SUMER IS ECUMEN IN ... The Summer Solstice, June 21 is the longest day and the shortest night of the year ... After that the days grow shorter and shorter until the winter solstice.
All cultures seem to have celebrated the balance and rebirth of life in songs, story and festivals. http://www.religioustolerance.org/summer... )
Midsummer is a mystical time when the forces of magic are increased and fairies roam the world. Creative energy does not label " A " certain type of music, song or instrument in this millenium of expressive arts.
There are literally thousands of midsummer celebrations, indulging music into the whimsy of the seasons. Celtic Festivals, Singing Festivals, Early Music Festivals and Children's Festivals all enter into the natural artistry of " MAKING MERRY ".
The fact that we choose to partake in the kalidescope of Summer Solstice is personal to the artist's world and his/her professional respect for the wisdom of the ages.
Shakespeare's, " MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM ", is an illuminating example of this follicking association with the imagination. (http://www.pathguy.com/index.htm)
TITANIA says, " Wilt thou hear some music my sweet love? BOTTOM replies, " I have a reasonable good ear in music "." Let us have the tongs and the bones."
Obviously, BOTTOM'S idea of an romantic interlude is to play with metal tongs and bone clappers. ( Eloguent instruments, I'm sure ) ... HA ... An humorous twist in the play, that always makes me laugh.
But really, what other choices did the poor fellow have: BAGPIPES, a HUNTING HORN ( COR ), BELLS( CLOCHETS) or maybe a tambourine or DOUBLE FLUTE: a pan-like instrument made from reeds. Which one of these gentle instruments would make you swoon with musical delight?(OUCH ) (www.s-hamilton.k12.ia.us/antigua/instrumt.html)
At the age of seventeen, Classical Composer, Felix Mendelssohn, took particular delight in the bard's play.( http://www.artsworld.com/music-dance/wor... He, immediately incorporated the creative magic into the famous, " Midsummer Night's Dream ", piano duet and ballet.(http://www.mfiles.co.uk/Composers/Felix-...
It is said that the " MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM " MOST notably deals with freed imagination and it's cultivated harmony with the supernatural.
Perhaps, this is the innocent element that cast Shakespeare's hypnotic influence on composers and performers throughout the centuries.
Vocally, Early Music, ascends into what is called, LYRIC, meaning " PURE SONG".... with it's emphasis on the expression of EMOTION.
Multiple liturgical pieces could be classified as LYRIC, but are of course passionately connected to the Latin Church services and their canonical celebrations of mass.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Roslind M. Sherman's Classical Voice Training topic, please visit the Discussions page.