Editorial: Merrier with music around

I like a good tune, as I daresay most folk do as music is a major ingredient in everyday life.

That's anywhere at all, whether it is having the radio on in the kitchen, the car or through the headphones.

Or in a shop or a cafe or a winery - there is usually some degree of background music emerging.

Many community events like fairs and markets and galas embrace live music, be it a three or four-piece group of players or singers, or simply a soloist.

There is a spark to music, and after a couple of wanders through central Napier during the past week there was plenty to accompany the fine breaks of weather, which like a good tune, were very welcome.

One part of inner-city vibrancy these days are the buskers, those colourful street performers who get out the guitar or the violin and stake a spot in the hope of attracting a few gold coins and maybe even a note or two (we won't tell the Inland Revenue Department).

On one day I came across two young people playing violins.

The harmony side was occasionally shaky but their efforts were altogether pretty good as they intently followed their sheet music.

Also pretty good was a young chap playing a violin in the main street yesterday. He had no sheet music set up and simply delivered standard tunes.

At the other end of the age scale there was the chap who was clearly past retirement age who played an accordion. He was very good.

So there was the lilting sound of a quite well-played violin at one spot and the jaunty keyboards and bellows of an accordion at another.

I have also come across a couple of guitarists and even a recorder player.

And, of course, passersby who spot the "play me" piano and decide to roll out a number or two ... and some are very good.

All the street players have learned the musical skills and are confident enough to illustrate their playing, even at a modest level.

I heard one lady remark to the young violin duo, "Good on you," as they played away.

It adds a little bit of extra spring and summer colour to the city.