Sacred Miscellany

An Excellent Soprano - Mary Ann Carr

Looking for a sparkling young coloratura?  Listen to Mary Ann Carr - a dynamic young singer I know.  Based on San Diego, she's simply a delight to listen to (and to work with, I might add).

Even if you don't have an oratorio coming up in the area, take the time to listen to this lovely voice.  It will brighten your outlook immensely.

 

Charleston Tea Plantation

Charleston Tea Plantation – America’s One and Only

During a recent trip to Charleston, I got out to Wadmalaw Island and toured the Charleston’s Tea Plantation.  And I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Low Country.

Started during the Cold War, when the Lipton Tea Company worried about losing access to tea-producing parts of the world, this is a lovely spot where you’ll learn more about tea than you thought possible.

Fear not!  The tour is entertaining, the setting is lovely, and the gift shop well stocked.  Right now, I’m drinking a cup of Governor Grey (no nobility for us Americans, right?) and finding it quite strengthening.

Vespers this Friday

The St. Augustine Schola Cantorae will be in their favorite shrine again this Friday evening at 6 p.m. for Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Someone asked me why we sing that particular vespers.  (1) It's a Marian shrine.  (2) Our Lady enjoys the honor. 

The antiphons for the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary are wonderful verses drawn from the Song of Songs.  In the rich allegorical world of the early Middle Ages, the Virgin was the Bride.  Here's antiphon 2 which comes with a sensuous Tone 4 melody:

Laéva  éjus *sub cápite méo, et  déxtera   illíus  amplexábitur me. His left hand is under my head; and his right hand embraces me.

Fast Car

No matter how many times I hear this song, it knocks me off my feet! Thanks, Tracy.

It's 3 o'clock. Where are your shoulders?

If you've been sitting at your computer and your shoulders have crept up around your ears, relax them.

You'll enjoy the rest of the afternoon (or whatever time you're in) much more.

Sea Island Thoughts at the Penn Center

Visiting the Penn Center – on St. Helena Island, south of Beaufort, South California.  A fascinating look back into the history of the Low Country with roots in the Civil War.  It’s the heart of Gullah/Geechee culture and one of the places where the great adventure of education for freed slaves was started.

There are historic buildings and a nicely curated little museum.  After the school closed in the mid-20^th century, the Penn Center took up community action and also served as a safe meeting place from Martin Luther King, Jr. and his co-workers in the Civil Rights Movement.

What struck me was the sense of “either/or.”  Do we work to change individuals or societies?  Are those goals mutually exclusive?  In the last 50 years, we’ve focused on the social over the individual.  And no one will argue that unjust laws have been overturned and historical prejudices overcome. 

But we’ve left so many individuals behind.  Left behind because of individual poverty or family breakdown, left behind because they couldn’t meet our expectations without help.  Or simply forgotten as we forged ahead to even loftier goals. 

But in the end, it’s the individual who remains.

Photo of the Day - Bear in a Box

They're having a problem with bears at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.  Bears are two things - hungry and lazy.  This bear looks as though he's thinking, "Yeah, so what's the problem?"

The Ageless Story by Lauren Ford

This charming children's book just came to my attention.  Read all about it and then take a moment to think. The boyhood of Christ accompanied by Gregorian antiphons.

What was the world like in the late 1930's when it was written?  War was looming on the horizon and a worldwide depression seemed unending.  Violence was everywhere, accompanied by despair. 

And yet, in the midst of all these trials, was this enduring vision of salvation, music, beauty, and trust. 

Why is this man smiling?

This is Jeffrey Tucker.  Why is Jeffrey smiling?  Because he is a mover and shaker in the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).  Go here and see all the wonderful things that are happening.  Be part of the action yourself with the Winter Chant Intensive or the Summer Colloquium.  Participate in discussions that welcome newcomers in sacred music into conversation with some of the most knowledgeable singer, organists, and choir directors around. 

You'll be smiling too.

(Thanks to Hymnography Unbound for the photo.)

Music of the Month - She Moved Through the Fair

This lovely tune from Ireland is for you to enjoy!  "Like a swan in the evening moves over the lake."

Just click on the bar below to play or right-click to save and enjoy later.

She Moved Through the Fair

My young love said to me,
My mother won't mind
And my father won't slight you
For your lack of kind"
And she stepped away from me
And this she did say:
It will not be long, love,
Till our wedding day"

As she stepped away from me
And she moved through the fair
And fondly I watched her
Move here and move there
And then she turned homeward
With one star awake
Like the swan in the evening
Moves over the lake

The people were saying,
No two e'er were wed
But one had a sorrow
That never was said
And I smiled as she passed
With her goods and her gear,
And that was the last
That I saw of my dear.

Last night she came to me,
My dead love came in
So softly she came
That her feet made no din
As she laid her hand on me
And this she did say
It will not be long, love,
'Til our wedding day