Best of the Spectator Spectator Out Loud: Damian Thompson, Francis Pike, Ysenda Maxtone-Graham & Lloyd Evans
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Mar 15, 2026 Damian Thompson, journalist and writer known for music and arts commentary, reads a personal piece about his renewed piano obsession. Short segments touch on North Korean succession rumors, how left-liberals signal tasteful boasting, and a witty take on first impressions of becoming a magistrate. Quick, playful and varied conversations.
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Obsessive Amateur Pianist Returns To Practice
- Damian Thompson became obsessively addicted to improving his amateur piano playing after returning to lessons in 2025.
- He records takes on an iPhone, deleted a humiliating Facebook upload after a hostile comment, and practices three hours daily with noise-cancelling headphones.
Fix Piano Mistakes By Isolating Slow Finger Movements
- Isolate treacherous passages and practice them in slow motion rather than repeating full runs mindlessly.
- Damian credits a few targeted lessons and wearing headphones to calm nerves during three-hour daily slow practice sessions.
Kim Jong‑un Publicly Showcases Possible Female Successor
- Francis Pike recounts Kim Jong-un showcasing his 10-year-old daughter at missile launches and parades, positioning her as a First Lady figure.
- He notes South Korea's report she’s in successor training and contrasts female candidates: daughter Kim Joo-ai and aunt Kim Yo‑yong.