The recent column on the musical tastes of Bangkok's taxi drivers prompted quite a few comments from readers relating assorted cab rides featuring the joyful strains of Cliff Richard, Boney M and even Pavarotti. However, Elvis remains the favourite amongst the veteran cabbies.
Perhaps the most interesting tale came from a reader getting into a cab on Silom Road one night and much to his amazement finding the cabbie was listening to Alexander Borodin's 2nd Symphony. The taxi driver politely asked his passenger if he minded listening to it. Being quite partial to the Russian composer's works, the reader said "not at all" and proceeded to enjoy the long journey to Bang Na absorbed in the music, forgetting all about the traffic. He says at times he felt he was almost travelling through the steppes of Siberia, one of Borodin's favourite inspirations.
Being bit of a dinosaur when it comes to classical music, out of curiosity I listened to the Borodin piece on YouTube this week and I would be quite happy if any taxi driver put that on. Mind you, when you are stuck in the sweaty gridlock on Sukhumvit Road it requires considerable imagination to feel like you are on the cool grassy plains of Russia.
