Mahler wove this beautiful theme (oh for the wings of a dove' into his 5th symphony - movement 1 I think, towards its latter third... could be movement 2, Haven't listened to it for a long time. Movement 1 is the embodiment of triumph over adversity - art of the darkness it rises, awesome in its scope. Mahler had a tragic life (the lot of many great composers) but one can surely grasp the hope that threads its way through his works. He lived on the cusp - would have seen it coming - and we're the survivors who are here a century later... Keep on inspiring and being inspired - and get a hold of this majestic piece of music, all of it, at the first opportunity.
Seeing as I'm in a somewhat contemplative mood, here's something to think upon...
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/mediareleases/christmas_message_2010/ I think you could build admirably upon this and point us to a healthier future - as you tirelessly do with this blog ministry.
Its hiding in Mahler's 5th Symphony - a mere wafting, but so beautiful, almost as thogh the composer had been praying this psalm in music, not words... if you wish to purchase it, look for classical music on the Naxos label; its very affordable and excellently performed. In Australia, look for it either through Fysche Fine Music or 'Michael's Music room'.
One needs to be in the right mood to take on and appreciate Mahler's 5th; it is something to be purposefully listened to as an act in its own right, not as background music, and when one is in a frame of mind able to appreciate the depths and darkness as well as the light, listening to this work as a whole - as a tale of triumph out of adversity told through the vaulting majesty of this form. Mahler, Debussy, Sebelius, Ravel and Holst along with a very young Stravinski and Prokofiev. were masters of their art form, before the dissonence of the mid 20th century took hold.
You can't go past the works of Vaughan Williams or Britton either; Elgar is less to my liking, but this is a mere point of personal taste, and no reflection upon the composer's ability.
Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances Op.45 PART 1 OF 5 Is gorgeous! absolutely gorgeous!! especially the gentle middle third, that defies words. Try and hold back a tear if you can....especially when one remembers what he saw happening to his beloved Russia. In the tradition of russian classical music, its a wee bit heavy, but beautiful nonetheless. The subsequent parts 2-5 aren't nearly as wonderful as part 1.
Here's a youtube link to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF1pGMsxX5M
This recording seems to be missing the final third of part 1. the recording quality is excellent, but remember, modest computer speakers just don't do this type of thing justice.
I fell in love with this when I was 16, and have loved it ever since. As with the Mahler, one has to be in the right frame of mind... since.
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra recording of the Rakmaninov Symphonic Dances is superb;
Regrettably, this is not an optimal digital rendering; a bit 'crunched' and 'narrow band'... Get your hands on the CD or better, if you've still got the facilities to play it, vinyl. The final portion of what i have always thought of as an element of part 1 isn't here either, but never mind. If you've a good local library with a half decent CD collection, you should be able to find this easily. I think its worth purchasing just for the first part in its own right.
As one who lives near the ocean, you may appreciate these also; they verge on dissonence but retain their beauty...
Britton's 'Sea Interludes' from Peter Grimes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxYG-EU4iSI
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Jg_cLH3oE
Which is one of the most exquisite pieces of music written in the 20th century, in my thinking and stands in its own right without need for the rest of PG... When you are standing upon the headland facing the ocean, think of this... The raw power - of the sea rendered musically is breathtaking!
PG is worth purchasing for the Sea Interludes alone.
Finally, a beautiful English 20th century song; 'A Green Cornfield' by Michael head;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCP6FSFPB6A
This is one of the best renditions I can find; a lovely bookend to what can be musical heavy=going (my previous suggestions and selections). I sang this at 18; it is still as precious to me now as it was over 20 years ago. !!
9 comments:
If I recall correctly, this was a verse read by Molly in the movie series "Wives and Daughters" and joined by Osborne, who finished the verse.
There are several Psalms with the words "fly away", one which inspired the song "I'll Fly Away."
Lydia,
Mahler wove this beautiful theme (oh for the wings of a dove' into his 5th symphony - movement 1 I think, towards its latter third... could be movement 2, Haven't listened to it for a long time. Movement 1 is the embodiment of triumph over adversity - art of the darkness it rises, awesome in its scope. Mahler had a tragic life (the lot of many great composers) but one can surely grasp the hope that threads its way through his works. He lived on the cusp - would have seen it coming - and we're the survivors who are here a century later... Keep on inspiring and being inspired - and get a hold of this majestic piece of music, all of it, at the first opportunity.
Seeing as I'm in a somewhat contemplative mood, here's something to think upon...
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/mediareleases/christmas_message_2010/
I think you could build admirably upon this and point us to a healthier future - as you tirelessly do with this blog ministry.
I had not known it was in a composition and I would like to hear it.
There were several verses in Jane Austen's books. One in particular I remember was read by Brandon to Maryanne in Sense and Sensibility.
Its hiding in Mahler's 5th Symphony - a mere wafting, but so beautiful, almost as thogh the composer had been praying this psalm in music, not words... if you wish to purchase it, look for classical music on the Naxos label; its very affordable and excellently performed. In Australia, look for it either through Fysche Fine Music or 'Michael's Music room'.
One needs to be in the right mood to take on and appreciate Mahler's 5th; it is something to be purposefully listened to as an act in its own right, not as background music, and when one is in a frame of mind able to appreciate the depths and darkness as well as the light, listening to this work as a whole - as a tale of triumph out of adversity told through the vaulting majesty of this form. Mahler, Debussy, Sebelius, Ravel and Holst along with a very young Stravinski and Prokofiev. were masters of their art form, before the dissonence of the mid 20th century took hold.
and
Lydia,
You can't go past the works of Vaughan Williams or Britton either; Elgar is less to my liking, but this is a mere point of personal taste, and no reflection upon the composer's ability.
Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances Op.45 PART 1 OF 5 Is gorgeous! absolutely gorgeous!! especially the gentle middle third, that defies words. Try and hold back a tear if you can....especially when one remembers what he saw happening to his beloved Russia. In the tradition of russian classical music, its a wee bit heavy, but beautiful nonetheless. The subsequent parts 2-5 aren't nearly as wonderful as part 1.
Here's a youtube link to it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF1pGMsxX5M
This recording seems to be missing the final third of part 1.
the recording quality is excellent, but remember, modest computer speakers just don't do this type of thing justice.
I fell in love with this when I was 16, and have loved it ever since. As with the Mahler, one has to be in the right frame of mind... since.
Lydia,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy-MqX_lswo
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra recording of the Rakmaninov Symphonic Dances is superb;
Regrettably, this is not an optimal digital rendering; a bit 'crunched' and 'narrow band'... Get your hands on the CD or better, if you've still got the facilities to play it, vinyl. The final portion of what i have always thought of as an element of part 1 isn't here either, but never mind. If you've a good local library with a half decent CD collection, you should be able to find this easily. I think its worth purchasing just for the first part in its own right.
As one who lives near the ocean, you may appreciate these also; they verge on dissonence but retain their beauty...
Britton's 'Sea Interludes' from Peter Grimes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxYG-EU4iSI
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Jg_cLH3oE
Which is one of the most exquisite pieces of music written in the 20th century, in my thinking and stands in its own right without need for the rest of PG... When you are standing upon the headland facing the ocean, think of this... The raw power - of the sea rendered musically is breathtaking!
PG is worth purchasing for the Sea Interludes alone.
Lydia,
Finally, a beautiful English 20th century song; 'A Green Cornfield' by Michael head;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCP6FSFPB6A
This is one of the best renditions I can find; a lovely bookend to what can be musical heavy=going (my previous suggestions and selections). I sang this at 18; it is still as precious to me now as it was over 20 years ago. !!
Nice verse. Like the painting too.
Thank you for bringing the Word of God to us. It is always healing. Psalm 107:20.
Have a blessed New Year, Lady Lydia.
Jasmine
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