Sacred Miscellany

Happiness, Anyone?

Today feels very topsy-turvy - strange media headlines ("Psychiatrist Attacks Fort Hood"), lots of unreality - very easy to experience in a tourist town because no matter what's happening in the world, someone is here on vacation.

So why not take a look at The Happiness Project - it's one of the websites that are full of links to problem-solving lists and useful nuggests.  And the most recent posting leads you on to more websites as well. 

Take a break, refresh and reset.  Then figure out what your role in the early 21st century might be.

Of course, I can't do the last until my First Friday gig at the Market on Granada is taken care of.  I'll be creating good vibes with my harp from 5 o'clock to 9 (more or less) this evening. 

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.

 

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.

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

Not your grandmother's accordion!

Nerdy Kid Shreds on the Accordion - Watch more Funny Videos

Musical Revival in the Shul!

 Prepping for a radio show featuring music heard in Colonial America's synagogues, I came across this article in Cantors World.  Quality cantorial singing is having a revival!  And the volunteer effort making this happen reminds me of the labors of the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).

And we in the Catholic Church thought we were the only ones.  May all who seek to beautify worship prosper in year 5770.

Vespers at the Shrine

The St. Augustine Schola Cantorae will be singing their monthly vespers at the Shrine Chapel of La Leche this evening, September 25, 2009, starting at 6 p.m. with the Angelus. 

Our Magnificat tonight will be something new: a two-part arrangement of the Znamenny chant with the traditional refrain, "More honorable than the Cherubim" inserted between the verses. Simple in appearance but tricky to keep light and moving forward.

Hoping for some cooling breezes from the Intracoastal Waterway while we sing!  It still feels like summer in Florida.