Author Archives: mj263

About mj263

Music Collections Supervisor at Cambridge University Library. Wide musical interests. Often to be found stuck in a composer's archive, or enthusing about antiquarian music.

Happy Birthday!

Posted on 17 June 2021 by mj263

It was announced earlier this week that the UK record industry exported nearly £520 million over the last year, second only to the USA in terms of music exports. It’s not altogether a happy story though, despite punching well above … Continue reading →

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I’m Pergolesi!

Posted on 4 June 2021 by mj263

There’s a famous scene towards the end of the film, Spartacus. The Spartan rebels have been rounded up, and told by a Roman General that they are about to die a particularly horrible death. There is a way out though, … Continue reading →

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Sarah: return to the Anderson Room

Posted on 21 May 2021 by mj263

So, back again after another lockdown. Everything the same, but different!? Same building, same office and desk, but only one other colleague instead of six. It is so lovely to see “virtual” friends again and have a cup of tea … Continue reading →

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At home (and work) with Catherine

Posted on 7 May 2021 by mj263

I have been working at home doing MONYCS [editor’s aside – MONYCs (Music Ordered Not Yet Catalogued), are one of our behind the scenes card catalogues, housed in an array of what look like shoe boxes. It looks as though … Continue reading →

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Don’t read the reviews

Posted on 5 March 2021 by mj263

March 6th is the anniversary of the premiere of Verdi’s La Traviata. The most popular of all his operas, Traviata had an unfortunate beginning. Based on the popular novel, La dame aux camelias, by Alexandre Dumas, fils, Verdi had attended … Continue reading →

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Blue Monday

Posted on 21 January 2021 by mj263

What with lockdown and miserable weather, it’s probably not surprising if you’re currently feeling blue. There might be another reason this week too, Monday January 18th was cited on several media outlets as “Blue Monday” the most depressing day of … Continue reading →

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Looking forward (and a little back)

Posted on 6 January 2021 by mj263

New Year, new lockdown. Staying positive, MusiCB3’s fact checkers have been looking up 2021 anniversaries (in between turkey, Christmas pud, and the Queen), and have found plenty of lives to celebrate including…

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A most peculiar year

Posted on 10 December 2020 by mj263

As 2020 draws to an end, it seems an appropriate time, to look back on the last year, which was nothing less than extraordinary. Next week we have a VIP guest post; and then MusiCB3, along with its team of … Continue reading →

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It’s a crime

Posted on 16 October 2020 by mj263

October 2020 marks the centenary of the publication of Agatha Christie’s first novel, The mysterious affair at Styles. Not only did it mark the entrance of one of the world’s most famous literary detectives, Hercule Poirot, but it catapulted the … Continue reading →

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Back at the UL

Posted on 24 September 2020 by mj263

I enjoyed reading Kate‘s post a few weeks ago about her journey back to the Pendlebury with its collection of learned plants. I’ve been back in the UL for about 2 months, part-time, working from home for the rest of … Continue reading →

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