Do most/many of us listen to music whilst working? I do. And it just occurred to me that I may be the only monk to be listening to the massed bands of the Brigade of Guards playing music for Trooping the Colour (a live recording, complete with Military Shouting and a fabulous Guards subaltern forming up to the podium and saying "your Majesty's Guard is ready to march orf, Ma'am").

This is not my usual aural fare, but when I'm feeling rather low-energy some robust military brass band gees me up. Another fave rave is Handel's oratorio "Joshua". Since my Real Name (TM) is Joshua, I find the choral number that goes "hail, hail mighty Joshua, thy name shall rise into immortal fame" rather encouraging.

Generally, though, I divide my time between uplifting Holy Roller music, and wordless logical sounds, for example piano boogies, ragtime, Drum 'n' Bass and Bach keyboard stuff.

I'd be very interested to know what sibling monks are listening to right now, and what weird and wonderful stuff you find appropriate for particular moments in your working lives.

§ George Sherston