Bonus

Still very uncertain as to the amount to be paid. I should know it by next week.

I am holding my breath...

Decision made

I have made the decision on what to buy when bonus is paid, as follow:

1) Less than 12 months: buy a diamond ring for my wife, who has sacrificed a lot for our family before and after our son was born last year; she deserves to have something from me as a token of appreciation. Nothing for myself.

2) 12 months to 15 months: 1) plus some "gadgets" for myself, e.g. new shaver, a bottle of nice red wine, etc.

3) 15 to 18 months: 1) plus a pair of nice shoes (Edward Green or JM Weston).

4) over 18 months: 1) plus seriously consider a Patek Philippe watch for myself!

Based on recent development, I think 1) or 2) is more likely. I would be lucky if I have 3). 4) is just impossible.

NYPO under Lorin Maazel

I attended the last concert of NYPO. The first half was conducted by Chang Xian. She was OK to me but I think it would be a difficult career for her to progress further in the states, simply because there is nothing special about her. The soloist was the principal oboe of NYPO, playing the Oboe Concerto of R. Strauss. This piece was quite elegant and simple by the standard of Strauss - a beautiful piece.

The second half was Brahms 4th symphony conducted by Maazel. Maazel is never my cup of tea - none of his recordings impressed me and I don't think any of them last. NYPO under his baton sounded shallow (the 1st movement sounded particularly bad), loud (even ostentatious) and without discipline. The two encores were even more so. It pissed me off so much, especially when the audience applauded as if it were a good performance.

Perhaps Maazel should really quit conducting and concentrate on composing, as he wished.

What should I buy after bonus is paid?

1) diamond ring for the one I love (size to be determined)

2) a bottle of nice red wine

3) a new shaver

Can't think of anything else!!

Heifitz's original jacket box set

Saw this in HMV Japan's site. It costs only JPY5,191 (25% off if you buy 3 import CDs). Although I own most of the versions here, it is still a good one to add to my collection. Bought it straight away and have it shipped in March 2008.

"To do" list

1) Finish listening to Bartok's 6 String Quartets

2) Read Dostoevsky's Novel "Crime and Punishment"

3) Listen to Beethoven's 32 Piano Sonata and 17 string quartets in depth

4) Read Thielicke's "The Evangelical Faith"

5) Listen to Shostakovich's 15 symphonies in depth

Not a long list, but it takes time to finish these items.