I always intended and expected to write about music on this Substack. Listening to music (mostly but not entirely ‘classical’ music, broadly defined), is a big part of my life. But it hasn’t turned out that way; somehow the experience of listening to music seems a less interesting thing to write about than - for example - the experience of being a sports fan facing relegation; or at least I haven’t felt the same urge to explore it. I know more about music than I do about sport, so I can write about football or cricket as an unapologetic outsider and consumer; whereas I hesitate to think that my knowledge of music could add much, given that there’s so much good writing out there already, about music itself and the people and events associated with it.
I was brought here by Leah Broad's excellent Substack. Fantastic list you have put together here, thank you.
According to Fiona Maddocks, Hildegard was never elevated to abbess despite being head honcho (honcha?) of her establishment.