My fellow blogger, 1st Mate, just posted about her struggle of coming to terms with Christmas.
"Then something kicks in: a certain song (the Hallelujah Chorus works every time), a certain smell (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and clove, or else fir trees)."
For me, the smell is oranges. But I am with her on The Hallelujah Chorus. I can remembering hearing it on our stereo at home.
It thrilled me -- as a fourth grader. Even the tale we heard from our music teacher of George II's admiration for the song didn't take the shine off of it -- even in my republican eyes.
It became a staple of every Christmas. And I have not tired of it. Its first simple, repetitive notes stir the same sense of awe.
I thought I would pass along two bits of wonder I recently received from a friend.
The first is the chorus "sung" by silent monks. If you do not concurrently feel joy and mirth, Christmas is definitely not your season.
For a more orthodox presentation, you might like the second -- even though the venue is a bit creative. (I tried to fix the width issue -- to no avail.)
If I do not say it next week, I wish all of you a very orangey Merry Christmas. May you have all of the joy in your life that this season offers.
6 comments:
Yes, I love the small of Christmas too - as well as the smell. ;-)
Just goes to show, George may have been a creep, but he had good taste in music.
Your extra-wide video came out fine at this end. I would LOVE to take part in something like that.
Anonymous -- Yikes! And right up front. But, no more.
1st Mate -- Funny. When I saw the food court video I thought of you.
The first snowfall is a great Christmas trigger. As well as hot chocolate. Feliz Navidad.
i can't decide which part of the hallelujah chorus video is my favorite, even though i've been watching it for a few days. overall, i think i am most fascinated by the kids' reaction to it. apparently your fourth grade self is not alone.
feliz navidad from jocotepec, jalisco!
barb
The silent monks is one of the best performances I have seen. I don't usually laugh during the Hallelujah Chorus. Thank you for sharing.
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