Post #662: Johann Strauss II - "Pizzicato Polka"

For the second year in a row, I was able to score a ridiculously cheap seat to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's New Year's Eve performance.  I was one seat behind where I was last year, and as I took my place in the Orchestra Terrace yet again, I couldn't help but feel as though there was nowhere else I would rather spend my New Year's Eve than alone at the symphony.  As the first notes of the music began, my heart felt so full, and I was so alive.  The biggest smile just lit up my face, and I felt like crying tears of joy.  I shared intermission with the most pleasant elderly couple who drove in from Ennis, Texas, and who spent their entire lives in the teaching profession.  They strongly encouraged me to return to teaching.  Little aspects of their personalities reminded me of both sets of my grandparents, whom I miss so dearly - especially around this time of year, so it was an even greater treat to spend my evening in the presence of such lovely individuals.

My favorite tune of the evening was, by far, Strauss' "Pizzicato Polka".  I love when the musicians pluck their strings.  The sound is so whimsical and fun.  This song was made up entirely of the string section plucking their instruments, and I couldn't have been more delighted.  The only thing that would have made my evening more enjoyable would have been an elegant ballroom with dashing suitors... but sadly, this is not Victorian England, and I am not Elizabeth Bennet... however, to watch everyone bop around in their seats to this one was the most fun I've had in awhile.

I made it safely home by 10:00 p.m., and I turned on Pandora.  I couldn't wait to see what tune the app would select for me to ring in the New Year, and as the clock struck midnight, none other than "Now My Heart Is Full" by Morrissey** came over the speaker. My eyes widened, and I let out a little gasp.  Not even a few hours prior, the thought crossed my mind about how full my heart felt... I love fateful moments such as that.  I can only hope that 2017 brings me more happiness and joy.  I am ready for it!!!

Happy New Year!!

Until next time...

XOXOXO
Anastasia

There's gonna be some trouble 

A whole house will need re-building 

And everyone I love in the house 

Will recline on an analyst's couch quite soon 

Your father cracks a joke 

And in the usual way 

Empties the room 

Tell all of my friends 

I don't have too many 

Just some rain-coated lovers' puny brothers

Dallow, Spicer, Pinkie, Cubitt 

Rush to danger 

Wind up nowhere 

Patric Doonan, raised to wait 

I'm tired again, I've tried again, and 

Now my heart is full 

Now my heart is full 

And I just can't explain 

So I won't even try to

Dallow, Spicer, Pinkie, Cubitt 

Every jammy Stressford poet 

Loafing oafs in all-night chemists 

Loafing oafs in all-night chemists 

Underact, express depression 

Ah, but Bunnie I loved you 

I was tired again 

I've tried again, and 

Now my heart is full 

Now my heart is full 

And I just can't explain 

So I won't even try to 

Could you pass by? 

Could you pass by? 

Could you pass by? 

Could you pass by? 

Could you pass by? 

Oh 

Now my heart is full 

Now my heart is full 

And I just can't explain 

So so 

So so so so so

**In an interview published in Les Inrockuptibles in 1995, Morrissey said "This song was the definitive expression of my change to adulthood, of my maturity. And, to be honest, I was very happy to be able to sing this text, to have reached this state. After this song I could perfectly retire: I've come full circle."