At the beginning of this semester, I was a little skeptical of my music appreciation course (yea, even unto the point of calling it a frou-frou class). It is required for all sophomores, and I was impatient at its interference with my taking of important courses.
I repent.
On Tuesday morning we discussed Renaissance music and musical culture. Back in the day, people would come to a party and would actually just gather around and sing songs. For fun.
Oops, I'm sorry. I think I just drooled on your shoes.
I love to sing. I sing to my sisters. I sing while walking to class. I sing to my friends. I sing while cleaning. I sing to myself. I sing while doing homework. I sing to the Lord. I am tortured by not being in the concert choir this semester, and a party like that would just be heaven for me. As we listened to some of those party songs in class, I nearly cried. It made me desperate to buy a lute, surround myself with Renaissance-costumed people, and just sing these songs for the joy of singing.
Laugh all you want.
Here is a sample of an old melody that we listened to in class. I get to write a paper this weekend on dozens of songs like these, and I am just tickled.
I defy you to be gloomy when listening to these men sing. The song is, in its very nature, joyful. It is one of my new favorites, not least of all because my face just twists itself into the goofiest, giddiest grin every time I hear it.
N.B. For those who are interested, this is a link to a very different sort of Renaissance era piece that my choir performed last semester. It literally gave me chills every time we performed it. I recommend not following the music, but simply closing your eyes and listening.
3 comments:
This post evoked a rather stronger response than I would have anticipated, and I can't neglect to comment. I'm glad your music appreciation class is turning out to be more than you expected. Mine fully lived up to the "frou-frou" class expectations.
That song! I picked up a cd in England that includes "Now Is the Month of Maying" and twenty-some other such tunes. It is delightful. Have you read any of Thomas Hardy's novels? I have been on a Hardy kick for a year or so. I'm thinking particularly of a scene in Far from the Madding Crowd in which the guests at an evening get-together take turns singing and playing songs for each other. Not quite Renaissance era, but it reminds me of the type of party you discussed in class. I'm glad youve discovered these songs! Have fun with your paper.
Kimberlee, can I just say that I love you? :) This post made me smile. I also sing all the time...it probably drives my flat-mates crazy, but what can you do?
I think I sang "The Month of Maying" when I was in choir...or else have listened to it so many times that I feel like I sang it. It's a good one. And I've never sang "O Magnum Mysterium" but I absolutely love that song. Good taste! :) If you do ever buy a lute, I expect to be invited to one of your parties!
Mrs. V:
I have not read any of Thomas Hardy, something I hope to remedy fairly soon. Any suggestions?
Miss A:
I suppose you may say that you love me, but just this once. =) I will put you on my invitation list!
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