Many Thanks

Something about the arrival of a new year makes people uncharacteristically introspective, a phenomenon for which I am quite grateful. Those for whom such a state is in fact a chronic condition may still, though, take this opportunity to reflect. I shall do so here and now.

First and foremost, many thanks to my esteemed and excellent co-blogger Mr. Northcutt. He kindly invited me to share this space with him and I have been most honored and pleased to do so. I much look forward to his coming writings this next year and toward collaboration.

Second, thank you dear readers. We have attempted to provide you with commentary, considerations, and findings both scholarly and significant, enjoyable and enlightening. We hope you have found them so.

Expect in the future more on conservatism and liberalism and significant disagreement between your humble bloggers. Expect more thoughts on Classics and the Classical world. I intend to continue my essays in musical analysis and film reviews and welcome any suggestions as to what to review.

We have largely refrained from entering the fray of partisan politics and intend only to do so at the service of discussing a philosophical question.

I will leave Herr Mozart the last words of 2009:

Le nozze di Figaro, Act IV: Contessa Perdono. . .

  Bryn Terfel, Alison Hagley, Rodney Gilfry, Hillevi Martinpelto.

The English Baroque Soloists conducted by John Eliot Gardiner.
Filmed at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. 1993.

ALL Then let us all Be happy. This day of torment, Of caprices and folly, Love can end Only in contentment and joy. Lovers and friends, let's round things off In dancing and pleasure, And to the sound of a gay march Let's hasten to the revelry!

TUTTI Ah, tutti contenti saremo così. Questo giorno di tormenti, di capricci, e di follia, in contenti e in allegria solo amor può terminar. Sposi, amici, al ballo, al gioco, alle mine date foco! Ed al suon di lieta marcia corriam tutti a festeggiar!

Translation via Opera Guide: The Virtual Opera House.