User talk:Martinevans123

Martinevans123 is having a slight break and participation may be somewhat sporadic.

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"All these endless, indescribable sufferings are due directly or indirectly to war. Will the people of the world wake up and see what war is, and if they do, will they allow a next war to come?"

— Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930)

War crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine
War crimes in the Gaza war

For reference:

• Wikipedia:Copyright violations
• Wikipedia:Plagiarism
• Wikipedia:Copying text from other sources
• Wikipedia:Close paraphrasing
• Wikipedia:FAQ/Copyright

Thank you, Spencer. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:08, 2 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Aw, Martin just did it for the sausage rolls. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:49, 2 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I can't deny it, alas. Martinevans123 (talk) 06:52, 3 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hot dog! --Tryptofish (talk) 20:06, 3 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"... jumping frog, Albuquerque" - Derek R Bullamore (talk) 20:14, 3 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Two nations divided by the same language: is it "Does that come with fries?" or is it "Unmentionables in the sewerage"? Martinevans123 (talk) 21:17, 3 April 2025 (UTC) [2][reply]

Warning: in line with the trade policy with our key trading partners, all incoming US hot dogs will be subject to a retaliatory tariff of 940%. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:12, 4 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Take a bow, Brian ....if you can. Martinevans123 (talk) 13:40, 4 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

story · music · places

My story today is about an opera singer born OTD in 1870. I have problems to say something as informative about Mirella Freni, as the DYK nom shows. -Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:49, 3 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

There's someone else, born OTD, in 1949, who I regard as a genius! Martinevans123 (talk) 09:00, 3 April 2025 (UTC) [3][reply]

Thank you! - The Freni hook was improved while I wrote. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:13, 3 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the links, Gerda. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:15, 3 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Tout est lumière. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 11:28, 7 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

today: a woman in red --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:37, 10 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Next problem: WT:DYK#Good Friday. After I heard Bach's St John Passion yesterday (see music, you would have loved it), it occurred to me that I missed the work in prep, by a great woman inspired by it. - ALTs for the other run to m now. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:59, 17 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Today on BBC Radio 3: St Matthew Passion, with Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Georg Nigl, Roderick Williams, Andrew Staples, Magdalena Kožená, Camilla Tilling, Mark Padmore and Augsburg Cathedral Boys' Choir, with Sir Simon Rattle. Just bliss. Martinevans123 (talk) 14:58, 18 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Great to hear! - We just sang five of the chorales. Check out my talk: for the great woman's Johannes-Passion (listen!), our music in detail, and three people who recently died and are on the main page (where she isn't). Collaboration has the first "no" and the second - for Easter - seems almost sure. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:18, 18 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

A simply stunning performance. Apparently from last September. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:27, 18 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

next, with thanks for the good wishes on my talk: my story about music that Bach and Picander gave the world 300 years (and 19 days) ago, - listen (on the conductor's birthday) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:49, 20 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The next cantata made it to the main page, - listen ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:48, 21 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I wrote my story today and then found it's the person's funeral day. - I hated to see DYK for Johannes-Passion (Gubaidulina) today instead of Good Friday, but it seems also right in the context. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:55, 24 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I finally managed to upload the pics I meant for Easter, see places. - Also finally, I managed a FAC, Easter Oratorio. I wanted that on the main page for Easter Sunday, but no, twice. You are invited to join a discussion about what "On this day" means, day or date. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:51, 25 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My music features Bach Bach Bach today ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:02, 29 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

One can never have too much Bach. Martinevans123 (talk) 13:10, 29 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

agree - did you notice that the birthday child conducts in the same place as the concert on the right? - looking forward to that piece with Tenebrae this summer! - the centre piece was stunning! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:30, 29 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, Liza. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:35, 5 April 2025 (UTC) Ray Johnson - piano; Billy Preston - organ (aged 16 at the time)[reply]

You are invited to join the discussion at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Kategate, if it is convenient for you to do so. Regards. MSincccc (talk) 14:02, 8 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh not, not this Monkey business again? Have !voted. Love 'em! Martinevans123 (talk) 14:57, 8 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I saw some croquet references on your page. Do you play? Joesom333 (talk) 19:11, 11 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, really? You'll have to remind me, lol. It's over 30 years since I have played. And that was only at lunchtimes. And I wasn't exactly good, even then! Martinevans123 (talk) 22:13, 11 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Born this day 1945, Lowell Thomas George, leader of Little Feat: "Long Distance Love" (1975) Martinevans123 (talk) 20:05, 13 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Martin, I'm cutting the lists down, sometimes drastically, so there's every chance that additions now will just disappear. Verb. sap. Chiswick Chap (talk) 11:53, 18 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

That's a great shame. I will miss them. But I trust your judgement as a very competent editor. Martinevans123 (talk) 11:55, 18 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Wishing you peace, joy, and renewal this Easter season. Thank you for all you do to keep Wikipedia growing and thriving. Stay well, and happy editing! MSincccc (talk) 08:21, 20 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you, MSincccc! Happy Easter to you too! Wishing peace to all: [4] Martinevans123 (talk) 08:30, 20 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I’m absolutely convinced the NTSB was linked elsewhere in the article… and I now have absolutely zero clue where I got that idea from! Please excuse me while I withdraw to have my head examined and re-caffeinated… Danners430 (talk) 15:00, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No worries. These abbreviations can sometimes be a challenge. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:05, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I blame my processor having an ID10T error… Danners430 (talk) 15:09, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

😂 I've usually got one of those too! We can all but dream. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:14, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

That link to idiot-proof reminds me, I could use some of that, myself. --Tryptofish (talk) 19:59, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"Aristotle, Aristotle, was a bugger for the bottle!" Martinevans123 (talk) 20:16, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Preach! --Tryptofish (talk) 20:24, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Just try to not take the car: [5]... Martinevans123 (talk) 20:57, 22 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sorry about removing this tweet as a source. When I clicked on it as a link from the article page, it didn't work, but did work as a link on the talk page. It is now clear that Galloway has said that he wears a hat because of the 2014 attack, despite someone saying that it is because he is bald, which is classic unverifiable material. I think it should be put back with something like "In a 2019 tweet, Galloway said that he wears the hat to cover scars from the 2014 attack." This makes clear how it is being attributed, and although Twitter isn't an ideal source, it does come from his blue tick Twitter account. ♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 20:29, 26 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No worries, easily done. Your suggestion sounds good. I'm seeing very little WP:RS support for any Galloway baldness. But you never know what will turn up on a Talk page! Martinevans123 (talk) 20:38, 26 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I just learned that we have List of people known as the Hairy, LOL. Learn something new every day. --Tryptofish (talk) 23:19, 26 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Watch out you fish!! Martinevans123 (talk) 14:34, 28 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Back atcha, Marten. --Tryptofish (talk) 22:53, 28 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The April 2025 talk page threads have more or less hit the WP:DFTT stage. Nothing has been suggested that would prove the article wrong, at least from reliable sources. It has been a useful opportunity to look at the sourcing and tidy things up.--♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 14:26, 28 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I didn't even know he was bald! I thought maybe it was Bubbles. **sob** Martinevans123 (talk) 14:31, 28 April 2025 (UTC)[reply]

String Quartet No. 62 in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3, Hob.III:77, "Emperor": II. Poco adagio, cantabile A truly lovely tune that became something else that he perhaps could not have imagined. The song very popular for many years, of course, on the terraces of The Old Den, with those haunting adapted lyrics "Get your tits out for the lads". Martinevans123 (talk) 17:06, 4 May 2025 (UTC) ... not Millwall... but still "England's finest" (?). "Come on you Reform!!"[reply]

story · music · places

Bach's cantata was performed 300 years ago, by occasion. -- Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:33, 4 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

That's so nice. Gerlinde Sämann, Terry Wey, Georg Poplutz and Markus Volpert. Just wonderful. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:49, 4 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for mentioning two articles I wrote ;) - Today's main page has again memories of three people who died, for two just the name and for the third an image (great!) coupled with a little bit from her life which seems too little for my taste. What do you think? - A friend of mine sang in Verdi's Requiem at Trinity Church, - you can watch the lifestream (Verdi about 30 minutes into it). --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:56, 5 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Good for her to have a picture. Martinevans123 (talk) 13:35, 5 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The hook was improved in the end. - Recommended reading today: Christfried Schmidt, a story about patience. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:23, 8 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks for the link. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:37, 8 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

check my talk today for two pics of Margot Friedländer --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:27, 12 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

now May Abrahamse (with uncertain licensing of portrait), and Vakhtang Machavariani (nominated) who composed an orchestral piece about Mariupol! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:12, 13 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

listen to Machavariani's Mariupol --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:49, 14 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the link, Gerda. Good old Georgia! Martinevans123 (talk) 20:33, 15 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

thank you for listening! - musings on 15 May --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:40, 15 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Just in case you didn't watch tonight.... Australia, who should have won, are not even in the final! quite shocking Martinevans123 (talk) 21:27, 15 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

sorry, I didn't watch - birthday of Erik Satie - can we get his article to GA for his centenary of death? Your name was one of many in the history. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 17:59, 17 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I suppose that's possible, as there's over a month left until then. Martinevans123 (talk) 18:21, 17 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Someone would have to nominate, and someone would have to review, and someone needs to push because reviews sometimes are not begun in months. I can play only the latter role ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:09, 17 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm, you've already put me off. As you know, I don't mind doing anything at Wikipedia, as long as it doesn't require any effort. I might lend hand, if needed. But he is an interesting character. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:47, 17 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm, after the one who wrote 81% doesn't want to get involved, this had to be expected. It will require some effort to read [[Alla Osipenko. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:26, 19 May 2025 (UTC)]][reply]

all Verdi today: tenor Luigi Alva and the premiere OTD of his Requiem, see my talk - remember that early in the thread there was a link to a performance? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:06, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the links, Gerda. Alva previously unknown by me. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:19, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Here's a song from 1976 that probably deserves its own article. Just one of her best. Exquisite: [6] "It seems we all live so close to that line, and so far from satisfaction." Martinevans123 (talk) 21:36, 24 May 2025 (UTC) (Is it possibly to perform that song even better live? Apparently, yes)[reply]

I'm on a train to Vienna so can't listen anytime soon. Was too tired last night to tell you about Jadwiga Rappé, and now she's already almost off the main page. The best of the recordings was of the Szymanowski Stabat Mater but wile Zofia Kilanowicz is shown in the foreground, expressively, some logo hides the other's face for all samples I looked at. Imagine that the soprano sang for us once! She was incredible, entering high and softly out of nowhere! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 04:51, 25 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

A first: a story about two people who worked together and died the same day --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:39, 26 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

much better live! - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, born 100 years ago, described by Alan Blyth - listen to friendly vision if you haven't - don't remember if I gave you that --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the links. Don't remember either. Blyth was right, but his Schubert surely his best. Just a giant. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:51, 28 May 2025 (UTC) p.s. yes, the live version is slightly faster, more driving. But, to my mind, the original fretless bass on that track is just sublime. Perhaps some of his best work. Mitchell's phrasing, delivery, sheer poetry, unsurpassed. Incredible.[reply]

thank you for pointing at the bass, - and at the performer who died (needing refs)! - reasons to look at Bach (and listen): it's a recent GA (not by me), he assumed the position of Thomaskantor OTD in 1723, he's up for PR, and several of his cantatas for GA, and his Easter Oratorio for FAC --Gerda Arendt (talk) 11:41, 30 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

another reason for Bach: the village organ he played, and we can still listen to its sound --Gerda Arendt (talk) 16:22, 31 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

How amazing. Sounds wonderful. Martinevans123 (talk) 16:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Here's Dorothy Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes, from 1957, with "Get Away Jordan": [7] -lyrics Superb! (have to thank Jools for this one) Martinevans123 (talk) 20:23, 31 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

will listen on Sunday ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:59, 31 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

listened on Sunday: so much life in death --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:08, 31 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, indeed! Martinevans123 (talk) 07:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

In my footnote addition about Llanfihangel Bryn Pabuan you removed David Price and his wife Elizabeth Gwilim living in Brest y Garth cottage in Llanfihangel Bryn Pabuan, evidence of the cottage name and occupation only known from the GRO Birth Registration for his son David Price (1853-1925) -- information not in the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust document. Being my great great grandfather and great grandfather, I appreciate that this history is much more important to me than you. PwyllDafydd (talk) 14:01, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hello PwyllDafydd. Thanks for your note. You added material as a reference with a bare url and I changed it to a footnote with a reference. But I didn't remove anything? Martinevans123 (talk) 14:04, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My mistake, apologies. Browser issue. PwyllDafydd (talk) 14:10, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

P.S. Improved as a note, which format I will remember in future contributions of the kind, thank you for your instructive change. PwyllDafydd (talk) 14:19, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No worries. Yes, that particular history looks like it's of much more interest to you. Articles normally only mention notable residents or those who have made the news. I myself am related to the Davies family of the Red Lion, who kept the pub from 1910 until 1991! (via the Davieses of Brynyoye) Martinevans123 (talk) 14:21, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Understood, thank you. While not a notable resident, among the only residents and, again, clarifies what the cottage remnants are described in the CPAT article. I read about the Red Lion at https://peoplescollection.wales, etifeddiaeth falch. PwyllDafydd (talk) 14:31, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I have no objection to the details you have included. Ah yes, a nice source there, here it is! Martinevans123 (talk) 14:37, 10 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Martin. Sorry to bother you but I need to borrow your Wikibrain™ or that of some helpful stalker(s). Do we have rules or guidance on UK nationalities? Every so often I have a run in with some zealot who says you can't write that someone is English/Welsh/whatever because that is not a nationality, and wants to "correct" things to British and the UK. My gut feeling is that this sort of posturing is just bad manners and that UK national issues are best left well alone. I have a vague feeling that I have seen guidance or a discussion on this but I don't know where. I'm currently keeping an eye on an IP editor who seems to be on some anti-Welsh-nationality crusade which I personally find very annoying and condescending and which I revert when I can. But of course if I don't know the letter of the law – or even if one exists – then I might be completely in the wrong and unjustly persecuting some righteous and wholly innocent editor. (I doubt it though.) Any light that you can shine on this murky situation, or links to policy, project discussions, etc, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and best wishes, DBaK (talk) 22:09, 15 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

As a stalker from the colonies, I don't follow those disputes, but I looked up the logged sanctions. The only one that is currently in effect, link, has to do with units of measurement. There are two others that are no longer in effect, link and link, that may or may not be worth looking at. My vague impression is that the second of those two latter ones is what is most relevant to you, and I think the sense of it remains the same, although it is no longer enforceable. There could very well be various RfCs that have happened, but I wouldn't know about them. --Tryptofish (talk) 22:51, 15 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Helpful(ish) stalker here. Sometimes someone decides to change all the English/Welsh/Scottish/Cornish/(some)Irish to British, and sometimes someone decides to do the reverse. A few of the editors on either side are evading blocks, some seem to swap sides from time to time, and others have had a Damascene conversion and just want to share the TRUTH! with the world. A plague on all their houses. If somoene is doing this sort of thing en masse then they probably shouldn't, especially if they haven't tried to discuss it first. It may be worth raising it at WP:AN to see if it rings any "returning sock" type bells. DuncanHill (talk) 23:01, 15 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hi DBaK. I've already tried to donate my Wikibrain™ to science, but they said they don't want it. Am currently trying to get a swap. But I promise will ponder on that .... Martinevans123 (talk) 06:40, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

WP:UKNATIONALS may be of interest. John (talk) 06:43, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I hear what you are saying, DBaK, and in any case, thanks for reaching out on this. I really feel like I should lean in and pick off some of the low-hanging fruit. Hopefully, in the fulness of time, we can bucketise some of your concerns and really cross-pollinate some of the higher-level learnings. I'd really like to sharpen the point of this Wiki pencil. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:03, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, there's some advice in the "Present-day UK nationality (examples of use)" section of that link John has kindly sent. I must admit I try to avoid getting into mini-edit wars on this score. But I do generally revert if there's a long-standing consensus and the edit summary suggests some kind of pig-headed national zealotry (and yes, I do more often suspect IP editors). But there seems to be no hard-and-fast rules that can be applied. As a comforting rule-of-thumb, I personally tend to go with "British" if that person's "sphere of influence" is across the UK. But many of those people often have obvious and strong links to a given single home nation e.g. this guy and this one. I sometimes find myself Googling for statements like "I am a British so-and-so..." or "I am a Welsh such-and-such..." (often with limited success). It's often worth a Talk page discussion. But it's a bit of minefield. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:28, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I just made this edit: [8]. The mind reels. --Tryptofish (talk) 20:31, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

How very dare you! "Let's Make Benji Grate Again!" Martinevans123 (talk) 20:46, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you all very much! It's given me plenty to think about, and yes, I suspect that the "Present-day UK nationality (examples of use)" bit was what I half-remembered having seen. It's quite useful! Thanks, all DBaK (talk) 08:12, 20 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I should perhaps add that the editor who was annoying me with (what I felt was) an irrational mini-crusade seems to have given up, or is at least pausing for breath. Crisis (temporarily?) over. Thanks again, everyone, for the very useful and interesting input. DBaK (talk) 10:44, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ah yes, a mini-crusade. Always good to have a sense of purpose! Martinevans123 (talk) 10:50, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Indeed! Splendid clip, thanks Martin. DBaK (talk) 17:15, 24 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Haha. I shall follow thee on thy sacred and noble quest, oh master! (coconut shells at the ready, Sire...!) Martinevans123 (talk) 17:43, 24 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I saw the comment you wrote before it was removed by some busybody, and I must say that although I seldom remember my dreams, and I don't believe I have ever dreamt about the lottery tickets, if I should ever dream the winning numbers up, you will be the first person to hear from me! Szchalchsz (talk) 18:51, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

P.S. George Galloway-related articles need cleaning up. Only you can fix them! Szchalchsz (talk) 18:52, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

When I start to dream about David Cameron I'll know it's time take a long holiday from this place. Ah yes, dear old George. I can still see him purring for Rula Lenska, alas. Another bad dream... Martinevans123 (talk) 18:57, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

At least he has never slept with the girlfriend of a Russian spy! Nor has he eaten a camel's, um, thing...

Anyway, the Galloway articles continually minimize the role his party(ies, he's worse than Farage for this) have played in shifting public discourse. They also seem to downplay the fact that he is a little keen on an oligarchic Russia – not exactly the model of government he promotes in Britain. The rot is deep, and ONLY YOU can fix it! Szchalchsz (talk) 19:06, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I still feel sorry for Cameron for gambling away all of his credibility on the Brexit vote. Even a begrudging respect when compared to the horrors that came next. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:42, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Clearly the referendum had to be held when so many people wanted out. The leave campaign just happened to have better and more charismatic leaders. Ideally from a British perspective, the UK would have done what Hungary does these days and fleece the EU. All the perks, none of the burdens. To be fair to Cameron, he had previously won, what, three referendums? (Alternative vote, Falklands, Scotland). The horrors that came after him are partially his fault. May wasn't particularly catastrophic either, but Johnson he had helped elevate to the forefront of British politics. Szchalchsz (talk) 19:51, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My thoughts entirely. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:01, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I just wanted to send a brief message to thankyou for the work you do in relation to editing articles about Devon. My interests are relatively narrow in relation to your own but where they overlap your advice and contributions have always been constructive, fully justified and helpful to novice Wikipedians such as myself. It goes without saying I am very grateful to you for your interest in my beloved county. Bw, 82.38.214.91 (talk) 19:15, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Dear IP82, what a very nice thing to say. Thank you so much. I've been trying to get my watchlist below 15,000 for the past few years, with no success, alas. I have great affection for that county next to Devon and for Devon itself. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:46, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Welcome. I only apologise for not sending this message sooner. Wikipedia is a big distraction from 'my-to do list'. All the best. 82.38.214.91 (talk) 20:01, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Martin, are Scrumpy and Western related to Ren and Stimpy? --Tryptofish (talk) 20:04, 16 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Sheesh. That's like asking "are Penn & Teller related to Teller and Penn?" !! Martinevans123 (talk) 20:51, 16 May 2025 (UTC) (p.s. but yes, they are)[reply]

Hi there! I saw your message. Thank you for being so welcoming! I tried to click on the topic, but it appears to be closed. Anyway, my source is David Hurwitz's guide on the Mahler Symphonies. I may be mistaken, but he looked at the original score for the piece, so I trust him as a source. The critical edition doesn't list the full instrumentation, so if anyone was confused, I can understand. I should probably open a new thread on the sixth's article. You may have noticed, but I have also added to the first, third, and seventh's instrumentation, although those were pretty minor edits.

The ripper004 The ripper004 (talk) 18:33, 18 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hi The ripper004, thanks for your note. Sorry, there was spelling error. You need to copy this over to Talk:Symphony No. 6 (Mahler)#Instrumentation. I will comment there if necessary. Many thanks Martinevans123 (talk) 18:43, 18 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

You seem pretty active on the Mahler Symphonies and their articles, so I'm curious; what's your favorite Mahler Symphony? For me, its the third symphony. That final movement is one of the best in symphonic literature. The ripper004 (talk) 23:36, 18 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I am not a huge fan of Mahler (although I cannot deny his symphonic genius) and I think my editing on those articles have been quite limited! I might well go along with the Third although, thanks to Visconti, there's also the amazing Fifth. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:11, 19 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Funny, I never found the fifth to be all that amazing. Even regarding the adagietto; I believe he has better slow movements, especially the finale of the third. The ripper004 (talk) 17:58, 19 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh dear. I shall now have to binge-listen to them all again. Will only take me about 15 hours... Martinevans123 (talk) 18:09, 19 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

If you want to go insane, listen to them all in one sitting. In all seriousness, though, start with the first. It's short, easy, and has all the things that makes Mahler Mahler. The ripper004 (talk) 18:14, 19 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like a good place to start, thanks! Martinevans123 (talk) 18:18, 19 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Let me know if you change your mind about Mahler. His works are amazing if you give them the proper amount of time, and they definitely can't be digested after only one listening. Happy listening! The ripper004 (talk) 18:37, 19 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Meanwhile.... here's a bit of Jeff Beck (demo from 2005): [9] Martinevans123 (talk) 17:40, 20 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Martin! How has your day been? Recently, I organized the page for Mahler's third symphony. Whoever typed the last one out did a substandard job at best; no headings and barely any descriptions. I gave the movements headings and added a bit to their descriptions. As an experienced editor, what do you think? Sorry to bother you.

The ripper004 The ripper004 (talk) 21:54, 21 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hello The ripper004. Symphony No. 3 (Mahler) looks good to me, thanks. I think your edits there are all good improvements. A good editor to ask for opinion and advice on classical music articles is Gerda Arendt, who is far more knowledgeable and active than me! Martinevans123 (talk) 10:39, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ok! I'll make sure to check him out. The ripper004 (talk) 16:39, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Or even her, lol. (apols. Gerda) Martinevans123 (talk) 16:46, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I have little time, but liked the changes that I saw from my watchlist ;) - no Jungfrau, sorry ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:03, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Haha. We can all but dream. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:17, 22 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ƿestseaxna rīċe literally means 'the kingdom belonging to the West Saxons', or 'the kingdom of the West Saxons', in a more usable translation. The suffix -na is a contraction of -ena which is a weak genitive form. Urselius (talk) 12:19, 24 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hello Urselius. Thanks for your note. I guess, if that's to be included in the infobox at the Wessex article, it would need to appear somewhere in the main body with a source? It might be a good idea to open a discussion thread at Talk:Wessex. Regards. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:48, 24 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for uploading File:Beautiful as the Moon.ogg. The image description page currently specifies that the image is non-free and may only be used on Wikipedia under a claim of non-free use. However, the image is currently not used in any articles on Wikipedia. If the image was previously in an article, please go to the article and see why it was removed. You may add it back if you think that that will be useful. However, please note that images for which a replacement could be created are not acceptable for use on Wikipedia (see our policy for non-free media).

Note that any non-free images not used in any articles will be deleted after seven days, as described in section F5 of the criteria for speedy deletion. Thank you. --B-bot (talk) 17:09, 27 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Has been replaced at "Beautiful as the Moon – Terrible as an Army with Banners" with a link to the audio of the full track. Can't really be used anywhere else. Martinevans123 (talk) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

RIP Richard Dean Zehringer (August 5, 1947 – May 26, 2025): amazing guitarist and producer extraordinaire: "Frankenstein" (1972). Album version!! Martinevans123 (talk) 09:46, 30 May 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"Free Ride" (1972). Wonderful. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:39, 11 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

story · music · places

The places: a day full of great discoveries, culminating in Oliwa Cathedral which was called a must-see by Graham Waterhouse (subject of my first article, filling a red link) who played the organ once. Dinner right next to the Abbot's Palace, where Penderecki had also been a guest.

The story: Bazon Brock spoke at an exhibition at Kolumba to honour Anna and Bernhard Blume on her 80th birthday. [10] Did you know "An Anna Blume"? -- Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:54, 2 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I have Easter Oratorio on the main page, but of course told the story, which is admittedly complex, on Easter Sunday for the music's 300th anniversary. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

sang today --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:01, 9 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Good to see James Joyce on the main page again! I had no idea that you were a key contributor! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:50, 16 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"Think you're escaping and run into yourself. Longest way round is the shortest way home." Martinevans123 (talk) 21:55, 16 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Also genius! - Stravinsky pictured on his birthday + Vienna pics (for Brendel? ) - but too many who died + I have a "defiant" cantata up for GA - how do you like the light in the two 28 May pics? - Arietta beginning. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:11, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I can see Dietrich? Martinevans123 (talk) 19:22, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

? - go to places, 27 May, and two more for 28 --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:47, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh yes, amazing! Great pictures, thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

too many died, see my story and listen to Comfort ye (sung in German) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

... and today look at the autograph of Beethoven's last piano sonata and I took your video recommendation of genius --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:34, 19 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'll hear today's topic today, - you can listen before I do because it was streamed yesterday --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:49, 22 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Looks like we reverted the same commas for Brendel - you won ;) - Can you perhaps help with Schifrin? I just trimmed the unspeakable symphony premiere section. Sourcing is strange: some facts miss sources, but worse: some have sources until you look and it's not supported. We'll sing this Missa brevis tomorrow, and I should improve it ;) - altos leading the very beginning, and often later! - I forgot to update pics, sorry. Flowers and exquisite food. I received thanks on the commons for two of the pics, imagine. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:55, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Dog-walking duties call. Will try and look later. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:58, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you! - While you are of course invited to check out my recommendations any day, today offers unusually a great writer of novels, music with light and a place with exquisite food (as I told you before, but not others). --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:47, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank for the links! Martinevans123 (talk) 17:31, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Can you perhaps look at this strange article, Stuart Burrows? I'll look tomorrow. - Yesterday's Palestrina Missa was fun, - the tambourine player and alto singer is 90. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:19, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Doesn't look that strange? Very famous in Wales. Had his own TV series. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:04, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

by "strange" I didn't mean him but the article: why mention who else famous was born in the street? ... why so few refs? ... --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:31, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I guess because it is a "strange" coincidence. Wales is not a large country, but it's not that small! Lack of refs for ITN/RD articles is not strange at all, unfortunately. Mick is due to fall off today... Martinevans123 (talk) 08:38, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

came to say why no lead, why tons of links to composers while we want operas? - will look at Mick. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:41, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

A lead section is always a good idea. Only 21 more refs to copy-and-paste for Mick's albums. Apparently I'm quite famous for my copy-and-paste. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:45, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I looked. Also strange. "growing as bubblegum" was cute but I removed it. More lead would be nice. Also more personal life (2nd wife?), and without the "survived"-phrase, please. "minus" when talking about a band-member who died sounds heartless to me. I would have no idea how his music sounds from reading the article. Will try to do a few of the copy-pastes ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:37, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

There is a "wives discussion" at the Talk page. Drawn a blank with lack of RS sources. Yes, like many musical artist, the addition of audio samples and links is frowned upon as WP:UNDUE. I usually try to add something in External links, but even this is sometimes a target for the media police. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Even without music samples, there should be something in a review or two, instead of only all these details of when he performed with whom. I added refs except the two I couldn't find, pinged the two opposers in the nom, but said that the lead is poor. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 11:10, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks. Can't disagree. The opposers didn't mention the poor lead... Martinevans123 (talk) 11:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Much better now, thank you! Can you add the bit about him being glad about the hall of fame entry? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:29, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

That's a very good suggestion, thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 14:38, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

According to Martin C. Strong's book, The Great Rock Discography, Godbluff was issued in October 1975. I am sure that AllMusic and the hopelessly reliable Discogs give similar information. Not certain that which day in that month is that relevant; albums are often released on differing dates in different territories. The book is ISBN 9-781841-950174, page no. 1026, Fifth edition, 2000, Mojo Books. Oh, and no fee to be paid to me either (well, not this time) ! I suppose I could have edited that in the article but it is getting late and I need my beauty sleep - god, how I need my beauty sleep !! - Derek R Bullamore (talk) 21:57, 3 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks, Derek. Yes, it's in the AllMusic entry, so already sourced via that I guess. But now I could add the more impressive Strong book and pretend I found it! Quite agree about the day of the month - back in the good old vinyl times, I'm pretty sure record shops in different parts the UK would get their stock on different days... Martinevans123 (talk) 08:06, 4 June 2025 (UTC) p.s. ah yes, beauty sleep. I never get enough either... I must be daft.[reply]

Using the same source as above (page 957 this time), there was a slightly complicated history. "Dreamer" was released in the UK in December 1974 (AMS 7152) with "Bloody Well Right" on the B-side. "Dreamer" reached number 13 on the UK singles chart. However in the US the sides were flipped (I do not know why - but you know the Yanks; no taste and fat everywhere), with "Bloody.." being released there as top billing in March 1975 (AMS 1660), peaking at number 35 in the Billboard Hot 100. As before, "No Charge" applies; even when you do claim the credit ! Oh, and 'Good Morning' (I am assuming you've succumbed, as any sensible person would have, to beddy-byes by now). - Derek R Bullamore (talk) 22:44, 4 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Awwww, gee thanks, ya shouldn'a. As you know, "...all things considered, "the cost of real love is no charge": "My little boy came into the kitchen this evenin', while I was fixin' supper. And he handed me a Wikipedia essay on sources he'd been writing on. And after wipin' ma hands on ma apron, I read it... and this is what it said....": **sob** Martinevans123 (talk) 08:08, 5 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hey, just wanted to say that I'm glad we were able to have a civilized discussion regarding both sides' perceptions and perspectives on the matter, rather than it turning into a vitriolic back-and-forth in which our paragraphs become narrower than most words would allow! [Which I doubted it would have anyway, but just making a point here. I once got into it with some petulant, delusional Bette Davis hater at the Hollywood Canteen article, in which I had to defend the actual facts of her and John Garfield founding the Canteen from her claims that…well, they didn't because she had proof (articles which held no proof). Madness. What a nightmare!] Anywho, this was always calm and pleasant, so my mental health and I are grateful, haha. --Cinemaniac86^Talk_Stalk 22:15, 11 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No worries. Oh no, not that beastly Bette Davis! Don't get me started!! lol Martinevans123 (talk) 07:40, 12 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The source from the Independent you put up for a second survivor on the plane specifically says: "Another was found near the plane and is in hospital under treatment, but it is unclear whether they were on the plane or not." So it can't be used fto corroborate this claim. 2.207.102.157 (talk) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I have now removed all mention of any "second survivor", thanks. One miracle is enough for now, I guess. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:21, 12 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

RIP Alfred Brendel (5 January 1931 – 17 June 2025). Pure genius. [11] Martinevans123 (talk) 17:57, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

agree - thanks for working on it, will join tomorrow, first Joel Shapiro --Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:12, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

More genius. Martinevans123 (talk) 18:17, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No, not that one! This one? Too easy lol. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:23, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Or anyone tried this?? Martinevans123 (talk) 21:31, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, I believe the discussion I started at Talk:Be-Bop_Deluxe#Discography_page? may be of interest to you, given past discussions of Bill Nelson's solo discography. Fundgy (talk) 22:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yr updates to the page for Peter Smith are much appreciated. I had briefly thought about doing it, but was rather concerned that I'd probably mess it up.... Thank much! jxm (talk) 02:49, 18 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks very much, jxm. My pleasure. Martinevans123 (talk) 07:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you NeoGaze. Martinevans123 (talk) 07:25, 19 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The blocks and treats after this edit is kind of depressing, and it looks like he gave up. I'll post an apology on behalf of the wiki connumity (!) later today, but think it might be nice as a tribute to him if we work up Another Day (Roy Harper song) to GA or something, and would appreciate as always your help. To mention, like many others, in the early 90s that song was my gateway to Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, John Martyn, Robert Wyatt and many others. Ceoil (talk) 12:43, 20 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, that is quite sad. As if a song's composer could have anything useful to say about his own song... an obvious "conflict of interest". I think there's a bit of a logical contradiction there somewhere. Yes, that's a great track. Like this masterpiece. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:41, 21 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the edits. Have ordered a few books, can you keep an eye pls in next few weeks for the usual...Paddy spelling etc ;) Ceoil (talk) 10:43, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Better than being flooded with errors... Martinevans123 (talk) 08:22, 29 June 2025 (UTC) I will adopt a "more nudge than Nanny" approach![reply]

Ugg. Just found out missed getting tickets for a rare gig next September in a well known pub just down the road.[12] Have put in bids for any cancellations that might appear between now and then. Ceoil (talk) 21:44, 2 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ah, that's annoying! Let's hope you are lucky. At least you're not trapped in an online bidding war. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:28, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Morning Martin - when you have a chance, can you do me a favour and see if you can access the RCAHMW Coflein site. I've been trying to do so across all my devices for a couple of days and keep getting either a 502 Bad Gateway or a 504 Timeout Error message. Can't work out if it's my location, or whether the site is currently down. Thanks a lot. KJP1 (talk) 08:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, so you are still alive. As is this link, if that's the one you mean? Martinevans123 (talk) 09:02, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, still alive! It's just that my language classes and a bunch of other stuff aren't leaving much time for Wiki. But no, that's the main RCAHMW site. What I want is the Coflein searchable database. This should come up if you click "Search records" and then click "Coflein" on the link you've given, but I just get the same 504 error. Could you try it? You'll know if you succeed if you can get me Entry 31948, Abergavenny Carnegie Library. KJP1 (talk) 09:09, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Now look yer, Pedro, mate. I'm not paying your entry fee for any Abergavenny Library! I pay my good British taxes to get free and unhindered access to "Search records" at "Coflein"!! Martinevans123 (talk) 09:17, 28 June 2025 (UTC) oh, go on then... I'll have a look. I do owe you about 8,000 copyvio correction edits...[reply]

So... the Coflein page opens fine for me with a lovely very green image of what looks like a large tumulus or hill fort. Where do I look for Entry 31948? Martinevans123 (talk) 09:25, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Muchas gracias - Incidentally, until I can get HMRC so sort it out, I'm still making my own contribution to RCAHMW funding! KJP1 (talk) 09:28, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ah!! Vicente Fernández! My favourite. How did you know!? Martinevans123 (talk) 09:33, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

If I Google search, I get this, which is presumably the library you want. But, guess what, it refuses to open... so yes, it's 504. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:30, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

So, you should have two options - a searchable database that should allow you to enter "31948" or a searchable map in which case navigate your way to Abergavenny, and look for a little dot at the junction of Baker Street and Victoria Street in the southern quadrant of the town. Either should bring up the entry. KJP1 (talk) 09:31, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

There's the general search box top right, but that gives: "Search: 31948 Sorry! There were no results found!" Martinevans123 (talk) 09:35, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Odd-31948 is the right Coflein identifier, as you can see here, [13]. Can you find it via the searchable map? But it probably means the issue is my end and not Coflein. KJP1 (talk) 09:40, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Is the searchable map somewhere in a drop-down menu? Somewhere in the Coflein page? Martinevans123 (talk) 09:45, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Try this, [14]. Does it get you there? KJP1 (talk) 09:50, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Alas, 504 Gateway Time-out. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:57, 28 June 2025 (UTC) p.s. did I mention that I had recently moved??[reply]

No worries - I think that confirms it's a Coflein site issue, rather than a user (my) issue. I shall ask User:Charles.rcahmw if he's aware of a problem. Thanks for taking the time. All the best. KJP1 (talk) 10:00, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

You are very welcome. And I do hope you manage to return those overdue library books to Abergavenny! Martinevans123 (talk) 10:04, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Now that is a truly ghastly song! And why Abergavenny? As the song shows, it's not a very rhymable word! KJP1 (talk) 10:19, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"... passing the time with paradise people"! What's not to like. But not even mentioned! What a travesty. I think the video shows what happens when you drop the box of tape on the cutting room floor and just assemble it at random.... Martinevans123 (talk) 10:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Stolen from Facebook, as I knew you'd be interested...

""ABERGAVENNY"

Written by Manston / Gellar (That's Marty & Ronnie Scott)

Recorded by MARTY WILDE

Issued as a single on the UK Philips label in 1968 in mono, the song appeared in stereo on the Diversions album and as "Shannon" was released in the USA on the Heritage label. Shannon reached #6 in New Zealand and 47 in the USA with ABERGAVENNY; the version by South African Quentin E. Klopjaeger reached number 14 in South Africa and 17 in Rhodesia. Klopjaeger was the alternate ego of South African artist Billy Forrest. Under his stage name Marty also scored success in Australia and the Netherlands with this song and as popular as it was in the UK it didn't enjoy a chart position. Today though the song is lauded as an anthem.

Marty was inspired to pen the song during a visit in 1966 when he was playing in panto with his wife Joyce in Swansea, he saw a road sign that simply read 'Abergavenny' and he thought how rhythmic the word/name sounded. Then in recording sessions between the end of 1967 and into 1968, the track was laid down.

Gosh, appears at Marty Wilde discography, but obviously deserves its own article! Here's the stunningly imaginative Klopjaeger version. Martinevans123 (talk) 11:18, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'll let you get on and write that one! KJP1 (talk) 11:30, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Inspired by a road sign! Wonder if we can think of a few rhymes for Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch...? Martinevans123 (talk) 11:52, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Rhymes with Barbara's Rhubarb Bar. --Tryptofish (talk) 22:31, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

That sounds like a big load of Rhubarb to me. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:00, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well, better than a pi in the face. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:05, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, you can count on that, even if you are a bit crazy... Martinevans123 (talk) 21:10, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Just don't blow it! --Tryptofish (talk) 21:15, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

And don't let it go to your head. Trust you got your invite ok? Martinevans123 (talk) 21:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

KJP, I hear Spain might be getting a bit chilly these days, so I'll send you over a few extra woolies, to stop you catching a chill. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) p.s. if you want me to drop in those overdue volumes of yours, on the Munich School of Philosophy, I think the library is open Thursdays.[reply]

Chilly! It's hotter than Satan's ballsack here! But that matters little as Coflein is back on line. And what does it give me for Abergavenny Library... "Late Gothic style in early-C20 idiom." And that's it. Certainly worth waiting for! All the best. KJP1 (talk) 20:55, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ah, so that's what it's supposed to look like! The late Gothic folk of Abergavenny salute you for your diligence. And Satan also sends his compliments for those kind words. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:08, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I generally hate those things too. They just interrupt the flow of reading and scanning. Why are there editors whose sole purpose in life seems to be adding them? Softlavender (talk) 10:18, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I just don't know. They seem to just flit from article to article, don't they. It seems to be far more common in US English, so I tend to not touch those. The last discussion I had (somewhere at MoS?) seemed to conclude that in phrases such as "In 1998," it's just not needed, while in introductory phrases such as "On 3 April 1998," it might be. You do occasionally need it for disambiguation though. And for subordinate clauses of course, such as "In 1998, having left the country, he wrote his first novel". But 9 times out of 10, in Brit Eng articles, I think they are "neither use not ornament" and often a painfully perpetual source of contention. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Nuke them all, I say! I'm a Yank, definitely not a Brit, and I've been a professional editor for 40 years. Commas are to be placed where a pause in desired, which is definitely not the case (or hardly ever the case) in sentences such as "In 2025 ...." I say we start a "comma after year" war on the order of the infobox wars, take it to ArbCom, and let the chips fall where they may. Softlavender (talk) 11:15, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, I see this ish has been brought up here before: User talk:Martinevans123#Superfluous commas. I think the offending editors are simply boosting their edit count by doing rapid-fire mindless edits that they probably find through a gadget. It's the sort of simple-minded non-substantive thing I see most new accounts with rapid edits doing these days, to the overall general detriment of the 'pedia. Gone are the days where content, sourcing, and accuracy were king, and editors took pride in their edits. Adding unneeded and unwarranted commas after year dates is nothing to be proud of. Softlavender (talk) 13:28, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

HELL, YEAH!! "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this any more!!" You tell 'em, Softie!! Martinevans123 (talk) 15:25, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

We are dealing with missionaries such as here. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:35, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Slightly different in that one of their 4 added commas was after the phrase "In April 2007", which neither Martin nor I are referring to, because that is not "In [year]", which is the only phrase that should have commas removed because a pause in reading is usually neither needed nor at all desired. You'll notice that Martin did not remove that one [15]. -- Softlavender (talk) 21:50, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I was tempted actually. But I know what Gerda means about "missionaries". Their position is quite clear! Martinevans123 (talk) 08:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Jumping in: I was part of hoo has years ago over the use of the 'introductory comma'. To me, it serves no use and shouldn't be there, but it's not a hill I'm going to die on. Most WP articles seem to use it, just because. It does grate. Anna (talk) 14:25, 21 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, what a set. Immense sound. Epic. Never better. Spooner Oldham is now 82! [16] Martinevans123 (talk) 21:25, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"In a unique Wimbledon twist, those calls are then vocalised using recordings of the voices of staff from the All England Club." Cripes, is nothing sacred. Good Lord, what would Dan have said... Martinevans123 (talk) 19:23, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Personally, I'd have loved to see a showdown between a robot and John McEnroe. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Curiously, in the UK, he's now been transformed from tennis bad boy to BBC icon. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:00, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Really? That gets me thinking. We have some other, um, loudmouths here in the colonies. I'm wondering if you Brits could transform them into something inanimate that could be stowed away on a shelf somewhere. Please! --Tryptofish (talk) 20:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"You cannot be serious"!! ("...chalk flew up") Martinevans123 (talk) 20:10, 1 July 2025 (UTC) p.s. I wonder could you possibly arrange for that nice Mr Jones to do a talk on pressed flowers for next Thursdays WI meeting at Compton Bishop?? They are all such big fans, apparently. They could probably fit him in between Mr Musk on "Handling Fireworks Safely" and Mr Edwards on "Amateur Photography for Beginners"... [reply]

Ash heap of history?? nah, I prefer, Courtney Love's Hole, thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:17, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I would go further and replace all ballboys and ballgirls with R2-D2 types to hoover up stray tennis balls (and even argumentative participants). Of course the R2-D2s would occasionally malfunction and hurtle at speed at the net and bounce off equally quickly. They might knock those snotty umpires off their high chairs in the process, which would make far better viewing than the overwrought ping-pong on offer at most matches. There must be a few spare Daleks around if the purists needed a more homegrown affair.

Shouting "exterminate" at that stroppy talentless Aussie that turns up each year looking for a fight, might make him think twice. - Derek R Bullamore (talk) 22:28, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe they could exterminate a few rackets? Martinevans123 (talk) 08:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

so, come to think of it... Sir Andy often used to sound a bit like a dalek... And I've never actually seen Clare Balding in the same room as you know who... so yeah, hmmm, makes ya think.... Martinevans123 (talk) 15:08, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sorry but I do feel like I should be an uninvited guest here. @Martinevans123 next time you diss the Baldster you're getting a final warning.

I would start watching tennis if they had R2-D2 as a ballgirl/boy. (Sorry R2-D2, I don't know your gender). Knitsey (talk) 20:16, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Just be careful not to misgender C-3PO. --Tryptofish (talk) 20:23, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I feel like this might be a trap. Knitsey (talk) 20:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"that's what she said" Martinevans123 (talk) 20:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Did you just compare me to... Knitsey (talk) 20:33, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry, but yes. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well that's one way to get me off your talk page. Knitsey (talk) 20:45, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No, no, please. I already had you pencilled in for "Jimmy Wales is nowt but a pansy". Martinevans123 (talk) 20:50, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ah, now that I can help you with lad. Knitsey (talk) 20:55, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Why stop with Wimbledon... and why stop with the line judges?? Martinevans123 (talk) 18:49, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

So that's what Match of the Day will look like without our Gary. Just as dull as ever, albeit funnier and with more stretchers on the park. - Derek R Bullamore (talk) 14:10, 5 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Mantle with aplomb! Martinevans123 (talk) 17:48, 5 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks, Black Kite. Martinevans123 (talk) 07:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

story · music · places

Black Kite listened to me ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

That was a good outcome. It's sometimes hard to guess if a nomination will be posted or not. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I was sure this time. Only it didn't happen. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:43, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I must admit, I am never sure until it actually happens. I didn't stay up to watch.... I didn't realise that non-posted nominations could be dragged back if they had fallen off the page. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:48, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I did that several times, most often because the death was known only later. This man had a six-digit following when he died, - it's a shame we didn't get him posted sooner, but not posting would have been - what? - impossible, if you ask me. Next: the composer of Mission: Impossible. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:11, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'm very grateful for your bold moves, Gerda. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:12, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Heard a lovely concert, click on music: the place where sang for Pentecost - I gave her my story today, with Satie a day late for the centenary ... --Gerda Arendt (talk) 23:07, 2 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the links. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:25, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

After our mission proved possible after all, back to Stuart Burrows. The long list of top-notch conductors at Carnegie Hall is probably true but I didn't find a source, - commented out. Some later performances same, but I left them - until someone notices, or you find a ref ;) - Will nominate now. There should be more about his voice. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:41, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Great work, Gerda. It's a modest article but already well-sourced. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:44, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you, also for the new ref! - Kafka's birthday again, 12 years after the one with the Google doodle. As you know, the concert I listened to was remarkable, pic added to the performer who added a Chick Corea touch to English traditionals. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:01, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, intriguing! I don't know where you get the time, Gerda. I wonder did they do "Die kleinen Leute"?? Martinevans123 (talk) 19:08, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

no, "In Germany before the War", and by Britten "The Salley Gardens" and "The Ash Grove", and by Bogle "All the Fine Young Men", and traditionals "Wayfaring Stranger", "She Moved Through the Fair", "The Wife of Usher's Well", "The Three Ravens", "King Henry", "Barbara Allen", "Henry Martin" and "Lord Randall". --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:30, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Haha. Thanks for the programme! Sounds very interesting. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:34, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Eric Bogle quite an overlooked genius. And "Fine Young Men" another great anti-war song. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:37, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Mr Thompson is still doing "She Moved Through the Fair". Always spine-tingling for me. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:44, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Great! - Check out my talk, - if you have little time, listen to Gilda Cruz-Romo (and Franco Corelli) in the final scene of Aida, if you have more read her article, and if you have still more check out my music, some sung with me in choir, some played by friends, all heard with friends. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:58, 8 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Nicolai Gedda would have been 100 today. If you have little time, just listen to his flower song. If you have more read about Helena Tattermuschová, the cunning little vixen. Places have a funny pic of Tamar Halperin and the beer. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:37, 11 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Today you can listen to what the DYK says. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:14, 12 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Can you help with the composer pictured with Zelenskyy? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:16, 12 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I nominated him for RD. What about Iris Williams? - Perhaps you can listen to yesterday's concert of all Brahms. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 16:13, 13 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Today is Bastille Day, commemorated by a DYK as my "story" and a visit to the Bastille Opera in "music". I like the interview coming with the story, on the day before the big event, but for pomp and circumstance, the affair with 600 singing children and orchestra, and the singer dressed in the national flag, was also captured on videos, much slower. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:57, 14 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Someone nominated Iris Williams, and - what's new - she needs more sources. I'm too tired, wanted to nominate a French one but didn't get to the recordings [17] --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:52, 14 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I remember a 2016 TFA in today's story, in memory of 16 July 1916. Now I have to write an article I couldn't believe was missing. He died. "Seele, vergiß sie nicht". --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:49, 16 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Check out places for a great smile, - he had just stepped in to play Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, successfully! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:21, 18 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Especially for you: three Ukrainian topics were on the main page today, at least at the beginning, RD and DYK, - see my talk. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 17:22, 20 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Three of "my" recent deaths bios are on the main page right now, one my story today, Gary Karr, and I loved to find his breakthrough concert in 1962 as a video. In my music today I match it with 9 other double bassists, 7 conducted by a person who's birthday is today - coincidence ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:15, 23 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

miss you - Béatrice Uria-Monzon and her story, Julia Hagen and her no story --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:23, 26 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

miss you - On Bach's day of death, I decorated my user pages in memory of his music, and my story ends on "peace". --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:19, 28 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Just a lovely thank you for your recent edits on the Manners pages. Really appreciate it! All the best GrandDukeMarcelo (talk) 20:54, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My pleasure. You know what they say, "Manners maketh man", or at least puts them damn Yankees in their place...! Martinevans123 (talk) 21:17, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks, Black Kite. Almost as good as Mission Impossble!... The Cat (1965). Martinevans123 (talk) 10:09, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure if you've noticed but you recently deleted the topic of "Commited", just to let you know I had already edited it out before I added the topic. I had left the topic on the talk page of Jeremy Kyle to let the user who wrote that part why I hade changed that part.

Regards, JJ549m. JJ549m (talk) 11:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for explaining. As it stood, your statement did not make any sense. I now see that you made this change before you added the comment. Many editors might see "took their own life" as a euphemism. Alternatives might be "killed herself" or "died by suicide"? Probably best to discuss at Talk:Jeremy Kyle. Martinevans123 (talk) 11:48, 3 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks, PFHLai. "Una furtiva lagrima" from Donizetti's opera L'elisir d'amore (1832) Martinevans123 (talk) 08:52, 5 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hello Martin - I hope you are well. It is three weeks now since you last posted, which is an eternity for someone usually so verbose in these parts. Your friends here are getting slightly concerned as to your welfare. Perhaps you have simply taken a long vacation somewhere warm and sultry - if so, let me know where; I can always do with a bit of the sultry. Best wishes. - Derek R Bullamore (talk) 22:12, 31 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

story · music · places

The last four stories were about Bach's Mass in B minor (because I heard it), and about three who died, including two women. Tenebrae. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:43, 10 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Today a great singer, pictured on my talk twice. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:23, 17 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Check out my talk for an Independence day, or: the pic of Oksana Lyniv was taken on 24 August. There's listening and reading in today's story, and I like both. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:19, 24 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

On top of my talk: birthday of a great violinist and Requiem for a great friend. We sang Paradisi gloria from the Stabat Mater in the end. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:19, 31 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Do you remember The ripper004? Well, I'm him, only on a different account (I ended up forgetting the password for the other one). You may see my edits on works from the late 19th and early 20th century such as "Pines of Rome" and "The Miraculous Mandarin" (love that one!). Just a bit of a quality of life update. I see you've been active lately. Anyway, see you around!

P.S.: How is it over in the UK? I hope you're doing fine. Mahlershotovich (talk) 04:42, 13 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I saw Gerda's edit summary which said "miss you", and checked your edits. You haven't edited since 10 July and didn't leave any notes or banners about a break. I hope you are OK! Please let us know, via an on-wiki note or an email. Softlavender (talk) 21:47, 18 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Update: I just got an email from Martin, who must have seen the above message. The wiki email simply reads: "Don't worry, I am fine. Just taking a bit of a break." Softlavender (talk) 09:55, 19 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, I'm glad to hear it. Martin, enjoy your break, and we'll look forward to hearing from you whenever you get back. --Tryptofish (talk) 19:41, 19 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Jeez, yes, good news. Martin, you should have known that just wiki-disappearing would cause concern and left a note somewhere (other than written in magic marker on a park bench). Randy Kryn (talk) 22:19, 19 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

story · music · places

Time for some Ukrainian colours again: my story today is about a composer and his ballerina wife, pictured as I saw them in 2009. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:56, 2 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I enjoy a DYK that pictures a person together with achievements in art. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 11:44, 7 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks for your messages all. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:40, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Arvo Pärt 90 today! You saw that it took me some trouble to get him to the main page? Listen! (the Irish piece, of course - did I tell you that he met hm once?) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:58, 11 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well done, anyway. He gets a birthday piece in New Statesman: "Arvo Pärt at 90: the holy minimalist who defied the Soviets" Martinevans123 (talk) 13:06, 11 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Great! Can you add it to the article please. Concert yesterday, and enthusiastic guests to stay. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:32, 15 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Now added. He even got a mention on BBC Radio 4's Today and for The Proms. Martinevans123 (talk) 13:58, 15 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you! - Today is the birthday of the 16th Thomaskantor after Bach, remembered. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:03, 20 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

A friend's birthday, - she gave me a song (story), and we listened to a Bach concert together, with the music asking for peace in the end. (You can watch it again in my story for 28 July). - Matching: today's RD (#100 of this year), Siegmund Nimsgern, was also known for performing Bach. - New pics from the celebration of a centenary of birth of a friend. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:16, 21 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

John Rutter 80 today! I sang his major choral works with four choirs, and many of his uplifting anthems, 13 DYK? I watched him explain his Magnificat in person in 1998, and now see it on Youtube: he wore the same outfit. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:52, 24 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

How amazing. Thanks, Gerda. Martinevans123 (talk) 06:45, 25 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

95: My story today is about the principal violin of the Concentus Musicus; she would have been 95 OTD. I felt connected when the second oboist of our recent concert, of Haydn's Stabat Mater, said that he built an English horn for his performance of the work with the Concentus Musicus. - Concert weekend pictured in "places". --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:12, 26 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Today I could have told many stories, - St. Michael's Day (The Company of Heaven and Bach cantatas) and the anniversary of our performance of the Mass in B minor in 2013. I picked the composition (and its author) that was on DYK in the morning, and you can listen. I also show a collection of DYK around people called Michael on my user page ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:09, 29 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the links, Gerda. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:16, 29 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Did you listen? Another elegiac listen today. I found the piece when compiling titles with the word, but finding the youtube was coincidental - small world. If the sample is too heavy, try Schubert, - plenty of heavenly piano trio music by the same three players (but without a pic of them). I have four RD in a row lined up, please keep ITNN watched where two are nominated. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:09, 30 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, thanks. Very good. I'm also awaiting two ITN/RDs. Rather slow progress on both. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:18, 30 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I would have liked a bit more "slowness" for Pidoux who left the main page shortly before midnight ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:23, 30 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, it's always "swings and roundabouts," isn't it. Could these famous people please stop dying. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:27, 30 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your support at ITN for Danny Thompson, which was marked as (Reviews needed), but came to nothing and fell off, even though there was no opposition. I guess this often happens. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:24, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Please go try on the talk!! People have shown mercy. My story today is about Márta Kurtág for whom they didn't but that was in 2019. Amakuru made it possible that a Nigeria-related hook appeared on DYK today (Independence day!) against teh rulez - miracles still happen (sometimes by Curbon7? Schwede66 ...?) I have Dieter Kaufmann in danger today. - Back to the pianists: don't miss watching them playing, and imagine me watching in a much smaller place, playing on an upright piano which seemed so fitting, and making me cry by playing the Sonatina from BWV 106 last. I was happy to find this yt - didn't have much time - which has some other Bach, will search later for the Sonatina. Two reviews waiting, several articles ... and the praise for those who made the Nigeria miracle happen! I will be back for new flowers. Still doing my watch list ... --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:43, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I might ask, thanks. But I suspect it might be more wasted effort. I could understand dumping it if there had been objections that were not addressed by the cut-off date. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:45, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

It's relatively small effort, compared to what you put into improving. How about GA? (The one with the Nigeria hook that the rulez-driven didn't want went right up for FAC ;) - What is stopping the other? Hopefully that those at the end get a chance ;) - we want them all to stay 24 hours, and there was a lot of turn-around yesterday. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:03, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, Danny Thompson had two clear supports and no opposes. I guess we can blame the archive bot, which is oblivious to such things. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:07, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

RIP Richard Davies (22 July 1944 – 5 September 2025): English musician, singer and songwriter best known as founder, vocalist and keyboardist of the rock band Supertramp: [18]. Martinevans123 (talk) 08:44, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

... and already nominated for ITNN. - Can you perhaps help with getting the orange tag down for Arvo Pärt for his 90th birthday? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:20, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well done for getting the orange tag down for his 90th birthday. Sorry, I am a bit busy "IRL". Happy birthday for Thursday, Arvo. Here's VOCES8 with The Deer's Cry: [19] at St Vedast Foster Lane in 2019. Martinevans123 (talk) 18:42, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I think I may have given that to you, years ago, when I wrote the article ;) - I could cite the RMF programs of the concerts back in 2005, if needed. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:06, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

If you had not given it, I might easily have taken it (and adopted as mine)... Thanks anyway. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:24, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Martin, keep your nunc dimwittis parts to yourself. --Tryptofish (talk) 20:31, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

(...still thinking of suitably witty reply...) Martinevans123 (talk) 20:37, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Just wait till you see my permanent hoodie (Go check them out guys!) Martinevans123 (talk) 21:08, 8 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Compared with other wonderful 1974 albums, like Bluejeans & Moonbeams, Feats Don't Fail Me Now, Clic, It's Only Rock 'n Roll, Hergest Ridge, Okie, Rock Bottom, etc., etc., you might argue that Crime of the Century was a bit light-weight. But it's still a great album and one of Davies' finest achievements. A true classic. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:49, 9 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks, Curbon7. Martinevans123 (talk) 06:54, 11 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Apart from the stunning last night performance by Alison Balsom of Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major, the major highlight from this year for me was the Proms debut, on 20 July 2025, of Théotime Langlois de Swarte and Le Consort: [20] (quartet from 33:36 onwards). Just incredible. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:11, 14 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your recent clarification on the Tredegar House page. Although, they probably shared a mutual loathing of inheritance tax too!… :-) Mac Edmunds (talk) 13:15, 15 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Haha, yes, very likely. There is a little more at that South Wales Argus source: "The two men loathed each other, and were said to have been highly critical of one another - although the reason for the feud remains unclear." Martinevans123 (talk) 13:18, 15 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

And apropos of nothing... here's Cerys Matthews, from her 2013 album Hullabaloo, with "her take on "Gwahoddiad". Very simple, very touching. (guitar – Frank Moon / Mason Neely) Martinevans123 (talk) 16:12, 18 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I don’t usually listen to acoustic-takes like that, but you’re right: it is rather lovely. I like Gwahoddiad (quite by accident you’ve stumbled across a varied-music enjoyer); my usual go-to performance is the Morriston Orpheus Chior’s version. Mac Edmunds (talk) 20:27, 18 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"Well man, yes indeed!" (... as my great-uncle Tom used to say). The Morrison Orpheus is quite magnificent, isn't it. Slightly more restrained is Treorchy from 1973, which to me is more subtle and lyrical. The charm of Cerys's is that it's so understated, almost reluctant. So fragile. Martinevans123 (talk) 20:31, 18 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

...and here's some classic Rufus... (no, not that one!) Enjoy. (yes, the piano break is about 20 bars too long, never mind...) Martinevans123 (talk) 20:40, 18 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"Two degrees in be-bop, a PHD in swing; He's the master of rhythm, he's a rock and roll king, yeah": [21] what a groove... Martinevans123 (talk) 22:05, 19 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Apols for my tardy reply; I have been away. Here is my homework, Sir!... I think saying the Treorchy version is more lyrical sums it up perfectly. The lighter timbre makes the occasional organ accompaniment more effective methinks. Minutes before I went away on Friday, I listened to the first twenty seconds of "Scotch and Soul". That deliciously funky piano hooked me. But – having not listened to Harley before, crikey: I was not expecting those bagpipes to come in! “Bizzare” just keeps coming to mind as I listen to it, but lovably so; the way the pipes perfectly fill a traditionally saxophone-oriented role is just fantastic. Those chromatic piano chords at 1:35 are lovely too. I see what you mean about the piano break being too long, but the subsequent transition into the initial theme is pleasing. And that line does fit perfectly in RnRD. Mac Edmunds (talk) 17:23, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well said, Mac! Harley is pretty much out on his own. An acquired taste for many! But really swings in my book. Not half bad for a second album. Martinevans123 (talk) 17:26, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps I will give you some sparodical suggestions of my own. Horowitz's arrangement of Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" has recently become a go-to. I generally listen to the Maestro's 1951 rendition at Carnegie Hall, but stumbled across an incredible (jaw-dropping, really) impromptu duet version by Benjamin Grosvenor, with "strategic disruptions by David Gray". If you want magical control, the former is for you. If you want a three-minute laugh (but simultaneous blowing-away), have a look at the latter! Mac Edmunds (talk) 17:40, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Will certainly have a look at those! Many thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 17:47, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I found the latter far more entertaining! Martinevans123 (talk) 15:26, 27 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

On another note, this has become just about the least Tredegar House related (yet Tredegar House branded) content on Wikipedia! :-) Mac Edmunds (talk) 17:42, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Best I could find: "Ar ben waun Tredegar"! Martinevans123 (talk) 17:50, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh! Just thought of a limerick which was written when Sir William Morgan had his KB star stolen by a highwayman (albeit not written to any music). Will look for it tomorrow. I think that is the closest we will get! Mac Edmunds (talk) 20:53, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Said limerick... (rather larger than I remembered!)

1.

Hear, all ye Friends to Knighthood,

A Tale will make you wonder,

How Catiff vile,

By basest Wile,

A hardy Knight did plunder.

2.

O had you seen our Hero,

No Knight could e’er look pigger,

Unlefs hur Size,

My Song belies,

Than Morgan of Tredegar.

3.

A Rippan graced hur Shoulder,

A Star shone on her Breast, Sir,

With smart Tupee,

Fort Bein Poudree,

And Cockade on his Creft, Sir.

4.

The Rippan held a Bauble,

Which hur kind Stars decreed hur,

With which hur’d play,

Both Night and Day,

Twou’d do you Good to’ve see’d her.

5.

Tho’ I a Bauble call it,

It must not be so flighted,

‘Twas one of the Toys,

Bob have his Boys,

When first the Chits were Knighted.

6.

Learn hence, ye courtly Lordlings,

Who hear this fatal story,

On how flight Strings,

Depend those Things,

On which you place your Glory.

Mac Edmunds (talk) 15:23, 27 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Goodness me, hardly snappy, is it. But probably deserves its own article! And talking of poems... (amongst others) here's a Ken Dodd favourite:

The boy stood on the burning deck

His feet were full of blisters

The flames burned off his underpants

So now he wears his sisters.

Martinevans123 (talk) 15:33, 27 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No... it's not particularly snappy, is it. Originally thought to have been by Lord Chesterfield (now unlikely). Haha – Good one! Mac Edmunds (talk) 16:09, 27 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Almost as famous as the fags he was named after! Martinevans123 (talk) 16:23, 27 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I nice rendition of Gershwin... if his music is to your taste, even if from 1:12 the player is seemingly being electrocuted by the piano! Mac Edmunds (talk) 16:44, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Mmmm, very nice. But yes, it can happen.... if like Keith Emerson, you go and stick knives if the keyboard! Silly chap. Martinevans123 (talk) 16:51, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well, well, well. I have never seen anything like that. That's Maybe he was trying to up-stage The Who? Mac Edmunds (talk) 17:23, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Of course, it's just too easy to "deconstruct" a guitar, or even just burn one: [22] Martinevans123 (talk) 18:35, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know whether the stabbing or burning amazes me more. Mac Edmunds (talk) 18:50, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"A recurring event in early episodes was "piano smashing" where the teams had to break up an old upright piano with sledgehammers into small enough pieces to push through an aperture shaped like a large letterbox."..... "Hahahahaha, and just look at the Belgians!!": [23] Martinevans123 (talk) 19:07, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

What the dickens?! I’m as amused the needless brutality as I am cringing over the fact that it’s just vandalism. And university students too… they’re supposed to be more enlightened than the rest of us; perhaps for just five minutes they wanted to put their intellectuality to one side! Mac Edmunds (talk) 20:33, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

It's quite astonishing, isn't it.... and you try and find a pub (that's still open...) that's even got a piano, these days! A national tragedy.... Martinevans123 (talk) 20:37, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your comments. My health isn't good and I'm not in a position currently to trawl biogs to check the details, which is awkward. Am I right in thinking that WP is only really concerned with tertiary sources and won't wade into primaries? I imagine Motion would go into the end of life details at length... Any ideas? I hope you are doing well. Thanks for still being here and keeping on keeping on. Anna (talk) 23:03, 19 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Dear Anna. Thank you so much for your useful note. I am very sorry to hear your health is not good. I do not have a copy of Motion (1997) to hand, but I would also expect there to be much detail there. Yes, Severn looks like pure WP:PRIMARY territory. Let's see if the IP wants to discuss at the Talk:John Keats. The edit was apparently the only and only edit they have made so far. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:43, 20 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks. Of course, it's good for the article to grow and develop, and for more nuance to be added, if needed. I guess, as an IP, it's unlikely for the editor to return. But perhaps someone will pick up on the question at a later date. I hope you've had a peaceful summer. All best wishes. Anna (talk) 15:39, 20 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes it does seem a bit unlikely, as it's now been over three days since the contentious addition. Yes, I have had a very peaceful summer, thank you. Best wishes to you too. Martinevans123 (talk) 15:51, 20 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Anna, I want to echo what Martin said, that I'm sorry to hear about your health problems. Best wishes. --Tryptofish (talk) 22:21, 20 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks TP. I am glad I was able to contribute to WP for maybe ten years. It is an important project to me, esp as the rest of the internet seems to combust. Thanks for supporting Martin. Anna (talk) 14:17, 21 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

You can't beat a bit of good support ... They can trust me to build a meticulously sturdy article. (Only joking, honest!) Martinevans123 (talk) 20:31, 26 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

RIP Daniel Henry Edward Thompson (4 April 1939 – 23 September 2025). This is a very sad loss. A wonderful musician for so many years: Richard Thompson & Danny Thompson - "The Ghost Of You Walks" (Later... with Jools Holland, 8th June 1996). Martinevans123 (talk) 17:41, 24 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

.... not forgetting (1969)....

.... or this (1971)...

.... or of course this (2003)...!

.... "Sweet Little Mystery" with John Martyn, (Germany 1986)

....and, of course, [24] John Martyn's "Solid Air" (1973)

Thank you, Amakuru. That is a very pleasant surprise. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:41, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

story · music · places

Thank you for going over to ITN talk! - My story today is about a woman and her husband who played Bach's Sonatina for us (Rheingau Musik Festival, long ago) on an upright piano, and it made me cry, and I still remember. -- Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:22, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks for suggesting! Martinevans123 (talk) 10:42, 1 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Carl Nielsen (FA by four colleagues, not me) is remembered on the main page! My story on the Germany National holiday is a song calling to trust the new ways, written shortly before the events leading to reunification. I saw a lovely Mozart opera production yesterday, in case of interest. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:15, 3 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ooh, that looks very intriguing.... Martinevans123 (talk) 19:36, 3 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Completely different opera today, - there are youtubes of all three acts of the 100-year-old opera with a young Abbado. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:00, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

As I recall, also a 1979 masterpiece by Herzog with Klaus Kinski! Martinevans123 (talk) 21:05, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yes. - A good story for a Sunday: Martin Neary conducting Purcell. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:22, 5 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

... and a good one for Monday, about a mezzo as a thinking person, DYK? - see also video. (The nomination wasn't by me, which probably helped.) I didn't see her, but the Carmen production at the Bastille Opéra that she was in last. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 16:36, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Semi-opera? No, Sexi-opera! Martinevans123 (talk) 16:42, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

peak, - yes, of sensuality perhaps ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 16:59, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

"L'amour est un oiseau rebelle"? Tastiest sea snails I've seen for a while. Martinevans123 (talk) 17:03, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

ok, if you don't want manzanilla --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:42, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oooh, very lively! Thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:44, 6 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for listening! - Happy birthday, Margaret Medlyn! (I found the article - not by me - when searching for someone whose birthday is today.) - I took a cat pic, presented by Rosiestep today. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:55, 7 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Theo Jörgensmann - could you give him a lead deserving the name? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:35, 7 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I'll try and have a look, thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:42, 7 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My step one to get rid of the tag "lead too short" was placing the header a bit lower. The former first paragraph sort of works as a summary, but there's much room for improvement. Refs or at least inline application needed, as almost always for things translated from de. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:13, 7 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I noticed that others helped there also! - Happy 50th birthday, Alain Altinoglu!) - I let the video begin with a closeup of the octobass ;) Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:56, 9 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Jörgensmann nominated for RD, 2 days to go --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:07, 11 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I am proud to have brought two performing women to the main page. Sadly, death kept both from performing more, one sooner, the other much later. If you have little time just listen to the one who died young and see if it touches you (in today's story, - I don't want to sprinkle youtube links outside my user pages). Latest pics from a day to the opera in Frankfurt, and afterwards (because train service is only once an hour) a lovely stroll along the Main river with illumination and the moon reflected. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:29, 12 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I am sad that I had to bring two more people there. At least the video in my story is cute, made for children. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:54, 14 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

marked to be sung "Happily" --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:23, 15 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

What would you guess: how many composers are mentioned in the article of Bernhard Klee, to whose conducting of Das Lied von der Erde you can listen? And what to say for a DYK? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:13, 17 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

How many? - Can I interest you in the Double Concerto by Brahms, a piece I heard twice this year - see music. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:40, 18 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My latest: Roberta Alexander, - listen. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:09, 20 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Can't believe that Toshio Hosokawa is 70 already. - Klaus Doldinger on the same page. Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:11, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

As you know: today Sequenza III on Luciano Berio's centenary. You can listen with the score or to the first performer, Cathy Berberian (link in the work's article), - I couldn't decide ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:25, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Elsa Reger on her birthday --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:19, 25 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you, Robertsky.

"These Vs are all the versuses of life
From LEEDS v. DERBY, Black/White
and (as I've known to my cost) man v. wife,
Communist v. Fascist, Left v. Right"

Martinevans123 (talk) 10:04, 2 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

And a good night to all, and to all a good night. --Tryptofish (talk) 23:34, 2 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

A lost world... Martinevans123 (talk) 21:44, 3 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hello Martinevans123, I hope you are having a good day. Recently your last edit got reverted by the same user "Per Exemplum" who has been edit warring on this article for many months. Would you consider reverting to your latest edit since that was the most accurate version of the article?

Thanks Trust114 (talk) 17:13, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hello Trust114. Can I suggest that you first raise the matter for discussion at Talk:Martha Argerich, where it really should be fully discussed? User:Per exemplum may have been, as you say, "edit warring on this article for many months" but, as far as I can see, they have not yet been officially warned for that. If you need to ask for a second opinion on this, I suggest you ask User:Ymblanter who protected the latest version. Many thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 17:25, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

All I see here is an instance of WP:CANVASS using a brand new account—and following repetitive IP vandalism—in an attempt to achieve your desired result. To clarify: no, I have not been "edit warring for months"; classical music isn't even my field and I am afraid I don't have much capacity at the moment to get into a back-and-forth with someone so clearly determined to engage in persistent disruptive editing. Majority of my edits had to do with establishing reliable sourcing for a claim made in the lead, which is broadly supported. Then my concern, which it seems was well founded, was simply to protect the page. @Martinevans123sorry I am sorry this is taking up your talk page space. Per Exemplum 17:52, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No worries, Per Exemplum. I kinda had a few doubts, shall we say... Martinevans123 (talk) 17:57, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

@Trust114 I just learned that your canvassing continued beyond user pages. Using the page protection request form to "have some help dealing" with me is deeply concerning. I don't believe you know (or event want to know at this point) how Wikipedia works. No one here has an agenda here but you, it appears. And though I certainly agree that @Martinevans123 is "an esteemed writer of wikipedia", even they make sure to follow the rules. Per Exemplum 19:37, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

More of a steamed writer, really. Martinevans123 (talk) 19:42, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

And just like that, I learned something new about both you and cheeseburgers. Win/win. :-) Per Exemplum 19:46, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Ah yes, Just like that.... Always better than just fries! Martinevans123 (talk) 19:50, 4 October 2025 (UTC) [25]... and...How Wikipedia works...[reply]

Note

Trust114 (talk · contribs) has been blocked for a week due to WP:LOUTSOCKing using 78.171.128.159 and 176.54.27.68. Martinevans123 (talk) 17:21, 5 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Highlight was surely Darius Rucker with: "Folsom Prison Blues". Martinevans123 (talk) 22:46, 4 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Well, if they freed me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine

I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line

Far from Folsom prison, that's where I want to stay

And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away.

Launchballer 00:04, 10 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Congrats, although ash dieback sounds like it must be quite a pain in the ash. --Tryptofish (talk) 00:25, 10 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Have long been a fan of Anthony and the Johnsons, but randomly came across this this evening.[26]...the whole "Visions of the Country" album is great. But compare "Blue Crystal Fire" to blue angel. Nice passing of the torch. Ceoil (talk) 22:44, 11 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

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