Leonard Cohen, Prince of Asturias Award for Letters

[John Etherington]

Hi Beatriz,

1988 would have been the year that Leonard appeared at Prince Charles "Princes Trust" concert ( I believe that our prince has publicly mentioned his appreciation of Leonard's music). It's great that both Prince Charles and Queen Sofia (two very conscious people) have such good musical taste!

All good things, John E

[imaginary friend]

Dear Dr. Heck,

Thank you so much for this video!

I've been following the unfolding of the Awards threads in snippets, due to a crazy week at work. What struck me, even in snippets, was the dignity which characterized this event. I have only just this minute watched Leonard's speech in its entirety. Thanks to you and the others whom you credited, I was fortunate to come in late, and so to watch the 'clean' transcript, with no overdub. I'm drying tears and marvelling at how powerful language is, in the hands of such a humble hero as Leonard Cohen. He is a treasure. Nothing less.

[Cate]

Very well said Imaginary.

Thank you Allan.

[crystal]

I want to join in saying thank you very much to all of you who made it so easy for those in front of their PC's and notebooks to follow this ceremony.
I was in tears while listening to Leonards speech. He is the best.
And thank you for the pictures and videos and most of all the speech without the spanish translator. It is very much appreciated.
Christel

[Goldin]

Two brief, but emotional and interesting videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgVcsmxUEJs
LC speech at the art exibition in the University (sounds very familiar, isn't it?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02kpm5xrPy4
LC arrives to Teatro Campoamor

[holydove]

Thank you, Goldin - those 2 videos are beautiful!! So wonderful to see crowds of people lining the streets to greet & applaud our beautiful Leonard Cohen!! Teatro Campoamor - is that where the tribute concert took place or was that something else?

[Goldin]

Teatro Campoamor is where the ceremony was held.

[holydove]

Teatro Campoamor is where the ceremony was held.

Oh. . .guess I missed or forgot the name of the place! But that makes sense, given the very ceremonious atmosphere out in the street, as well as the blue carpet!! Thank you for your response, Goldin!

[wakeupmartin]

Just watched the English-only version of Leonard's acceptance speech. That has to be one of the most beautiful things I've heard him say. Thanks for posting the video Dr.HGuy.

[wakeupmartin]

...And after I had eaten all the chocolate bars and peanuts in the minibar I scribbled a few words. I don't think I have to refer to them...

This is a very crafty little prelude to a masterful speech. However, knowing how long Leonard can take to produce great work, I don't for one minute believe it was done the night before. I think he planned, wrote and memorised the whole thing well in advance. This is not a complaint at all, and besides, I may be completely wrong. I actually find the entire speech beautiful and deeply authentic.

[Roy]

http://www.fpa.es/microsite/cohen/index_en.html

[wakeupmartin]

thanks Roy. So was that video played before the award was given?

[Roy]

No, just on the internet. Maybe at the press conference. I don't know.

[sturgess66]

I'm not sure if this was ever posted here - a lovely video of the Youth Choir performing "Hallelujah" at the tribute concert -

Actuación del Joven Coro de la Fundación en el homenaje a Leonard Cohen
(Performance by the Youth Choir of the Foundation in honor of Leonard Cohen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nnSvUwVJ2Y

El Joven Coro de la Fundación interpreta el "Hallelujah" de Leonard Cohen durante el homenaje ofrecido en la Semana de los Premios Príncipe de Asturias 2011. www.fpa.es
[The Foundation's Youth Choir performs the "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen tribute offered during the week of the Prince of Asturias Awards 2011. www.fpa.es}

[fannumberone]

Conde guitars & Leonard Cohen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glCERZfJTBc
Televisión española (subtitles in english).