CLAIR DE LUNE

Simple and spontaneous things are often the funniest. On that momentous day in July 1969, when Neil Armstrong made his ‘giant leap for mankind’ by landing on the Moon, the SASO and I were recording some Australian repertoire in the Orchestra’s studio on Norwood Parade. There was an extended lunch adjournment to enable people to witness the landing. After we had all returned for the delayed afternoon session, I was amazed to hear the sounds of “Clair de lune” in the corridor. Bill Haydock, a veteran SASO violinist, had a quirky sense of humour and felt this piece of Debussy’s was particularly appropriate given the super human feat of the astronauts that day. It was a nice touch on Bill’s part!

- Patrick Thomas