Well, it's one louder, isn't it?

Am amused to see that the volume on the BBC iPlayer goes up to 11. Would prefer to just download stuff though, bloody thing keeps hanging (nb so far as I know, the download capabilities of BBC iPlayer are still not available on Linux, which makes me glad I still have my ancient cassette player).

Terribly irritating. Once again I am a Proms Season Ticket holder, which means I have guaranteed entry until 10 minutes before the concert begins. Sunday I was enjoying myself with so much in the pub with Coughingbear post mass that I arrived at the Albert Hall nine minutes before a sell-out performance of the Verdi requiem began - which proved, I am told by smug friends, to be absolutely stellar - and was told to get lost. So I had to walk back to South Ken in the pouring rain. Poor me.

Largely consoled by last night's Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester under Sir Col though: quite apart from my obsession with the Beethoven Violin Concerto the Sibelius 2 was outstanding. Undoubtedly the best performance I have ever heard of a Sib symphony. Have a listen, if you like this sort of thing.