It's official: it (or he) is an American classic ...

[Bhasi]

Saw this concert advertised by Trafalgar Square this morning:

http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/j ... nd=concert

He's in great company.

[Bhasi]

Hmmm. I see the link isn't working now, so, for posterity: it was to a choral concert - 'American Classics by Candlelight' by the St Bart's Chorale, I think - at St Martin in the Fields in London tonight. Apart from pieces by Barber, Lauridsen, Rutter and Whitacre, they're doing a ditty called Halle-something. On the posters on the street it's the first item listed, obviously intended to grab the attention, as it did mine!

[Evie B]

How can it be an American classic when Leonard is Canadian?
Did anybody bother to check?

[Bhasi]

Well, the two are often conflated, like English and British (unfortunately). Besides, Canadians are North Americans, aren't they?

Leonard's early poem about nationalism - the one suggesting that Canada enter into talks to unite with the USA and then pull out at the last minute, etc - implies he has a wry attitude to this.

Anyway, I was just glad to see him and the song being given 'classic' status. As someone who discovered him in 1969 - when to know about him, especially over here, felt like being part of a coterie - it's gratifying to see his wider appreciation.

[Evie B]

Hi Bhasi
Mmm, being English does actually mean you are British as well, we are both. Being English however doesn't mean you are Scottish, even though we share a border in a similar way to Canada and the USA.
Being Canadian doesn't mean you are American in the way implied by the title of this concert.
I needs some of Byron's medication I think, my feeble brain cell (yes, I do have one) is exhausted.
Drinking chocolate - food of the Gods.
Evie B