We once ended up by accident sitting in the front row at the ballet. What seems effortless and swan-like from a distance becomes a series of grunts and heaves at close quarters – rather like an Olympic weight-lifting competition. My re-entry into the world of chamber music playing with my violin last night was rather similar. I was never effortless but I was better than that. I remember my violin teacher – a very splendid Czech lady – saying ‘If it doesn’t hurt it is not doing you good’ Sounds pretty Protestant to me. Some pain ahead, I think. And not unlike dealing with one’s soul.