These last two guest posts on music have been salutary for me.
This time I was struck by your mention of the different woods used in making the loved lute. It reminded me of the history of shipbuilding. Our ancestors were neither ignorant nor without technology, and we must not forget it.
The (slow) reel reminded me that the folk of earlier times knew how to make their own entertainment. Our times seem the poorer for having forgotten this.
And though I have for years liked (slow) baroque solo pieces transcribed for classical guitar or the lute—which is even more mellow—these were also God-sent during bouts of anxiety over several years. They are instruments which seem incapable of rattling even my nerves. Such musical thoughts draw my fitful senses into their order.
I also find there is something strangely reassuring about fret and string noise. It seems like the instrument whispering back to the solo artist…no doubt David’s harp was not brassy when he played for Saul.
(Symphonies and great choral works are for other times and can elevate the weary soul.)
Thanks for prompting me to appreciate your music, and the role of music in a good life.
This was a wonderful post and I've kept it in my inbox so that I can go back and listen again and again, especially when the normal news is so depressing. Ah! I just read the post by Thelma below - yes, this instrument and music soothes the weary soul. Keep playing, keep posting! Another traditional treasure that, thankfully, is being carried forward by dedicated musicians like you. Thank you.
This was a great article (and I love your humor)! I really enjoyed reading about your love-affair with the lute, and the instrument's history. I'm sure I will also enjoy hearing the lute music you shared. I'll be looking forward to your next article on it!
(I only took the time to read the whole article today, but I took a peek at it yesterday and knew it would be a delightful one as soon as I read that header: "My One-and-Only "iPod'"!)
These last two guest posts on music have been salutary for me.
This time I was struck by your mention of the different woods used in making the loved lute. It reminded me of the history of shipbuilding. Our ancestors were neither ignorant nor without technology, and we must not forget it.
The (slow) reel reminded me that the folk of earlier times knew how to make their own entertainment. Our times seem the poorer for having forgotten this.
And though I have for years liked (slow) baroque solo pieces transcribed for classical guitar or the lute—which is even more mellow—these were also God-sent during bouts of anxiety over several years. They are instruments which seem incapable of rattling even my nerves. Such musical thoughts draw my fitful senses into their order.
I also find there is something strangely reassuring about fret and string noise. It seems like the instrument whispering back to the solo artist…no doubt David’s harp was not brassy when he played for Saul.
(Symphonies and great choral works are for other times and can elevate the weary soul.)
Thanks for prompting me to appreciate your music, and the role of music in a good life.
If you only knew how much I appreciate you plucking up the courage to educate us on this! ;)
This was a wonderful post and I've kept it in my inbox so that I can go back and listen again and again, especially when the normal news is so depressing. Ah! I just read the post by Thelma below - yes, this instrument and music soothes the weary soul. Keep playing, keep posting! Another traditional treasure that, thankfully, is being carried forward by dedicated musicians like you. Thank you.
This was a great article (and I love your humor)! I really enjoyed reading about your love-affair with the lute, and the instrument's history. I'm sure I will also enjoy hearing the lute music you shared. I'll be looking forward to your next article on it!
(I only took the time to read the whole article today, but I took a peek at it yesterday and knew it would be a delightful one as soon as I read that header: "My One-and-Only "iPod'"!)