mail would have delivered it from next door, but that is beside the point. I am trying to... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: a wonderful insite into the beginning of the fall of Rome
Disadvantages: none

...If you are one of those people who view the Roman Empire as a unified entity defended by Imperial born and raised, Latin speaking , soldiers holding at bay the uncivilized barbarians beyond its borders, then this book is a must read. Originally published for an Italian audience but now translated into English , Alessandro Barbero's masterful book, shows the later Roman Empire for the chaotic and fluid world that is often less appealing to the modern reader than the slick and upright image of earlier times. Based around the events that lead to the Gothic rebellion of the late fourth century and more specifically the overwhelming defeat of Valens Roman troops at Adrianople in 378, this book is a vivid account of not only the campaign but of the concept of the roman/barbarian relationship. Here it is the Goths that are under... Read review

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Advantages: beautiful museum, beautiful artefacts
Disadvantages: none

...Situated in the immediate vicinity of the Alte Pinakothek (art of the Old Masters to the 18th century) and the Neue Pinakothek (art of the 18th and 19th centuries), the Pinakothek der Moderne forms a troika with its predecessors. The building itself, designed by the American architect Stephan Braunfels, is worth a visit, it has received only enthusiastic critiques. It?s an almost white building shell made of exposed concrete, it?s unobtrusive, when you get near you have the feeling that it belongs, it has to be just the way it is. It?s not show-offy and puts its neighbours into second file, although it has almost twice as much room value as the Alte Pinakothek, it seems much smaller, 1/3 of the museum is placed underground. Let?s get in. The interior is all white, white and light. We cross the floor of the rotunda, 30 m in... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful