Published on February 13, 2005 By Pansy Boffin In Misc
I just spent a very intense week rehearsing for and performing two incredible masterpieces of music... Hayden's Mass in Time of War, and Vaughn-Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem. Both so fitting at this particular moment in history, and I would dare say fitting to nearly any time in history. The text to the Dona Nobis Pacem is a compilation of poetry and scripture and requires some pretty intense enunciation of words (for a full chorus) that are not often sung: such as "expostulation". If you have not heard this piece, I would strongly encourage you to spend a 1/2 hour of your time in listening.... especially following the text. Anyhow, why this plug for Vaughn-Williams? Well, yesterday during our Saturday matinée performance of the work, I experienced, over and over, what musicians and artists often refer to as "the aesthetic experience"... that moment when the meaning of the art and the art itself comes together and the beholder experiences... well, goosebumps, chills, tears... that feeling that you know exactly what it is when you have experienced it, but it is so difficult to explain. I mourn those of my generation... (I'm not very old), and the up and coming one whose artistic experiences (with music in particular) have been reduced to.... well, let's just say shallowness and in extreme cases, vulgarity and violence. I listen to "pop" music... I listen to all kinds of music, as long as it's lyrics are non-offensive... every kind of music has its place, but, I think it is so very sad that there are so many many people in this world who think "classical" music is anything that doesn't have words. I'm not meaning to sound elitist in any way whatsoever, I just had the reminder yesterday as I sang and experienced the "aesthetic" what I had been missing for a few years now (just getting back into singing after college). Branch out and experience it for yourself! Immerse yourself in the "unknown". Don't say you hate "opera" unless you've actually seen one for real! Don't deprive yourself of the "aesthetic experience"
Comments
on Feb 13, 2005
I tell you, every day you amaze and inspire me babe.

This was a very cool blog, and interesting to read since real life had been a bit too crazy for us to talk about this. This is one of the reasons I love you so much, you help smooth out my rough edges and keep me exposed to amazing things that I enjoy, but probably wouldn't seek out on my own. Awesome post.
on Feb 13, 2005
Pansy, great post! As a musician and songwriter, I understand completely what you are talking about. It is this experience that continually inspires me to write. It doesn't occur everytime, but when it does... Wow!

Cheers,

Maso
on Feb 13, 2005
Music is the soundtrack of our lives...especially great music. These days music is so recycled and so unoriginal. I'm glad to see someone else appreciates the timlessness of the composers of western art song.
on Feb 13, 2005
I can't sing or play an instrument, but I love music.

I always seem to tear up at a certain songs, mostly gospel and Christmas music. I love that feeling of freedom, for lack of a better word.
Beauty. Good blog.
KellyW.
on Feb 20, 2005
Thanks to all of you who replied to my blog! It is great to know there are others out there who can appreciate music... whether they are musicians themselves or not!
on Feb 21, 2005
Interesting. I think I shall try to check out those two pieces of music you mention, I don't believe I've come across them.

I like having good music in the background particularly when I'm writing. Kinda like having an appropriate soundtrack. The high that one gets from music is easily transfered to inspiring what one is doing at the time. To take a not-so-obvious example, I always put on Stravinsky's Rite of Spring when I'm cleaning the house.