Since Links were already getting long, and the stresses of the unresolved election are putting just about everyone even more on edge, I thought a mini mental health break was in order. And rather than attempt to find a Best of the Web cat or animal video, I opted for a different sort of crowd pleaser.
Having produced musical theater, I love the wall of sound of a big chorus, and this seemed a thematic fit too:
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Thanks for this, Yves. I am not a big fan of musicals (and funny, my husband is a HUGE musical theater fan; but he did go to school at Berklee in Boston), but Les Mis is one that will get me nearly every time. “Do You Hear the People Sing” or “On My Own” or “Stars” on any given day will make me pretty happy.
Best wishes to you and yours.
I also went to Bezerklee, but my first thought when I saw the title of this was “‘musical’ is doing a lot of work there.”
My distraction of the day is artist Stuart Dunkel. He’s a classical Oboist who also happens to be a realist painter. His specialty these days is his mouse Chuckie and his humorous adventures.
http://stuartdunkel.fineartstudioonline.com/works
Here’s Forbes article about him and his artwork.
He also has an Instagram account which he updates frequently.
Sorry no birds today. Want to follow the mouse around and have one of his donuts or his drinks.
Very quirky!
I am also not a fan of musicals but thank you for the sentiment in a let’s get through it all sort of a way. I have a playlist always at the ready for when it all get’s too much of mainly classical stuff which includes Arvo Part’s Speigel im Speigel, that I often repeat play until the cello gets inside of me. I have quite a lot of fillings in this old mouth of mine & I know when I am fully tuned to the piece, when the cello at it’s lowest feels like a soft saw as it runs across them within my mouth.
Here’s a choral favourite which I think suits the present mood in a pick yourself up, dust yourself off & start all over again from Mahler who was no stranger to tragedy – this one operates for me down my spine & is partly why I believe that ultrasound could be useful for healing.
The two blue eyes of my darling –
they have sent me into the wide world.
I had to take my leave of this well-beloved place!
O blue eyes, why did you gaze on me?
Now I will have eternal sorrow and grief.
I went out into the quiet night
well across the dark heath.
To me no one bade farewell.
Farewell! My companions are love and sorrow!
On the road there stands a linden tree,
and there for the first time I found rest in sleep!
Under the linden tree
that snowed its blossoms onto me –
I did not know how life went on,
and all was well again!
All! All, love and sorrow
and world and dream!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGj2w1wJ8Qo
Lovely! Thanks.
Yves, thanks for the beautiful music. I passed it along to others.
Thanks, Yves!
HUGE musical theatre fan here! As I have stated in previous posts, I have spent the last two decades supporting community theatre.
My daughter has appeared in professional productions, including Les Mis.
Sadly, I don’t see Broadway coming back anytime soon. I know a lot of actors/singers who are going nuts not being able to perform. Until we get the pandemic under control, Broadway (and local and regional theatres) will remain dark. All the theatres are scrambling to survive.
Didn’t know you were a producer.
We desperately need the arts right now.
The best first act closer I know. Truly powerful. I might miss the barrier and the banner but it holds without
My second favorite is also choral. It isn’t as powerful without the visual so this is from a French production. A different type of deconstruction to form a new…
Sunday in the Park With George
Great one!
Here is one of my favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEn_Y1TIvqU&feature=emb_logo
I’m not much of a fan of musical theatre, but my kids sure were. Therefore, I know every word of Les Mis! “Red! The color of angry men!” was sung at me if things were perceived as, um, unfair. Once when I was working, I countered with something like “Red! The color of your butt if you don’t leave my room.” (A joke..)
Thanks, Yves, for this lovely much welcome break from high stress. It brought back cherished memories. Loved it.
I actually had the oppty to perform this piece with my chorus last year at Chicago’s United Center with Hugh Jackman. It was so cool. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too much longer for live theater.
My mother loves Hugh Jackman. She has the DVD of his Oklahoma.
I am grateful for any NC music and media recommendations. I enjoyed the theme song from Paprika and have added the anime to my endless to-watch list.