Sing-it-yourself Messiah
Last night was the 31st Annual Sing-it-yourself Messiah and even though we were tired and we hadn't planned ahead, Mom and I managed to go. It was our fifth year (though we skipped 2006 and 2007 because Grandma was sick, and then dying). Every year we say we're going to take the classes to learn our vocal parts, but we never do. Even so, I think I'm making a little bit of progress both keeping on the alto line and not getting utterly lost in the notes. This year it was held at the Mission Dolores Basilica instead of Davies Symphony Hall. It made it harder to see the conductor, but there was something about singing in a church that felt perfect.
Every time I participate (in whatever small way) in performing this piece, I find something else that speaks to me - even though I'm ambivalent about Jesus and Christianity. Every time, I feel called back to my roots (though they are slight) as a Christian. This year I was moved by the alto's air that went: " He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". I am drawn by an aspect of God that has lived as a human, one that is 'a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.' This is and aspect of God that I can relate to.
The air that struck me as most beautiful was where the soprano sang, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. Rejoice greatly." The tempo slows as she sings "He shall speak peace" and she repeats 'peace'. My heart opened and softened. Peace, yes. This is what I need - heathen, or no. Please, speak peace unto me.
All I hear, however, is Tai speaking 'boobie' unto me.
Every time I participate (in whatever small way) in performing this piece, I find something else that speaks to me - even though I'm ambivalent about Jesus and Christianity. Every time, I feel called back to my roots (though they are slight) as a Christian. This year I was moved by the alto's air that went: " He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". I am drawn by an aspect of God that has lived as a human, one that is 'a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.' This is and aspect of God that I can relate to.
The air that struck me as most beautiful was where the soprano sang, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. Rejoice greatly." The tempo slows as she sings "He shall speak peace" and she repeats 'peace'. My heart opened and softened. Peace, yes. This is what I need - heathen, or no. Please, speak peace unto me.
All I hear, however, is Tai speaking 'boobie' unto me.