I have always been fascinated by magic. From a young age, I would watch movies and read books about witches and wizards, dreaming of one day becoming a witch myself. The idea of being able to command supernatural powers and tap into the mystical arts was incredibly appealing to me. As I grew older, my interest in witchcraft only deepened. I began studying the history and traditions of witchcraft, reading texts and learning about the various branches and practices within this ancient craft. I was fascinated by the different spells and potions, the rituals and ceremonies that witches used to harness their power.
Now I should say here that I’m not a ‘Rachmaninov’ type of pianist’. I’m more of a ‘play-a-few-chords and-then-some-melodic-lines-by-ear’ type of pianist. This is basically out of my league. I do have a few things going for me though: 1. The piece starts slowly with big spacious chords 2. The piece ends slowly with big spacious chords 3. I don’t mind practicing 4. I don’t have to perform in a concert hall when I am finished.
Most of the recordings were recycled British and American radio drama from the 50s and 60s but they had great atmosphere and production values remember that this was from a time when radio actually meant something. Most of the recordings were recycled British and American radio drama from the 50s and 60s but they had great atmosphere and production values remember that this was from a time when radio actually meant something.
I was fascinated by the different spells and potions, the rituals and ceremonies that witches used to harness their power. But my desire to become a witch goes beyond just the allure of magic. I believe that being a witch means more than simply casting spells and performing rituals.
Sparky’s Magic Piano and the ‘Rachmaninov Challenge’
When I was growing up in early 80s, there was a radio show for kids in New Zealand on Sunday mornings. I remember they started around 7am and they lasted a few hours. Most of the recordings were recycled British and American radio drama from the 50s and 60s but they had great atmosphere and production values – remember that this was from a time when radio actually meant something. My very favourite story was Sparky’s Magic Piano, with Spike Milligan’s Bad Jelly the Witch coming in a close second.
Sparky was a little boy who discovered his piano was magic. It played any piece he asked it to, fooling his teacher into thinking he was the greatest pianist of all time. He toured the most famous concert halls in the world, delighting his audiences with his skill and expertise until….he woke up. The music was great; a seriously good selection including Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven and Rimsky-Korsakov…..but one piece, Rachmaninov’s Prelude in C sharp minor, Opus 3 number 2, was my favourite. Powerful and menacing, this is music that makes your spine tingle.
I remembered the piece yesterday, listened to it and decided upon a challenge for myself – the Rachmaninov challenge! I have just ordered the sheet music:
Now I should say here that I’m not a ‘Rachmaninov’ type of pianist’. I’m more of a ‘play-a-few-chords and-then-some-melodic-lines-by-ear’ type of pianist. This is basically out of my league. I do have a few things going for me though: 1. The piece starts slowly with big spacious chords 2. The piece ends slowly with big spacious chords 3. I don’t mind practicing 4. I don’t have to perform in a concert hall when I am finished.
The challenge with this piece really starts about 2:02, with the serious roadblock appearing at 2:35. Watch the performance below to see what I mean, but also just enjoy this work as a masterpiece of romantic period piano.
So there’s the Rachmaninov challenge. I’ll post updates here. Wish me luck!
Why not have a listen to Sparky’s magic piano while you’re here. It’s a treat.
The challenge with this piece really starts about 2:02, with the serious roadblock appearing at 2:35. Watch the performance below to see what I mean, but also just enjoy this work as a masterpiece of romantic period piano.
It means being in tune with nature and the universe, understanding the interconnectedness of all things. I also see being a witch as a way to tap into my own personal power. It's about embracing who I truly am, embracing my intuition and the wisdom that comes from within. It's about reclaiming my own agency and using it to make a positive impact in the world. Of course, being a witch also comes with its challenges. There is a stigma attached to witchcraft, and many people still view it as something dark or evil. But I believe that this perception is based on misunderstanding and fear. Witchcraft is not about causing harm or manipulating others. It's about using natural energies and ancient knowledge to bring about positive change. So, why do I want to be a witch? Because it resonates with who I am as a person. It aligns with my values and beliefs, and it allows me to explore and connect with the unseen world. It's a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and spiritual growth. And ultimately, it's a way for me to live a life filled with wonder and magic..
Reviews for "The mental and emotional resilience of qitches"
1. - Sarah - 2 stars - I want to be a witch was a huge disappointment for me. The storyline was clichéd and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. The writing style was also lacking, with clunky and awkward sentence structures. I had high hopes for this book, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I would not recommend it to others.
2. - John - 3 stars - I found I want to be a witch to be an average read. The plot was interesting enough, but the pacing was off, making it hard for me to stay engaged. The main character was also very unlikeable, which made it difficult for me to root for her throughout the story. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat for me. It's not a book I would actively recommend, but it might appeal to fans of light fantasy.
3. - Emma - 2.5 stars - In my opinion, I want to be a witch was a lackluster read. The plot was confusing and lacked depth, making it hard for me to fully follow and enjoy the story. The characters were underdeveloped, and I couldn't connect with any of them on an emotional level. Additionally, the writing style was uninspiring, with repetitive descriptions and dialogue. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating magical adventure.