Friday, December 24, 2010

The Death of Sir Walter Scott

When Sir Walter Scott died in 1832, a jubilee of dramatic performances based on his works were performed in Abbotsford and Dryburgh Abbey to celebrate his life and works. His influence is still present in the literature and culture of Scotland to this day.
In the recent past, many have passed away who have been a significant influence in our lives. My own ballet teacher- Richard Ellis, my ballet mentor and friend-Alexander Bennet and my close friend and company pianist-Wayne Simpson have left a void in my life. While dancing at the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church on the longest night of the year to comfort those who are grieving lost ones, I found a way to celebrate the lives of those who made my life worth living more fully while offering a spirit of praise and jubilation to those present.
May you all be uplifted with tidings of comfort and joy in this season of celebration.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Jacksonville Symphony Chorus

Are the arts promoted in your schools? Many schools cut the arts because the economy. What are we missing or rather what will we miss as a result?
Beethoven was reputed to have first picked up Handel's Messiah with these words, "Here is a different fellow" and proceeded to play the most interesting looking passages. On another occasion he is said to have remarked, "Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived", and spoke of the oratorio as having "sublimity of language". The music of Messiah so permeated Beethoven's being that on his deathbed he is reputed to have quoted from The Messiah stating that if there were a physician that could help him "His name shall be called Wonderful".
Fortunately, this work will be with us forever and ever because there will always be someone to sing this music. Here is a link to a public performance with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and several local choirs at the Riverside Arts Market (I had to miss this because of a Nutcracker rehearsal, but my wife was there singing for the both of us): http://www.viddler.com/explore/jaxsymphony/videos/27/
What does this have to do with my Scottish Bookwraith? Beethoven also wrote music to some Scottish songs written by Sir Walter Scott which are excellent in quality and performed to this day saved from the bookwraith because of an abiding interest in the arts.