The other day, I posted my thoughts on Amendment One. A day has passed, and I have already edited that post as my contemplation has progressed. I think the most important change was the changing of the word “Fight” to “Journey.” With the passing of Amendment One, many (including myself) have been sounding the rallying cry that this is not over. But what is this exactly? I would contend that if it’s a fight we want, it had better be over right now. This word is insufficient at best, for I have no intention of punching anyone who voted for Amendment One. But I hope the journey is just beginning. A journey we can take together.
And yes! I have another song for this! And this song is for ALL of us.
Yesterday, North Carolina passed Amendment One. I am deeply saddened by this. Do I see this Amendment as prejudiced? Yes. Do I see everyone who voted for it as a bigot? No. I hope that everyone can find a way to have helpful and respectful dialog in their own little worlds over the coming months. But perhaps most important of all, is this journey over? No. Do I have a song that is perfect for this particular moment? DUH.
Okay, these are more “Arrangements” I Wish I Wrote, but I figure that’s close enough. When I was a kid, I loved this movie, and watched it over and over again. Then the other day, “Oooooooooh Maaaaa, riiiiii, ah!” began to play in my head like a siren song (“Damn the pass-” Wait, that’s a different musical.) I looked for the songs on Spotify, and alas! There was nothing. As a tuned out member of the lazy “I need it now or F you” internet generation, this was enough to dissuade me for a few days. Until today when I looked them up on YouTube.
I’m pretty sure these arrangements were done by Marc Shaiman, as he did the score, and he’s awesome.
May the Fourth be with you! To celebrate, let me present to you two songs that were cut from the current versions of the STAR WARS films, both of which I rather like!
The first is “Lapti Nek,” the original Jabba’s palace song. This was actually written by Joseph Williams, John Williams son. I’ve heard this was changed because they wanted something less dated (and “Jedi Rocks” CERTAINLY fixes that), but I really prefer this song.
The second is Yub Nub, the Ewok Celebration Song from the original ending of “Return of the Jedi.” This was replaced in the special editions by shots of the entire Star Wars universe celebrating the downfall of the Emperor. Because as all of us in the modern west know, the moment you eliminate a nefarious leader, their ENTIRE nefarious network falls instantly. (And even if it did, why would Tatooine care? I thought they were controlled by the Hutts?)
“SIWIW” stands for “Songs I Wish I Wrote” and I hope make it a regular feature on my blog. I was first introduced to idea when the Library of Congress asked Stephen Sondheim to make such a list, which was subtitled “At Least In Part” (the same applies here).
This song is an aria from Samuel Barber’s opera “Vanessa,” here sung in a choral arrangement by the BYU singers. One of my dear friends performed this on his Senior Recital, and as he practiced it, I grew to love it.
Make sure you watch the video as well as listen, the singers make some gorgeously delightful facial expressions.
Okay, so technically Finals Week is next week, but I have Choir Concerts this weekend and I lot of other things I still have to do this week! So, I’m sorry if I’m a bit behind in posting, I will try and get some things out soon!
Why am I wet and muddy? Why do I have moustache? Why am I sharing this with you?
Why am I wet and muddy?
Because at Monteat College, we have this thing called Pan Day, where we dress up at Peter Pan characters and have a huge water balloon fight where we hit each other with foam swords. It was today, and it to add awesomeness to intended injury, it was raining.
Why do I have a moustache?
Because a friend of mine is singing Non siate ritrosi from Così fan tutte by Mozart on his Senior Recital. For this aria, he is in disguise and let me borrow one of the moustaches he bought. Does this have anything to do with Pan Day? No.
How do I begin? It was beautiful. I don’t think I can express to you exactly how wonderful it all was, or how much it meant to me. I have only begun to understand that myself! I have gotten such wonderful feedback from the whole experience, and I’m sure I’ll continue to get more as I process the evening and the work that led up to it.
So far the only pictures from the evening, I hope my friend won't mind my sharing them!
And my work is still yet to be performed this semester! The College Choir will be singing my setting of “Psaume 23″ at their concerts, and my dear friend Stephen Long will be singing my setting of “Sonnet de l’Absinthe” by Raoul Ponchon at his Senior Recital!
Stephen Long, Baritone, Senior Recital
Saturday, April 28th, @ 7 PM
Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College
Montreat College Choir Concert
Friday & Saturday, May 4 & 5, @ 7 PM
Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College
Today is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Many people will probably be marking today by interacting with some sort of media based on one of the most tragic stories of the century. It tugs at our heart strings, it fills us with dread, and challenges our intellect as we attempt to understand why it happened. It seems so natural we should turn to the arts to help us process this, for as librettist Peter Stone said, “It’s one of those rare moments in history which has a beginning, middle and end.” And while many of you may be familiar with the James Cameron movie (which I must admit I’ve never seen all the way through, but seen lots of bits on the telly), I want to introduce you to a musical version of the tale that debuted in the same year as that colossal film, music & lyrics by Maury Yeston, book by Peter Stone.
