Oh Michael, new favorite!!! I’m so grateful (And also a bit blown away by the synchronicity) that I saved this for later this week when my stress levels and commitments died down a bit. After I decided to finally put my work down tonight, I snuggled in my blanket with my warm cup of decaf. From the moment I pressed play I was mesmerized and completely hooked. THEN I read your words and of course it’s like the Universe was talking directly to me through you! “I have passed away from the world's turmoil And rest in a tranquil realm!” 🥹💙 We could all take a page from Mahler’s life storybook. Hustle culture is no place for art now is it? This was like my mini escape to the Alps, complete with chills ❄️ at 5:12 plus the near echo at 6:15! Breathtaking!!
Also I need to set my own little notification for your Notes moments of zen! I’m missing the sweet goodness!!
Oh Katie, how lovely that this was your first experience with Mahler's transcendent song! I hope it transports you to a quiet, tranquil realm every time. Yes to late-night mini escapes to the Alps!
And I'm glad you've discovered the moment of musical zen series on Notes! I've really been enjoying playing classical DJ over there. 💙
Oh, that Janet Baker clip. Just takes you to the point of being a sobbing mess! Marvellous, as was the second clip. I like many genres of music but there is something about the classically trained voice that just makes me marvel at the sound a human being can make. Thanks Michael, another lovely and informative piece. x
Totally agree, Jules — this song toes that line between reverie and catharsis so well! Although I played clarinet for 20+ years, I can't sing a tune to save my life, so I share in your marveling at a classical singer's talents. My husband is an opera and art song singer, and it just feels alchemical watching him song — astonishing that the human body can produce such beauty and unlimited nuance in tone. 💙💙
German romanticism holds such a large space in my heart for many reasons, but chief among them is definitely its forging the concept of Weltschmerz. Such a light bulb moment when I first read of it, as it perfectly captures so much of the way I interpret the world and the melancholy I carry with me. No surprise, then, that Mahler and Schubert are two of my favorite composers! 💙
Exactly! There's such creative potential in those layers of emotion that lie between the world we inhabit and the one we envision.
On a related note, I'm *so* excited to dive into A Hong Kong story over the holidays. (End of the year is crunch time in classical music marketing, meaning I'm very behind in my SS reading.) After enjoying your fabulous non-fiction for months, I can't wait to see what you have in store in your new novel. 💙
Oh Michael, new favorite!!! I’m so grateful (And also a bit blown away by the synchronicity) that I saved this for later this week when my stress levels and commitments died down a bit. After I decided to finally put my work down tonight, I snuggled in my blanket with my warm cup of decaf. From the moment I pressed play I was mesmerized and completely hooked. THEN I read your words and of course it’s like the Universe was talking directly to me through you! “I have passed away from the world's turmoil And rest in a tranquil realm!” 🥹💙 We could all take a page from Mahler’s life storybook. Hustle culture is no place for art now is it? This was like my mini escape to the Alps, complete with chills ❄️ at 5:12 plus the near echo at 6:15! Breathtaking!!
Also I need to set my own little notification for your Notes moments of zen! I’m missing the sweet goodness!!
Oh Katie, how lovely that this was your first experience with Mahler's transcendent song! I hope it transports you to a quiet, tranquil realm every time. Yes to late-night mini escapes to the Alps!
And I'm glad you've discovered the moment of musical zen series on Notes! I've really been enjoying playing classical DJ over there. 💙
After listening to today’s, now I HAVE to go back and listen to everything I missed! Like mining for gold!
Oh, that Janet Baker clip. Just takes you to the point of being a sobbing mess! Marvellous, as was the second clip. I like many genres of music but there is something about the classically trained voice that just makes me marvel at the sound a human being can make. Thanks Michael, another lovely and informative piece. x
Totally agree, Jules — this song toes that line between reverie and catharsis so well! Although I played clarinet for 20+ years, I can't sing a tune to save my life, so I share in your marveling at a classical singer's talents. My husband is an opera and art song singer, and it just feels alchemical watching him song — astonishing that the human body can produce such beauty and unlimited nuance in tone. 💙💙
How marvellous. It must be fascinating listening to an expert. Such a gift to be able to sing well. Maybe he could give you some coaching 🤔
The Weltschmerz is a really interesting concept, especially in this context. Love the way music mixes with poetry here. 🩵🩵
German romanticism holds such a large space in my heart for many reasons, but chief among them is definitely its forging the concept of Weltschmerz. Such a light bulb moment when I first read of it, as it perfectly captures so much of the way I interpret the world and the melancholy I carry with me. No surprise, then, that Mahler and Schubert are two of my favorite composers! 💙
I feel this!
People say my fiction carries melancholia, and now I think I understand why. I'm not sad...just thinking about reality/truth/music...all that stuff.
💙
Exactly! There's such creative potential in those layers of emotion that lie between the world we inhabit and the one we envision.
On a related note, I'm *so* excited to dive into A Hong Kong story over the holidays. (End of the year is crunch time in classical music marketing, meaning I'm very behind in my SS reading.) After enjoying your fabulous non-fiction for months, I can't wait to see what you have in store in your new novel. 💙