Here we have a post in which I am trying to regain the level of dignity that most of my previous posts have lacked. Hope it works.
We all know that, in English, groups, groupings, or flocks, of animals - living things - are given unique names. 'A gaggle of geese' comes to mind most quickly. Strictly speaking, a topic in etymology, as opposed to philology, here is a quick one for you ...
What is a group of female foxes called?
As is my usual wont, I will give both a hint, and the answer, hidden below. But, really, any full-blooded male should know this one without assistance.
Click here for the hint
It starts with a 'V' and has the letter 'x' in it.
Click here for the answer
Vixen - it is it's own plural.
Some other terms to know...
A kaleidoscope of Butterflies.
An exaltation of Larks.
I am not making this up. Yes, an exaltation of larks ...
Here is a video of the teenage Dutch violinist Janine Jansen playing Ralph Vaughn Williams 'A Lark Ascending', probably one of the greatest pieces of instrumental music EVER. Enjoy.
The video is outstanding for it's close-ups of clarinet, flute and horn work, but oh, the close-ups of Janine's 1727 Stradivari "Barrere" violin are precious. I have read this score, and it is just 'not easy' for the violinist. And no one does it better that here - even Tasmin Little's recording doesn't compare. So, again, enjoy. And yes!, those are triple stops she is playing during a cadenza.
I have only included the first half of a 15 minute video here. By all means, go out and buy, or download for free - Janine encourages this - the complete video. Janine is sometimes called the 'queen of classical downloads', so explore.
An exaltation of a single lark!
Rich
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