Tra la la

Singing has begun again. It's time that I don't necessarily have, but it's also structure and sanity I need. So we sing.
Working on Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna for a Carnegie gig in January w/ CF. It's difficult, but pretty. In truth, it sounds like other Lauridsen pieces. The man liked certain note progressions and is sticking to them, dash it! This makes it a bit easier, but also brings to mind three other of his works while singing the one. My brain goes through singers' schizophrenia. I am glad, however, to be able to sing at Carnegie Hall again. Last time was so much fun. It's the history of the place. Even if I'm singing w/ a sub-par choir.
Also working on Poulenc's Gloria for choir. Was thinking of skipping out on choir again this semester, but was guilted in to the Poulenc because we're short altos. I found us another one, though!

Listening has been scattered of late. Hip hop actually keeps me awake at work finding articles, and at the gym. Yesterday was home sick - put on some Tao Rodriguez-Seeger for a little upbeat sound. Listened to Que Vaya Bien. It's a happy album, and makes me dance around. Hoping to get to one of his grandfather's performances this weekend. The man is 90 and still playing, still fighting the good fight.

Musicals are still on the brain, as well. And Disney. Can;t help it. I think I'm just wired that way.

Sing me to Broadway

Craving musicals.
May need to go home and blast Les Mis till I'm hoarse.
Listened to the Dr. Horrible Commentary! The Musical again last night. I need a little camp and jazz hands in my life these days.

Moods of folk abound, being festival season and all. And occasionally Billy Jean will get in my head. Subliminal with all the news on Jackson's death, I guess.

The Void

Took a break from choir.
Sang only at a friend's memorial service. The music really helped, I think, in sending him off and healing our hearts. We sang a couple happy songs.
In a music void of late.
Not singing the big Bach thing.
Not listening to anything special.
Began playing around on Blip.fm - be a DJ. Really like listening to others' lists.
I think I'll play through some old 4am podcasts from Warren Ellis to get me back to a music zone.

Jazzing up church music

Hmm, this is becoming more about singing, isn't it? I'm just not listening to anything particularly new or interesting right now.

For a benefit concert, my choir is performing a "jazz cantata." I was quite skeptical about it at first, and not just because I have doubts about my WASPy choir doing jazz justice. The composer, a local woman, managed to create a work that balances being a jazz piece with being a liturgical one. There are sections that are swing, and others that are gospel. I think that if we work hard it will sound quite nice.
I like that she's taken the traditional and messed with it. Choirs too often sing the same boring things because that's what has been written. There are folks out there who don't like their tradition messed with,who would think jazz music inappropriate for liturgical texts but who cares about them, anyway?