If ever one needs a jolt of inspiration as well as comfort in turbulent times, the answer is simple: Beethoven for inspiration and Beethoven for comfort.

Recently, the Santa Ynez Valley was treated to a sublime concert that paired two great string compositions by Beethoven with performers of world-class caliber: the renowned Takács Quartet.

It has been said of remarriage that it is a triumph of hope over experience. When people take the plunge and marry again, despite having experienced the pain of loss through death or divorce, they are affirming their hope.

But isn’t that what love is all about?

Despite the knowledge that, inevitably, things will end, the desire for love is so powerful that some of us try again. And again.