Change and Rhapsody

It’s all over, the wait, the uncertainty, and now he’s bowing out. There are tears, cheers, laughter and celebrations. It’s been an amazing career. I’m talking, of course, of Andy Murray. Most of us will be sorry to see him go.

I’m not sure the same can be said of the other departure this morning. Rishi Sunak started the election campaign in the pouring rain, an image which didn’t help, not least since the planning appeared to have neglected the availability of umbrellas.

Sunak started his premiership with a tough challenge - he had a mountain to climb in rescuing the Tory reputation after the disasters of his predecessors but never even reached base camp, instead seeming to double down on disrespect for international law, and pinning his reputation on the scandalous, and probably illegal, Rwanda policy. So, whatever his merits, more cheers than tears from me. And just as a new generation of tennis stars takes over from Murray and his peers, a new party of government takes over, the mantle is passed on. It will be fascinating to see what happens next.

Away from politics and away from sport, there was celebration last night at remarkable concert at the Yehudi Menuhin School in which the 100th anniversary of the premier of Rhapsody in Blue was celebrated by pupils, staff and visiting clarinet virtuoso Julian Bliss. The talent in the room was amazing, and the music produced breathtaking. The focus on Gershwin and contemporaries, and the influence of jazz on classical music made it a particularly special evening for me. There is something about the way Gershwin produces a melody, and the way he uses harmony, which has inspired generations of musicians across genres. A truly remarkable talent.

And this morning it’s raining again, although with umbrellas on stand by this time.

rain drenched shoulders
the streets
washed clean