Ode to the Little Orchestra Society (Sonnet, appeared on brochure for 'Tango Vivaldi' concert, May 2003) Vivaldi, virtuous with the violin, In Venice verified his supreme art. Vying with Orpheus, Apollo's kin, He vouched how Nature genius sets apart. Commanding Heaven's elements, he penned A pizzicato plucked depicting rain. On wingèd verse his storm-clouds lightning rend, Euterpe with Erato [1] weaves her strain. The Little Orchestra Society, Bounding these elements like Perseus' horse, [2] Add Piazzolla's sensuality, The Second Seer of the Seasons' course. Too small my thanks, too dim my muted cheers, When I have heard the music of the spheres.   [1]      Euterpe and Erato are, respectively, the muses of music and poetry. [2]      See William Shakespeare, 'Troilus and Cressida', I.iii.40-41S.