Beethoven's Waldstein

I heard Beethoven's "Waldstein" on the radio this morning (performed by a pianist whose name I didn't recognize and don't remember), and the tempo of the first movement was 138!!!
I can barely think it that fast!

There are parts where that tempo seems just right and there are other places where I would love a bit more time to savor the moment.  I wonder how slow a tempo would be considered appropriate.  It's time I so a more exhaustive search for performances/recordings of this piece and make comparisons.

This is a work I would dearly love to learn.  I already enjoy working on sections of it.  I don't know if I'm able to "master" it, but I believe I am capable of a lovely rendering none-the-less!

The Sound of Silence

Silence.
One to four times a year I go on retreat, sometimes a preached or directed one, but usually a good portion of each retreat is spent in silence.  For me that is the best form of retreat; to give my ears a respite from all the world's cacophony, especially from media, from all conversation, and even from music is firstly a kind of spiritual cleansing, and eventually a nourishing haven for deeper prayer.
I thank God for sound, and I thank God for silence!

Sway

Sway, sung by Dean Martin

"Sway" is the English version of "¿Quién será?", a 1953 mambo instrumental song by Mexican composers Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltrán Ruiz. The most famous English version is that of Dean Martin recorded in 1954. English lyrics are by Norman Gimbel. Since then the song has been recorded and remixed by many artists.

(The above quote is from Wikipedia.)

Because I like this song so much, and not "just" all the details that make it unique, but especially the rhythmic genre, this particular tempo, and the playfully sophisticated emotional tone, I searched out more songs that had anything in common w/ "Sway" and discovered that it's the mambo genre I like so much.  Who knew I would like Latin dance genres so much?  Now I do!  Add Mambo to my list of Latin Faves with Basso Nova and Tango!

Desolation Therapy

"Post Apocalyptic Electronic Wasteland" on Google Play Music suits me right now.  It's described as "Find solace in desolation with this pensive mix of understated melodies and shuffling rhythms."  First song up is "4D" by Koreless.  It sounds like electronic/ambient sounds mixed w/ Indian-influenced chant-style vocals.  If I were any less morose, it might be annoying, but since I am very, very discouraged, it feels right, it feels like truth, like an objective thing that reflects my experience, like the way a bleak rock-face might keep me company.

However, it "suits me" so well I might not be able to take much more than 3 such selections!

Keeping company with my own desolation is a bit like intentionally hitting my toe with a hammer so I feel other pains a little less acutely.  It's effective, but soon thereafter I want some ice for my toe!

So, now for some "mellow cello"...

If We're Honest

"If We're Honest" by Francesca Battistelli (video w/ lyrics) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lDcTvtuuVU8
https://youtu.be/lDcTvtuuVU8

I love this song, everything about it, especially the meaning of the words, but also how Battistelli set it to music, and how she sings it.  Plus, the harmonies are beautiful and I like how and when she breaks into vocal harmonies.

Although I don't think we could use this during liturgy, I think it would make a marvelous prelude.

Side note:  For some reason I couldn't get the link info to be embedded in the title.  Thus the formatting you see at the beginning of this post. 

Favorite Classical Radio Stations

I usually don't listen to radio in the morning but when I do it's usually to WOSU or WYSO because they usually play calm classical music with no words, excellent accompaniment for doing work or reading.

From Songza to Google

Now that Google Play bought out Songza, I've been listening to Google Play more.  My preferred playlists and "stations" were transferred into Google's database, and they offer suggestions like Songza did, only not as robustly or with as many interesting-ly nuanced varieties. 

Classical Christmas Playlist

Songza, Small Ensemble Christmas
Classical quartets, lute concerti, etc.  Perfect for reading and writing this time of year.

Christmas Playlist

Songza Solo Piano Christmas
Songza is my go-to source for background listening.  Whenever I find a playlist I like generally, I usually like nearly (if not totally) every selection on the list.

Ambiance for writing

I am, at this very moment, listening to a "playlist" on Songza called "In a Busy Coffee Shop."  I think it is found under "ambient sounds."  It helps me write.

Simple Sources

Ocean waves: live, and various recorded sources.  So soothing.
Songza: mostly Bossa Nova.

Sugar Plums

I'm Listening to "Fodere L'astronome" by Pierre Bensusan (on Acoustic Guitar Christmas) http://songza.com/listen/acoustic-guitar-christmas-songza/

Let It Be

This link will take you to my "Lent 2014" playlist.  It's not your typical Lenten music because I mix religious with non-religious songs.  I first put this together when I was really down, in a really dark place.  I later edited out the songs that expressed only my angst.  I think all the songs I let remain have an element of hope.
http://grooveshark.com/#!/playlist/Lent+2014/96037144

Keep in mind this is music for my lent.  Not yet Easter.

 

You're Gonna Miss Me

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
also known as "Cups"
by Anna Kendrick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8

Breath

I'm listening to Sara Groves sing "Breath of Heaven" on Grooveshark and I am overcome with a Holy grieving: a heart breaking before the Lord and receiving the grace to let Him hold me while I fall apart.  I'm thinking of my mother as she died.  I'm thinking of her birth into Heaven.  I'm remembering how her face felt in my hands.  I'm remembering how she took her last breath.  Oh Papa (Abba)!  I miss my mommy, my sweet dear mother, Your lovely daughter and quietly faithful disciple Almeda.  Lord, bless my mom most richly. 

Thanksgiving

Windham Hill's Thanksgiving album is exquisite.  I'm listening to it on Grooveshark.

Piano Jazz

Listening to "piano-centric" Jazz via Songza, via my Samsung Galaxy.
Nice.

Tango!

Today I'm listening to tangos on Grooveshark and on Songza.  My love for tangos is a new discovery for me! :)

Old School: Radio

Today I'm going "old school":  listening to music on the radio!  I'm currently listening to WDPR (Classical 88.1)  and they are running a very lovely series of classics.  I heard some Beethoven, Gounod, and now John Rutter in a lyric style, all in the span of about 30 minutes.  I need to find out who this programmer is; I like their selections very much.  Shaun Yu is the name on the schedule.  But I think it sounds like Richard Hulsman.  Ah!  I was right!  But I still don't know who programmed this batch of music.  Was it Yu or Hulsman?  Either way, I will be back to this station at this hour again!  

Best Mood Music Ever

Japanese Melodies played on flute and harp by Jean-Pierre Rampal and Lily Laskine.
This is one of my all-time favorite recordings.  I find this music (and their performance) SO soothing, so deeply consoling.

Today I'm listening to this album on Grooveshark.