09 November 2010

Breakfast Conversation

As Cindi, David and I ate breakfast this morning, the discussion was music.  Which is kind of expected since the entire family is singing in the Collinsville Chorale Christmas concert this year.  David and I are basses; Lauren and Bekah are singing alto; and of course Cindi is belting out the soprano notes. Of all the things we do together, this is one of my all time favorites:  singing!  I said that it was downright relaxing - this time together in the evenings making music, and Cindi disagreed.  She hit on the perfect analogy.  It's like exercise:  it requires intense concentration and thought, but when it's done, you realize how enjoyable and exhilarating it has been - and what a huge stress reliever. It keeps one sane. Among my favorite pieces this time round are the selections from Messiah (though the simplifications result in some unexpected changes in bass line that I keep stumbling over), Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain, a new setting and tune to Away in Manger that is mind-blowingly beautiful, and What Is This Light?  Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain has been a favorite since we first encountered it at the Boar's Head Festival.  Here's St. Olaf's rendition:

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