The Bartok Quartets

[impulsereader]

I have found Sherlock. I now know what he is doing in this fic. He is still finding his way home; and he is doing it through music. This is so terribly, fearfully, insanely beautiful - and I have no idea if I am capable of getting the point across.

As of my last post I cannot even decide where to set Much Ado. How can I possibly reconcile Sherlock with home? I am not even a musician. I cannot possibly relate to his character on this level.

I've been plotting this story all weekend, and I came home tonight with a perfect, guaranteed solitary opportunity to translate some of it to actual writing - and immediately found I couldn't do anything - at all - so I ate corn and watched A Scandal in Belgravia for lack of a better idea. I sulkily researched cricket, science experiments, and Bartok. Bartok turned the key.

Now it is too late to write, as sleep is actually advisable at some point, and I have even more words pressing uncomfortably into my brain. I don't know whether to be happy that I might have reached a jumping off point or upset because this story just keeps expanding. I haven't yet learned how to properly keep hold of a story; how do I know when one has gotten away from me? Right now it seems as if I have just discovered an element which was always meant to be here, but I am worried that the dictation into my brain doesn't automatically come with a side of neat organization - HA! - I fear I am a Sherlock without a John by my side.

typing both gets me in trouble and sorts out my brain.

New worry - No One is going to want to read this fic except me...Shakespeare, Bartok, crossover, and excess of original characters - WTF?

Comments

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Well. You and me. Do I count?

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Also, perhaps you can use your discomfort with Sherlock's home by transferring it to Sherlock. Maybe he doesn't really feel comfortable there either. He's been a drug addict, Mycroft clearly doesn't approve of his being an adventurer I mean consulting detective. Sherlock spends his life being told he isn't quite right (a freak) by pretty much everyone except John. (John tells him his *behaviour* isn't quite right, but he doesn't really seem to tell SHerlock that he doesn't belong.)

Anyway, maybe there's a way to make the awkwardness work for you. And maybe it's why Sherlock is actually quite keen to have John a) come for xmas and b) take part in the play. John makes home feel more normal to him.

Just a thought.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

You count - in fact, in this case, you are Molly. Sigh. This was one of those - have to type it out or go nuts - moments of realization. How do I get into the head of someone who thinks in terms of music? The concept is incredibly complex and I have no idea if I can pull it off to my own satisfaction or anyone else's. I guess all I can do is try...and do my best to enjoy the trying...and freak out less often.

I wish I understood how a fairly simple, straight-forward idea has turned into something which now takes up a fairly significant space in my brain. This could have been short and funny and instead it is chaptered and bittersweet.

I spent a lot of yesterday with ACD. It struck me that Holmes is a lot less picky than Sherlock regarding the cases he'll take. He also eats a lot more! I have yet to encounter the dapper rat Lestrade, though.

New Mystery. I believe it was SM - in his intro to ASiS - mentions a story that I can't properly remember the name of, nor is it in any of my volumes. hang on...

John isn't a musician either. He needs to work out what is going on in Sherlock's head - I can do it through him. He's learning along with the reader. Oh, man, what dimension does my brain even live in that I can't work these things out some other way? I actually have to sit here and type. I have to start doing this in google docs and stop inflicting it on others.

Right. Off to Project Gutenberg to see if I can locate the story.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

I like Molly. I'll take that on. :)

YEah, sometimes ideas can suddenly explode into really big, complex things. I have one or two planned fills taht have stalled for that reason. I need to doa little research and then will try again. I hate leaving an OP hanging.

The reference to Lestrade turns out to be 'dapper' and 'ferret-like', as opposed to merely ratty, and it's from The Adventure of the Cardboard Box:

"A shower of rain fell while we were in the train, and the heat was far less oppressive in Croydon than in town. Holmes had sent on a wire, so that Lestrade, as wiry, as dapper, and as ferret-like as ever, was waiting for us at the station."

The rodentine comparisons aren't restricted to ferrets, though, I'm sure. I'll have to look at some other stories for evidence, though.

Anyway, new Lestrade is not in the slightest bit ferret-like. Though ferrets can be very pretty.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Ha! So far I've only encountered stroppy Lestrade; no good descriptions yet.

I admire how words as unrelated as wiry, dapper and ferret-like combine to form a mental image; this is very skilled writing.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Colin Jeavons captured taht whole look quite well in the Granada series, I thought. And ACD was pretty darned awesome as a writer. His work still holds up, and it's still inspiring people over a hundred years later. I can never hope to do so well myself. :/

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

You have just reminded me of Vikram Seth's An Unequal Music, though. My father, who did karate at the time, said that he didn't really understand how the same bit of music, the same notes, could produce a different *feel* played by different orchestras, but after we talked about it a bit, he realised that people could do the same kata, the exact same series of movements, but it could be different too. I have no idea if this is of any use to you at all, in finding other ways to interpret music, but for waht it's worth, there it is.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is clever. This is very clever indeed. John is going to have to work this out on his own because Sherlock isn't going to do anything as sensible as try to explain it to him, and perhaps Sherlock doesn't really understand himself why he is suddenly drawn to Bartok's quartets...

Right. This is all falling into place in my head nicely, now I just need to, you know, actually write it. I'm feeling a bit nervous.

Oh, hey, I listened to a bit of Cabin Pressure last night and I think this is going to end up working, but does it work for you - character-wise for Martin - if I have Mycroft have Anthea charter a flight for the sole purpose of kidnapping Martin so he can be brought in as a ringer to play the part of Dogberry? The reader would have to accept that Martin is hilarious and familiar with the part for some reason. I'll have to think of some way to dispatch the actor who has been cast, but that's simple enough.

My brain was supplying John with lines like - 'He bore a startling resemblance to Sherlock, even in a house full of relatives.' - and then I realized that Martin is short and probably doesn't actually look anything like Sherlock...

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

So many fics have Martin as a short, ginger Sherlock. Well, he's nothing like him in personality, either, being habitually nervous, pompous and awkward. He's rather adorable, really. THey're often half brothers in fics, so the resemblance and the differences are well covered. There are some pics of Cumberbatch with gingerish curls which look quite Martinesque to me, so yes, I think that could work well. Is Martin meant to be related to them, then?

Martin and Douglas play word games all the time, and I wouldn't put it past Douglas to have encouraged Martin to learn the play to kill time on those INTERMINABLE flights to RUssia, with 12 hours of DEAR GOD NOTHING TO DO. Douglas likes fine things, like theatre and good whisky, so I can imagine that he sets it as a challenge to teach it to Martin. Martin might even surprise everyone by knowing ALL the parts. He knows the flight safety regulations backwards, too. ANd that's a long damned flight BOTH WAYS to St Petersburg.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh, perfect. No, not related - Mycroft is bringing in a ringer.

And - Mycroft knows about Martin's skills in this area because he knows Douglas! Is Douglas a member of the Diogenes perhaps? There's some connection here - they both belong to something.

Bad news - so and so has laryngitis, busted collar bone, is in traction for the next month - Mycroft is on it!

Anthea, dear. I need you to find your own way down this Christmas...

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Douglas would be thrown out of the Diogenes in the first ten seconds: he's a smooth talker, very eloquent actually, and is much too fond of banter to be that unclubbable. However, Douglas is with MJN rather than a proper airline because he got caught doing his dodgy smuggling stuff once too often. Not drugs or anything, but he does like to make a quid taking alcohol, chocolate, orchids one memorable time, across borders.

So I think it's more likely that Mycroft has engaged Douglas for one or two very discreet, low key smuggling operations and has a bit of a hold over him. They probably like each other well enough, but Douglas will have no illustions over who is in charge. It's likely Mycroft caught a glimpse of Martin once when he was at Fitton airfield and just took note of his (smaller more ginger) resemblance to Sherlock, just in case. And now in case has happened. He would leave it to Douglas to make sure Martin knew his lines, and Douglas may not question it, as long as he was certain that no harm would come to Martin as a result. He's obviously a little fond of the squirly captain, even though the squirly captain can be very irritating.

And I think Martin, once kidnapped and deposited in the family grounds, might take refuge in knowing the lines and delivering them. It would save him from attempting actual conversation, which he always screws up.

I imagine Mycroft has asked for 'handling' advice from Douglas too. THat would involve making sure that he remembers that Martin is Captain Crieff (so many people assume Douglas is the Captain, even though Martin's the one in the Captain's uniform. Even when it's pointed out, nobody believes it). So soothing Martin's ego about his rank, his skill and so on might help keep him in line. I can kind of see Mycroft very smoothly indulging in this.

Hope this helps.

Cabin Pressure

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

It helps, and I am listening to more - into series 2 now - as I am beginning to steal characters more blatantly I am wondering if this is more a negotiated kidnapping (I cannot give up the idea of Mycroft kidnapping someone now that I've thought of it) the whole crew.

Douglas, as an intellectual exercise - perhaps to make Martin feel he is more intelligent, with the in crowd - has been reading/performing Shakespeare with Martin during the interminable flights - Mycroft is aware of this because he makes regular use of his hold over Douglas for his own transport purposes.

Martin has a very good memory, and Mycroft is struck by his comedic talents; hence, when an emergency occurs - he springs into action and ensconces the entire crew in the relative lap of luxury of dotty Uncle Rocky's estate so that Martin can fill in for our lamented previously-cast family member.

How does that strike you?

Re: Cabin Pressure

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Oh, I can see Douglas trying to 'educate Martin up' a bit, and making it a game. Martin must have a reasonably good memory, as long as he's not panicking. It would make sense that the crew might fly to the nearest airfield to Uncle Rocky and then Mycroft puts them up overnight or over the weekend. Carolyn would be delighted to not have to pay for hotels or meals. actually, as long as MJN is paid for its time, she wouldn't mind much, unless he was being a pushy arse, but she could certainly give him a run for his money.

Arthur would just think everything is brilliant. He's been to all the right, proper posh schools (and apparently pony club girls with names like Minty quite like him). If you try to give *him* any lines he will totally hash them up,but he won't care a damn. :D

But yes, it all sounds plausible and eminently doable. Lay on!

Re: Cabin Pressure

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

O. K. Um, I just reviewed my recent posts, and I'm reasonably certain that I haven't yet posted anything which features the fact that yesterday I decided to co-opt the entire cast of characters from As Time Goes By - meaning that Lionel's father - Rocky - is actually the host of our fine gathering - Sherlock's dotty Uncle. So...we appear to be sharing some brain cells, because I am not sure how else to explain your coming up with Uncle Rocky.

I'm sold on Douglas using Shakespeare as an educational tool, and maybe he even just likes to hear Martin read it aloud, Martin's voice being what it is. ;-)

Maybe Mycroft uses Anthea/MJN to kidnap someone unrelated, and then by coincidence when our actor gets sick Douglas offers up the use of Martin, you know, since they're already there and all. I guess I might have to let everyone else go home since it is Christmas after all. Now that I've met Douglas's wife I wouldn't want her to be all sad and alone for the Holiday. I would like to play with Arthur though...he is completely hilarious. Brilliant!

Re: Cabin Pressure

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Breathe! Breathe! You mentioned Uncle Rocky in the very last paragraph! 'Dotty Uncle Rocky's estate'. I had no idea who you meant, but picked up the reference and went with it. I promise I am not sneaking up behind you so psychically snack on your brain when you're not looking!

When Martin is not squeaking and stammering in panic he has a very *lovely* voice, yes. :D

Arthur is brilliant. He's basically a labrador puppy in human form. :D

Re: Cabin Pressure

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh good! OK! I was honestly alarmed by this. Rocky isn't a British sort of thing! I was feeling a bit like Arthur - dunno what's going on but I'm sure it's Brilliant! Using lots of these!!!!!!!!!

I am enjoying Cabin pressure greatly, and though coming late to the party have just offered my Chicago-based services for any lingering Lemon Landmark needs which may still need filling as I have no other firm plans this weekend and the weather promises to be cool.

Re: Cabin Pressure

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you are enjoying the series! It's a source of delight to me: clever scripts, flawed yet likeable characters, wordplay, a terrific sense of the absurd, and otters. It's terrific you're taking part in the travelling lemon project too!

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

Your icon! *falls over laughing* Poor Martin.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

The fabulous icon is courtesy [info]redscharlach, who has a lot of brilliant Cabin Pressure and Sherlock cartoon icons.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Oh, and having said that Martin is kind of nervous, awkward and pompous, that's mainly when he's feeling insecure (which, frankly, is most of the time). But from time to time he really knows what he's doing, is much more confident and every now and then he's a little bit magnificent. This could be one of those times.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

I wasn't expecting to have to emotionally whump Sherlock in this story. I thought I could get away with leaving his parents out and providing some normal-seeming OC relatives.

I am now faced with a whole new ball game.

Cue (with a rhyming couplet, of course) indulgent but distant Mummy and Father - who drank.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Hence Mycroft's role as Mummy? Poor Sherlock. And John has some insight into having to deal with family alcoholism. *pets them both*

"If it proves so, then parenting goes by haps:
Some Bacchus kills with vodka, some with schnapps"

(with apologies to both Shakespeare and Hero)

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

I'm not a Bartok fan -- I always remember when my piano teacher assigned me one of his pieces; he said, "You're going to think you died and went to the wrong place" -- but I'll read it anyway! :-)

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh dear!

I latched onto them because of this http://www.pennandteller.com/03/coolstuff/tellerspeaks/telleressaybartok1.html

But since I cannot convey actual music through words I think it shouldn't be too bad!

[northernwalker]

I'll read it!

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Nothing like 1am angst over important things - you know, like fanfic!

So now I'm learning about Hungarian nationalism, tetchy music composers and cricket.

My life has gotten quite odd since I started this journal.

[northernwalker]

Odd is good, though, at least for me.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Odd is very good.

I'm going to say that I am mystified by some aspects of Cricket, but the language is so cool! Only the thought of brits wincing in pain is keeping me from writing something and just stuffing every possible phrase Wikipedia has just taught me into it. New crack fic?

Bowler, batter, overs, innings is plural whether it refers to single or multiple! I love this. There are ten ways to dismiss a batsman - and fully five of them are 'extremely rare'.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Cricket is a weird beast. I do not share the Brit/Australian love of the game. I find that you can stare at it for hours and nothing happens. :/ Though I'm told the one day games are an improvement on the ones that went for days. I do think any game that stops for tea is fairly civilised, though.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Tea break! The cricket is in.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Don't forget the cucumber sandwiches!

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

I will very definitely use the over-priced overly-posh Afternoon Tea, during which I cemented my courtship of a volume of A.A. Milne's essays, I enjoyed at the National Museum in Edinburgh as inspiration.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Now I'm pining for a classy afternoon tea in a swanky hotel. Scones and jam and cream. Tiny little sandwiches. Tea served in silver service and fine bone china.

And as always, I start wondering about John's experience of these things, and what little 'treats' the soldiers would make for themselves for afternoon teas in Afghanistan, in between patrols. Spam on crackers? Jam on cold toast? Trading Jammy Dodgers with the Australians, who were bastards with their going rate of 5 JDs to a single Tim Tam? (Tim Tams are chocolate biscuits, similar to UK's Penguins, I'm told).

Tea would be fine: very strong, very black, very sweet tea, if my experience of it in Egypt is anything to go by. And thick turkish coffee. And middle eastern pastries, which all seem to be combinations of wheat, pistacchio and honey in a variety of proportions and shapes.