Newcastle University-trained surgeon Prof Shima Gyoh, writes that “it was heavenly!” as he sat back in his chair listening to The Messiah, recorded at the Duke University Chapel auditorium in the US.
Prof Gyoh, who shared his experience on his Facebook account, Shima Gyoh, said he “boasted” to himself that the crowd sitting in the Duke University Chapel auditorium “where the world-class orchestra was performing had only a narrow, non-regrettable advantage” over him.
Read his account:
“Modern technology has great products! I am able, through satellite reception, to receive excellent pictures and sound right here in my village. I have very good electronic music reproduction skills, and, provided I have power, I can enjoy the privileges anyone can have in large cities in advanced countries.
“Over this festive season, I sat in the chair in the living room, with the excellent signals coming into my magnificent amplifier. There was power, and being in the village, I could turn the volume as high as I wanted without being a nuisance to any neighbour. I went to YouTube, scanned the profuse choice available, and chose The Messiah, recorded at the Duke University Chapel auditorium, US.
“It was heavenly! The professional, well-trained choir and instrumentalists, wearing their best, performed wonderfully in the magnificent hall. I boasted to myself that the crowd sitting there, in the hall where the world-class orchestra was performing, had only a narrow, non-regrettable advantage over me.
“Then my Housekeeper came in by the front door to make her way behind my chair to the kitchen. The good middle-aged lady has been working for me for years. She usually enjoys listening and watching the dancers when I play the cultural music of our tribe. She stopped briefly behind me to listen and watch the orchestra. Then she interrupted.
‘“I hope you don’t mind my questions. The band is making very good music, but why is only one person dancing? He is only waving his arms about with that little white stick. Is that all he can do? Why doesn’t he get off the small box he’s standing on and do justice to the music? Good dancing involves flexing all joints and twisting the body, integrated with intricate footwork! Let him come to our village and learn how to dance properly!” she concluded as she resumed her walk into the kitchen.
“At last, I had a real advantage over that crowd in the Duke University Chapel! I collapsed with laughter without an angry crowd demanding the removal of that demented old man!”
