Like Mozart, like Strauss, I seem to be enamoured of the soprano voice. The weekend started with a re-listen to Diana Damrau in Mozart, and ended with Carolyn Sampson in Purcell songs. Both first class; Purcell may be the world's most under-estimated composer.

Welcome visit from elder daughter, plus husband. Excellent lunch (though I say it myself) of charcuterie, Thai soup and cheeses. Good champagne, and the usual good Chevalier Collier 2005 St. Emilion. No fresh squid available, so two octupi had to deputise in the Thai soup; squid is better.