I listened while drawing the other night and then saved your words! Quiet City sounds even more somber (yet hopeful) after reading about the play. (And I’m fascinated by the fact that it started out as incidental music!)
A tiny synchronicity: The backstory is that I’ve been so focused on drawing (and other projects) that I’ve checked out a bit on my surroundings. I was starting to feel a little numb. Not into my typical autumn spirit. This morning I took a walk and as I rounded the corner, the sun burst through a whole row of saffron tinted maple trees, the leaves gently drifting to the ground. So gorgeous, I teared up, double-smacked that I wasn’t dead inside afterall! 😂 Long story short, I had my own Swan Hymn moment!
Thank you again for all the delicious details you provide along with so many new-to-me hidden gems! PS I love following along with the translations too (the ice frost as flowers... my heart!! 💔)
Katie — thank you for sharing your beautiful moment of awe in nature! I got goosebumps envisioning the light cascading through those maple leaves. I hope you're able to channel that experience into your work just as Sibelius did! 💙
So glad you enjoyed this month's selections. I'm a bit sad not to have any more Schubert on the writing horizon, but I'll be back after Thanksgiving with a divine art song from a different composer to dive into!
Your writing as always is so compelling and informative at the same time. I’m on a short stay with family this weekend but plan to start my writing week with these. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Another delicious selection! My ears are pleasantly tingling after listening to each of them, but oh, Copland! I wrote about him a while ago and included a link to a performance he gave in 1964 with Bernstein conducting. Will include link in case you haven't seen it already, Michael.
Thanks so much for another highly informative piece. I really look forward to them, and I'm enjoying the extra notes you put out during the week, too. Little islands of calm.
I'm so happy to hear the works I share on Notes are "little islands of calm" for you, Jules — that warms my heart to hear! 💙
And thank you for sharing that video! There is something so hypnotic about Copland's music — he can jump around from nocturnal beauty to rollicking dances seemingly with the bat of an eyelash.
I listened while drawing the other night and then saved your words! Quiet City sounds even more somber (yet hopeful) after reading about the play. (And I’m fascinated by the fact that it started out as incidental music!)
A tiny synchronicity: The backstory is that I’ve been so focused on drawing (and other projects) that I’ve checked out a bit on my surroundings. I was starting to feel a little numb. Not into my typical autumn spirit. This morning I took a walk and as I rounded the corner, the sun burst through a whole row of saffron tinted maple trees, the leaves gently drifting to the ground. So gorgeous, I teared up, double-smacked that I wasn’t dead inside afterall! 😂 Long story short, I had my own Swan Hymn moment!
Thank you again for all the delicious details you provide along with so many new-to-me hidden gems! PS I love following along with the translations too (the ice frost as flowers... my heart!! 💔)
Katie — thank you for sharing your beautiful moment of awe in nature! I got goosebumps envisioning the light cascading through those maple leaves. I hope you're able to channel that experience into your work just as Sibelius did! 💙
So glad you enjoyed this month's selections. I'm a bit sad not to have any more Schubert on the writing horizon, but I'll be back after Thanksgiving with a divine art song from a different composer to dive into!
Yes, I did have a little artistic inspo! “When in doubt just step out!”
Fabulous!! I’m really starting to get into these art songs! Have a lovely Thanksgiving, Michael!!
Same to you!
Great collection! The swan melody from Sibelius is beautiful.
Glad you enjoyed!
Your writing as always is so compelling and informative at the same time. I’m on a short stay with family this weekend but plan to start my writing week with these. Thank you for sharing them with us!
It's my pleasure, Kate! Thank you for being such a devoted reader. May this music prove the perfect accompaniment to your writing this week!
Another delicious selection! My ears are pleasantly tingling after listening to each of them, but oh, Copland! I wrote about him a while ago and included a link to a performance he gave in 1964 with Bernstein conducting. Will include link in case you haven't seen it already, Michael.
Thanks so much for another highly informative piece. I really look forward to them, and I'm enjoying the extra notes you put out during the week, too. Little islands of calm.
https://youtu.be/vC3qQpyp4rI?si=Vmv3MAMtNSi9R2TL
I'm so happy to hear the works I share on Notes are "little islands of calm" for you, Jules — that warms my heart to hear! 💙
And thank you for sharing that video! There is something so hypnotic about Copland's music — he can jump around from nocturnal beauty to rollicking dances seemingly with the bat of an eyelash.
As soon as I see those lovely notes I just have to stop and listen 🙂
There's a point in that clip where Bernstein looks as if he's about to take flight. Joy! Marvellous that we can still see these great performances.
Yes! His Young People’s Concerts always bring a tear to my eye. No better ambassador for classical music than Lenny.