Bob Chen:

>I just learned this afternoon that a good friend and former colleague of
>mine has been diagnosed with a serious, possibly grave illness.

You know your friend and we don't, but if I were in her situation I don't
think I would be in a frame of mind to listen to any cheerful music of an
upbeat sort.  (Initially, I'd probably listen to aggitated or even raging
music, and maybe eventually resolute music, but I wouldn't recommend any
of that as a gift, either.) What might be most welcome is CALM and pleasant
or emotionally neutral music.  Maybe some music for chamber or string
ensembles, like the Vaughan Williams' Tallis Fantasia, his Oboe Concerto
or Lark Ascending, or Grieg's Holberg Suite, or the Ancient Airs and Dances
suites of Respighi might work.  Depending on her tastes, some Bach or
Mozart (the Flute and Harp Concerto, for instance) might be welcome.  I
tend to find Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto calming.  Best wishes to her.

Jim Tobin