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365   

Wed. March 16th
Prof. & Mrs. Gordon Luce

of her pregnancy. They are remaining in Rangoon till September & then leaving for the Netherlands. Joseph asked when my plane was leaving. He wants to come to say goodbye.

Came home at 6.30 to find Baird Hesfright & Roger Piesard who had dropped in. Said our goodbyes & went on at 7 o'clock to see & meet Professor Gordon Luce & his wife, whose Christian name is Tee-tee. She is Bermese, he, a descendant of the Normans. Both in they late fifties & a most unusual couple. He is an expert on Far Eastern History - which department he leads at the Burma University. She, on the other hand, established the 'House for Waifs & Strays' - an govt. supported institution housing at present 135 boys from 4 to 20 years of age. They stay on till they have found jobs & homes. Professor Luce has a passion for old music - Palestrina - to Bach & Handel. The most modern composer for his is



366  

Wed. March 16
Prof. Gordon Luce.   
Rangoon

Shubert. With ten younger boys he is conducting an unusual experiment. Everyday, from 7 to 8, he plays recordings for them & has organized a musical group who keep time to the music while others interpret it in Burmese (fashion) style of the dance. The musicians are divided into 3 groups - one playing the triangle, the second bells (two bells clinking against each other) the third,, keeping time beating a stick on the ground. The means are primitive, but the effect most interesting. Fascinating to hear their interpret the music under the Professor's enthusiastic direction - & particularly, to see the lovely boys, several very talented, keeping rhythm with their fluid arms & intelligent feet. The boys adore him, calling him Papa Gyi (meaning big papa) Tee-Tee, they call 'Away' (mother) When Prof. Luce heard I would be in Italy, he urged me, when I would be in Florence, to visit Ravenna to see the famous small church there.  

Transcription Notes:
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina