Tonight I was bored. . .and I took my last choice of place to go to be "unbored" and I ended up in the mall. I hate the mall. But.. like I said, I was bored. I looked around. Ran into a former student. Looked at purses. Looked at clothes.. nothing. . nothing was working for me. So, I went the place I should have gone to begin with - Borders. I browsed the books and was contemplating buying something to help my kids with their ACT test. I told you I was bored. Then I remember something I have been unconciously trying to remember since the Olympics - K.D.Lang. I want a K.D. Lang album - preferably with "Hallelujah" on it.
There is something amazing about her voice. It speaks right to my heart - goes there immediately on first sound and can rip it apart and pull it around. I have a very quiet K.D. Lang addiction. You see, in the circles in which I run she isn't a top of the line classical performer. Funnily, I think the only one who would get it would be my actual classically trained conductor. I sort of think he stands with me on the "good music is good music" curb. I was not disappointed. . love this album.
I did say divaS didn't I? Next CD. . . Renee Fleming. Same reaction to her as I have to K.D. Lang. She sings and I'm transported. I found an album with her singing love songs. . I haven't listened to it yet because I was busy listening to K.D. Lang but I will. . oh, I will. Two diametrically different Divas - each able to speak to my soul. Both are absolutely fantastic perfomers and I would pay good money to see either of them.
I am constantly amazed at the variety of music in my world. This blog is supposed to be about the Chorale. . well, mostly it is but - good music is good music darn it.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
"The Best of all Possible Worlds"
So, how does a reference to Candide end up in a blog about Haydn and choral music? Strange alignment of planetary confluences? Or, simply a highschool English/History teacher who is currently immersed in both the book and Haydn's Creation? Choose the last one - trust me.
Last night was the first concert of a two concert run of Haydn's Creation. Not only that, we had a spectacular multi-media production to go along with the music. It was amazing. From where I was standing the overall experience couldn't have been any better. I received numerous kudos for the chorus came my way as I made the mad dash to the loft to protect the recording equipment from potential five finger discounts. It was very good.
Back to why I'm writing this blog - buzz kill. The other topic of this blog, besides my passionate affair with music, is the Chorale (to whom I am dedicated heart and soul) Like children that you gave birth to but who sometimes push your buttons - that's the Chorale. A sample of my last few days: "The call is too early!" "The lights are hot." "The chairs are backwards" "That singer behind me is terrible" "Ernie cannot hear me". Yes, all legitimate things that were told to me by otherwise mature individuals.
For "The Call is Too Early" guy. . . I said , "We've always come in an hour before concert. How about you call Ernie and tell him your concerns." His response, "Oh, that's okay, it's just too early." So I go into broken record mode and repeat same advice while dodging his overwhelmingly alcoholic breath and trying to decipher his slurring words. . Really? He's worried about the call time? One less hour to drink is how I see it.
For "The Lights are Too Hot" lady. . . I said, "Yes, they are hot." That's all I said. Several times in a theme variation but that's what I said. To her credit she finally said, "I guess that's just the way lights are. " She gets a gold star for that.
For "The Chairs are Backwards" consortium. . . What they do not realize is that a wonderful Maryland Hall employee named Michelle thought about us in advance and generously - without our asking - set up those chairs for us. Put that in your music and sing it!
For "That Singer behind me was Awful" lady. . . as I wasn't addressed directly but just came about this information second hand I would love to say what I could never say, "Suck it up Buttercup. . it ain't a bed of roses anywhere" My legitimate response would be, "And you sing perfectly all the time yourself? Ever think someone doesn't think you sound like Glinda?"
For "Ernie cannot hear me" lady. . . again, I received this second hand and my snarky remark would be "Thank God" but my other, legitimate response is "We are a chorus. No one of us needs Ernie to hear us individually. Isn't that the antithesis of what a chorus is?"
All of this aside - you'd think it would disturb my peace and tranquility and joy in what I do. I've learned that when people are complaining to you all you have to do is listen. My ability to change the situations is limited or non-existent at best. I don't know . . . just once, I'd like to enjoy a concert that was criticism and complaint free. I wonder if that will ever happen? Doubtful as I am surrounded by, gasp, human beings! Hmmm. . . I wonder if everyone can accept that.
I suspect that if I were to say - okay, sit where ever you want. . anywhere. . they'd all still complain about their seating arrangements. .
As a matter of fact, I'd put good money on it.
Last night was the first concert of a two concert run of Haydn's Creation. Not only that, we had a spectacular multi-media production to go along with the music. It was amazing. From where I was standing the overall experience couldn't have been any better. I received numerous kudos for the chorus came my way as I made the mad dash to the loft to protect the recording equipment from potential five finger discounts. It was very good.
Back to why I'm writing this blog - buzz kill. The other topic of this blog, besides my passionate affair with music, is the Chorale (to whom I am dedicated heart and soul) Like children that you gave birth to but who sometimes push your buttons - that's the Chorale. A sample of my last few days: "The call is too early!" "The lights are hot." "The chairs are backwards" "That singer behind me is terrible" "Ernie cannot hear me". Yes, all legitimate things that were told to me by otherwise mature individuals.
For "The Call is Too Early" guy. . . I said , "We've always come in an hour before concert. How about you call Ernie and tell him your concerns." His response, "Oh, that's okay, it's just too early." So I go into broken record mode and repeat same advice while dodging his overwhelmingly alcoholic breath and trying to decipher his slurring words. . Really? He's worried about the call time? One less hour to drink is how I see it.
For "The Lights are Too Hot" lady. . . I said, "Yes, they are hot." That's all I said. Several times in a theme variation but that's what I said. To her credit she finally said, "I guess that's just the way lights are. " She gets a gold star for that.
For "The Chairs are Backwards" consortium. . . What they do not realize is that a wonderful Maryland Hall employee named Michelle thought about us in advance and generously - without our asking - set up those chairs for us. Put that in your music and sing it!
For "That Singer behind me was Awful" lady. . . as I wasn't addressed directly but just came about this information second hand I would love to say what I could never say, "Suck it up Buttercup. . it ain't a bed of roses anywhere" My legitimate response would be, "And you sing perfectly all the time yourself? Ever think someone doesn't think you sound like Glinda?"
For "Ernie cannot hear me" lady. . . again, I received this second hand and my snarky remark would be "Thank God" but my other, legitimate response is "We are a chorus. No one of us needs Ernie to hear us individually. Isn't that the antithesis of what a chorus is?"
All of this aside - you'd think it would disturb my peace and tranquility and joy in what I do. I've learned that when people are complaining to you all you have to do is listen. My ability to change the situations is limited or non-existent at best. I don't know . . . just once, I'd like to enjoy a concert that was criticism and complaint free. I wonder if that will ever happen? Doubtful as I am surrounded by, gasp, human beings! Hmmm. . . I wonder if everyone can accept that.
I suspect that if I were to say - okay, sit where ever you want. . anywhere. . they'd all still complain about their seating arrangements. .
As a matter of fact, I'd put good money on it.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
My Letter to the Editor
This was in the Capital Newspaper in Annapolis tonight. Obviously, I feel rather strongly about my city and it's Arts CommunityDear Editor,
The whole controversy/uproar over whether or not the space near the Westin is going to work for Annapolis performing Arts groups is a discussion worth having. I am a member of one of those groups, Live Arts Maryland, but at the moment I'd like to put aside that argument and respond to a very disturbing remark that I read in another letter to the Editor.
The letter said that [we] were forced to attend concerts at the Strathmore, Washington D.C., and Baltimore if [we] wanted to attend quality productions. I would suspect that this person has never checked out the local Annapolis arts community. I have been a proud member of a thriving arts community here for almost 30 years. We have a symphony, an opera, a ballet, a chorale, theaters, coffee house venues, smaller ensembles, and galleries. In the past three years those groups have performed Papageno, Tosca, Mozart, Elgar, Rachmaninoff, Haydn, Nutcracker, Carmina Burana, Urinetown, Sweeney Todd, The Lion in Winter, Harvey, and a host of other pieces. They have contributed well and often to our community. When called upon to sing or perform for political functions or to support the city of Annapolis I can say with certainty that they do not hesitate to offer their services. They are well-rehearsed performers who bring their talent and passion to every stage and venue in town.
Do not tell me that you cannot find art in Annapolis. I would suspect that you simply have bought the idea that the "glamour" of big city productions means they are more worthy of your time and money. However, to deny the fact that you can find amazing groups performing here in Annapolis is patently untrue. Our city is a home for artists and performers who work very hard to make ends meet in this economy and who deserve the support of the local citizens. We are the capital of the state. Our LOCAL artists deserve the support of the community in order to promote the home grown talent and keep the money in Annapolis working for Annapolis. I'm not sure that supporting a venue that will bring the "real" out of town artists here is in the spirit of community that Annapolis represents. Before you say you cannot find real performers in Annapolis take this summer and fall to go to a live production of every theater, chorus, orchestra, ballet and opera in town. . .oh, wait - maybe you should take a year to do that because we have so much to offer.
The whole controversy/uproar over whether or not the space near the Westin is going to work for Annapolis performing Arts groups is a discussion worth having. I am a member of one of those groups, Live Arts Maryland, but at the moment I'd like to put aside that argument and respond to a very disturbing remark that I read in another letter to the Editor.
The letter said that [we] were forced to attend concerts at the Strathmore, Washington D.C., and Baltimore if [we] wanted to attend quality productions. I would suspect that this person has never checked out the local Annapolis arts community. I have been a proud member of a thriving arts community here for almost 30 years. We have a symphony, an opera, a ballet, a chorale, theaters, coffee house venues, smaller ensembles, and galleries. In the past three years those groups have performed Papageno, Tosca, Mozart, Elgar, Rachmaninoff, Haydn, Nutcracker, Carmina Burana, Urinetown, Sweeney Todd, The Lion in Winter, Harvey, and a host of other pieces. They have contributed well and often to our community. When called upon to sing or perform for political functions or to support the city of Annapolis I can say with certainty that they do not hesitate to offer their services. They are well-rehearsed performers who bring their talent and passion to every stage and venue in town.
Do not tell me that you cannot find art in Annapolis. I would suspect that you simply have bought the idea that the "glamour" of big city productions means they are more worthy of your time and money. However, to deny the fact that you can find amazing groups performing here in Annapolis is patently untrue. Our city is a home for artists and performers who work very hard to make ends meet in this economy and who deserve the support of the local citizens. We are the capital of the state. Our LOCAL artists deserve the support of the community in order to promote the home grown talent and keep the money in Annapolis working for Annapolis. I'm not sure that supporting a venue that will bring the "real" out of town artists here is in the spirit of community that Annapolis represents. Before you say you cannot find real performers in Annapolis take this summer and fall to go to a live production of every theater, chorus, orchestra, ballet and opera in town. . .oh, wait - maybe you should take a year to do that because we have so much to offer.
Creating
We sing Haydn's Creation this week. Until last night - I hadn't really connected with the piece yet. I have done it several times before and know it quite well. Does familiarity breed hasty contempt?
And yet, last night, I felt what Haydn felt -must have felt - when he composed the piece. I had chills on, "the wonder of his work displays the firmament". I wanted to shout, 'YES it does!' I'm with my conductor. I own the full box set to Planet Earth. The power of the series is displayed when you pop it into the video projector and a classroom of hardened, jaded, world-savvy, tough 10th graders just burst into spontaneous clapping! Wow, Planet Earth - awesome Miss E!
I am not sure what I believe about Creation. Gasp, my fundamentalist friends go. . . oh well, I'm sorry. For a long time now I pretty much have believed that it is irrelevant. It neither undermines my faith nor enhances it to believe one way or the other. Suppose God said, "Let there be life!" and . . . took his time about it? Hmm? Or suppose God said, "Hey, let's really mess with their heads. . watch this. . instant life - Carbon 14 manipulation! Boy are they going to be surprised when they all get to heaven and I show them the video!" Does it matter?
I serve an awesome God who made light from non-light. I am not particularly interested in how He did it. But it is amazing.
Haydn must have felt that in some way. I have a feeling all great artists are tuned into the Artist of the Universe in some way - they'd have to be. I think we musicians are closer than most though - after all, the morning stars sang together, people are singing around the throne of God - it's the only art that we will take with us to the next life! Gives me hope.
And yet, last night, I felt what Haydn felt -must have felt - when he composed the piece. I had chills on, "the wonder of his work displays the firmament". I wanted to shout, 'YES it does!' I'm with my conductor. I own the full box set to Planet Earth. The power of the series is displayed when you pop it into the video projector and a classroom of hardened, jaded, world-savvy, tough 10th graders just burst into spontaneous clapping! Wow, Planet Earth - awesome Miss E!
I am not sure what I believe about Creation. Gasp, my fundamentalist friends go. . . oh well, I'm sorry. For a long time now I pretty much have believed that it is irrelevant. It neither undermines my faith nor enhances it to believe one way or the other. Suppose God said, "Let there be life!" and . . . took his time about it? Hmm? Or suppose God said, "Hey, let's really mess with their heads. . watch this. . instant life - Carbon 14 manipulation! Boy are they going to be surprised when they all get to heaven and I show them the video!" Does it matter?
I serve an awesome God who made light from non-light. I am not particularly interested in how He did it. But it is amazing.
Haydn must have felt that in some way. I have a feeling all great artists are tuned into the Artist of the Universe in some way - they'd have to be. I think we musicians are closer than most though - after all, the morning stars sang together, people are singing around the throne of God - it's the only art that we will take with us to the next life! Gives me hope.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
LIfeskills 101
Being a musician is an education in how to live.
Things I've learned by being a musician:
1. What you want and what you receive are two entirely different things. For example, I want to stand in X position - great. Glad that is is your desire. Stand there. Lesson learned: oh, I can really bloom where I'm planted ;)
2. People are capricious. For example: I think we should all move counterclockwise while singing the Beethoven Missa Solemnis because it would make the sound better. Lesson learned: Oh, well, I don't get it but it did work. .hmmm. . maybe I don't know everything!
3. Be prepared: For example: Hmm, I cannot even begin to sing the notes, pronounce the words, and watch the conductor at the same time. Lesson learned: Best be prepared because you'll feel like a highly uncomfortable boob when you have to perform.
4. Everyone has a different take on it. For example: Wow, I really sang that well tonight. Followed by, you missed the 16th note on the top of page 124 and it totally ruined the whole piece . Lesson learned: Other people's opinions aren't necessarily the truth.
5. Passion is part of it. For example: missing an entrance because you were stunned by a previous part. Lesson learned: it's okay to let something go because you are investing time in your passion.
Just a few things that come to mind. There are a bazillion more things that I've learned being a musician. They/We are all temperamental in our own way. We all continue anyway. . . because to do less would be to not live.
Things I've learned by being a musician:
1. What you want and what you receive are two entirely different things. For example, I want to stand in X position - great. Glad that is is your desire. Stand there. Lesson learned: oh, I can really bloom where I'm planted ;)
2. People are capricious. For example: I think we should all move counterclockwise while singing the Beethoven Missa Solemnis because it would make the sound better. Lesson learned: Oh, well, I don't get it but it did work. .hmmm. . maybe I don't know everything!
3. Be prepared: For example: Hmm, I cannot even begin to sing the notes, pronounce the words, and watch the conductor at the same time. Lesson learned: Best be prepared because you'll feel like a highly uncomfortable boob when you have to perform.
4. Everyone has a different take on it. For example: Wow, I really sang that well tonight. Followed by, you missed the 16th note on the top of page 124 and it totally ruined the whole piece . Lesson learned: Other people's opinions aren't necessarily the truth.
5. Passion is part of it. For example: missing an entrance because you were stunned by a previous part. Lesson learned: it's okay to let something go because you are investing time in your passion.
Just a few things that come to mind. There are a bazillion more things that I've learned being a musician. They/We are all temperamental in our own way. We all continue anyway. . . because to do less would be to not live.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)