Last night I attended a choral concert a local college. The concert itself was amateurish, but fun. The thing that struck me most was the complete lack of confidence among the majority of the singers. It was an all-women's choir, and the women stood stiffly, barely opened their mouths wide enough to make a sound, and rarely looked up from their music. They stood with their shoulders hunched, as though they were expecting someone to throw tomatoes at them. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part they fit the description above.
Musically there were two things that stood out: the accompanist, a student at the Boston Conservatory, played an incredible solo piece by Rachmaninoff. It was truly amazing. It has been a long time since I felt so instantly touched and frozen by a piece of music. Second, the last song featured an arrangement of 'Carol of the Bells' by Kirby Shaw. The lyrics were reworked a bit, and the tune given a jazzy feel. I loved it. I found a canned recording of it here: http://tinyurl.com/3xpark (click on the "Real Audio" link). I would like to find a better one, but for now, enjoy the lyrics:
Hark! Hear the Bells, bright silver bells, now echoing, good news they bring.
Be of good cheer! Christmas is here! Now all is well, sing we noel!
Loudly they ring, each answering, filling the air, loudly declare.
This is the year peace will appear, hatred will cease, love will increase.
Song so sincere, message so clear, hearts drawing near, no need to fear.
Love is agreeing, love is revealing, love is our being, we all are one.
Christmas bells ring out that love's a treasure, so we sing this song in merry measure.
Spreading the word, let it be heard, each bell a part of loving hearts.
14:13 - Friday, Dec. 07, 2007
Recent entries:
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The Moments to Live For - Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007
message of Christmas Peace - Friday, Dec. 07, 2007
just a bunch of breast tissue - Wednesday, Dec. 05, 2007
a poetry reading - Friday, Nov. 30, 2007
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