"In his domestic administration my father had this system . . . to keep a journal and insert in it all occurrences of any note . . . A record very pleasant to look at when time begins to efface the memory of events, and very well suited to get us out of perplexity: When was such and such a thing begun? When completed? What retinues came? How long did they stay? Our trips, our absences; marriages; deaths; the receipt of happy or unhappy news . . . An ancient custom, which I think it would be good to revive, each man in each man's home. And I think I am a fool to have neglected it." (Montaigne, Book I, Essay 35 (publ. 1580))

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Choral Union spring 2011

CPG 'n me finished year six in ASU Choral Union. More of a mixture of performance opportunities this spring than in most prior semesters. So that was nice.

April 29 - combined choirs - we did three songs on our own and then "Make our Garden Grow" from Candide with the combined choirs . . . cell phone video of this last number here (courtesy PJr) (be patient, the music starts at about 0:24). Nice crowd, live space, good. PJ and MB also attended, we had a bite at Village Tavern after. The concert was fun. We typically are involved with bigger works - which is certainly my preference - but it was a nice change of pace to do these pieces.



April 20 - CU had a bit role in a concert with the ASU Sinfonietta - themed "The Art of War" - we did the choral part of the 1812 Overture. Interesting concept - student art works in the lobby, martial arts demonstrations, ROTC presence, music all themed to war. It was fun to be onstage for the overture.

April 8 - we performed "Belshazzar's Feast" (combined ASU choirs). The work (described here) is mostly built around the story line from the Book of Daniel that involves the "handwriting on the wall" . . . which appeared as Belshazzar et al profaned the cups Nebuchadnezzar had heisted from the temple. Rembrandt's version here was on the cover of our music.

This was a bit of a challenge to learn, let's say. Barb, Dan, Emily, Allison visited our March 22nd rehearsal when in town for NMG-POC wedding . . . probably were thinking we'd never pull off the performance. But it did come together reasonably well, was very much fun to perform, I hope to have another opportunity in some future year.

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