The Mahler is a remarkable piece. Wasn't it used in Visconti's "Death in Venice"? I love the use of the harp in it - that's my Welshness showing! I'm not sure how the musicians can play it to the end without being overcome with emotion, but the conductor's face says it all.
The interview between Arvo Pärt and Björk is lovely. Marvellous to see the connection between them, and as she is young there it makes me wonder whether the use of bells on her album Vespertine in "Frosti" is a nod. https://youtu.be/o2aV8ZEGwKo?si=nIrDaeB-u_Zo8I8u
I enjoyed all three pieces (once again!) and as always, I love the art work that you have selected for the piece. Another beautiful post. Thank you.
Thanks for your kind words, Jules — glad you now have three more works in your growing music library to return to! 💙
The Mahler was indeed used throughout Visconti’s Death in Venice. My long-winded first draft included a paragraph about how, despite the work being a declaration of love, the Adagietto has become synonymous with death and moments of collective grief. Bernstein conducted it at Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1968, it was performed at many memorials following the September 11 attacks, and of course there’s Visconti’s film.
I find Visconti’s use brilliant and apt, since Death in Venice’s themes of art, obsession, and unrequited love swim in the same aesthetic world as Mahler in many ways. It's hard to think of that film and not hear the Adagietto’s final climax. (And yes, the harp is heart-melting!)
And that’s a fascinating connection you've made with Björk’s Vespertine! I had made connections between Pärt and the choral writing on Medulla, but you're so right — Vespertine would have been percolating in her mind in 1997 when she filmed this documentary. I have to imagine Pärt’s little bells were influential!
Michael I AM FOREVER CHANGED! You’ve been holding onto this hand! I’ve never felt endless cascades of goosebumps, to feel my soul expand to the point of detonation, needing to literally clutch my chest to catch my breath!! I can’t EVEN IMAGINE what it must be like to be there in person and feel that on a subatomic level. Henry James was absolutely on point.
This isn’t to take away from the first two pieces which I also adored! The “Lost in the World” quote with such fullness, the adorable Björk interview with Pärt (I could listen to her speak for eternity), and the tintinnabuli style is a welcome addition to my choral favorites!!
Everything about this week’s Blue was precisely what I needed after a tough, long, heartbreaking week! I thank you my dear friend!! 💙
Katie — I'm so glad this roundup could be a balm and a boon after a tough week. Thank goodness these works, alternately filled with love, peace, and ecstasy, offer such therapeutic benefits!
Your description of the Scriabin stands shoulder to shoulder with Henry Miller’s. “To feel my soul expand to the point of detonation” — I love the liminal space that creates between states of liberation and annihilation. Either way the experience reduces us to breathless tears. 💙
That's my favorite post so far. Bach, Bjork, and that great Henry James quote.
Glad to hear it, John! An eclectic mix of perspectives, for sure.
The Mahler is a remarkable piece. Wasn't it used in Visconti's "Death in Venice"? I love the use of the harp in it - that's my Welshness showing! I'm not sure how the musicians can play it to the end without being overcome with emotion, but the conductor's face says it all.
The interview between Arvo Pärt and Björk is lovely. Marvellous to see the connection between them, and as she is young there it makes me wonder whether the use of bells on her album Vespertine in "Frosti" is a nod. https://youtu.be/o2aV8ZEGwKo?si=nIrDaeB-u_Zo8I8u
I enjoyed all three pieces (once again!) and as always, I love the art work that you have selected for the piece. Another beautiful post. Thank you.
Thanks for your kind words, Jules — glad you now have three more works in your growing music library to return to! 💙
The Mahler was indeed used throughout Visconti’s Death in Venice. My long-winded first draft included a paragraph about how, despite the work being a declaration of love, the Adagietto has become synonymous with death and moments of collective grief. Bernstein conducted it at Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1968, it was performed at many memorials following the September 11 attacks, and of course there’s Visconti’s film.
I find Visconti’s use brilliant and apt, since Death in Venice’s themes of art, obsession, and unrequited love swim in the same aesthetic world as Mahler in many ways. It's hard to think of that film and not hear the Adagietto’s final climax. (And yes, the harp is heart-melting!)
And that’s a fascinating connection you've made with Björk’s Vespertine! I had made connections between Pärt and the choral writing on Medulla, but you're so right — Vespertine would have been percolating in her mind in 1997 when she filmed this documentary. I have to imagine Pärt’s little bells were influential!
Thanks for sharing all of this wonderful music!
Truly my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed this roundup.
Michael I AM FOREVER CHANGED! You’ve been holding onto this hand! I’ve never felt endless cascades of goosebumps, to feel my soul expand to the point of detonation, needing to literally clutch my chest to catch my breath!! I can’t EVEN IMAGINE what it must be like to be there in person and feel that on a subatomic level. Henry James was absolutely on point.
This isn’t to take away from the first two pieces which I also adored! The “Lost in the World” quote with such fullness, the adorable Björk interview with Pärt (I could listen to her speak for eternity), and the tintinnabuli style is a welcome addition to my choral favorites!!
Everything about this week’s Blue was precisely what I needed after a tough, long, heartbreaking week! I thank you my dear friend!! 💙
Katie — I'm so glad this roundup could be a balm and a boon after a tough week. Thank goodness these works, alternately filled with love, peace, and ecstasy, offer such therapeutic benefits!
Your description of the Scriabin stands shoulder to shoulder with Henry Miller’s. “To feel my soul expand to the point of detonation” — I love the liminal space that creates between states of liberation and annihilation. Either way the experience reduces us to breathless tears. 💙
Oh myyy, what a compliment!! It honestly takes a moment of breathlessness to remember how important it is to BREATHE!
yup, poem of ecstasy- fire cocaine and rainbows for sure. compiling a playlist and saving this one forever
Love that you've saved this to a personal playlist! Such a powerful work. 🔥 ❄️ 🌈