Since I began writing on Substack, my goal has been to write with authenticity - to share what is on my mind, but not to feel obligated to publish on a set schedule.
I'm embarrassed to say that I have Musicophelia, but hadn't yet read it! So it is now officially off the shelf and in the queue. I will also check out "Yes, I'm Changing" - it's gotta be right on target! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
That's fantastic!! I hadn't thought of an organ version, but it makes total sense. The "piano" part is pretty straightforward and one note at a time. And the organ can easily handle the sustained notes that the cello would take. I'm sure it will be fun to experiment with which stops produce the most satisfying sounds. Can't wait to hear it!!
Thanks for this thoughtful essay, Hal. I especially enjoyed the Arvo Part piece. I know I've heard his music performed in the past. Since I rarely attend the symphony any more, I'm guessing it was at a SF Ballet performance, which is how I usually got my classical music fix. The book you're reading sounds very interesting, and I like that part of the title came from "Hallelujah." I recently started reading a book about the history of the song itself and how it became such an unlikely hit in the first place.
Thanks Barbara! Could you share the title of the book about "Hallelujah"? I'd be interested. I don't know if you heard this at the time, but for me - the most moving version was (believe it or not) the cold open on SNL just after Hillary lost the election. Kate McKinnon came out on an empty stage, sat at the piano, and played the most heartfelt version (with moving lyrics). I'm sure it's on YouTube if you never heard it. Here's hoping that the same thing won't need to happen this cycle. My cataract surgery is tomorrow - but once I'm on the other side of that, let's talk!
The book is "The Holy or the Broken," by Alan Light; it was published in 2012. The author has an updated Foreward in the paperback version I bought, and the SNL version is the first thing he mentions. I didn't see it at the time; I was traveling in India during the election, and we were on a train when the results were announced. Everyone in my group was stunned, including me. I don't think I could watch it before this election's results are finalized...look forward to talking when you can, and trust your surgery goes well.
Thanks Barbara -- I'll check on the book. And good to wait on the SNL version -- it is a heartbreaker. Here's hoping that things turn out better this time. I find it all quite surreal.
I'm so glad you liked it. If you scroll down through the comments on the YouTube video, you will see powerful testimonials from people who have used this piece at the beside of a dying loved one or for comfort of various sorts. One which stuck with me over the years was about how this piece, played in a NICU nursery, helped regulate the heart rate and breathing of a preemie who was at high risk for dying.
During these times of unease in the pre-election, I especially appreciate your writing and giving some focus as to how and where we might integrate music as a force to uplift us. Along those lines, I've been really been enjoying the recordings put out by Playing for Change (playingforchange.com). Lots of these on YouTube, and it is amazing to see the video edited collaborations of various street musicians with iconic performers and across the globe.
Thanks so much, Mike. I always think of you when writing about music -- our encounters over the years sparked my passion for going deeper to understand how listening to and making music can be such positive forces -- thank you! And thanks for the reference to Playing for Change -- I'm not familiar with it and will definitely check it out!
Thanks Kris! I’m glad this was well-timed for you. I’d love to see what you wrote about the documentary,if you can reconstruct it. I’m always glad when we can connect. Bowling alone is no fun.
Dear Hal, This came at a perfect time. Thank you! I just wrote a post about Robert Putnam’s “Join or Die” documentary which relates to your Music is Medicine post. I just lost the comment I’d typed trying to be fancy & hyperlink to the documentary 🤨. If I can manage to find what vanished, I’ll send later.
Thanks, Hal! Have you read any Oliver Sacks? Something tells me you have, but just in case, you might really enjoy his book Musicophelia.
As for song recommendations, the song that entered my mind while reading your post was “Yes I’m Changing” by Tame Impala. Give it a spin!
I'm embarrassed to say that I have Musicophelia, but hadn't yet read it! So it is now officially off the shelf and in the queue. I will also check out "Yes, I'm Changing" - it's gotta be right on target! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thanks, Hal. So pleased to be reminded about Spiegel im Spiegel. I'm buying a version for organ 🙂
That's fantastic!! I hadn't thought of an organ version, but it makes total sense. The "piano" part is pretty straightforward and one note at a time. And the organ can easily handle the sustained notes that the cello would take. I'm sure it will be fun to experiment with which stops produce the most satisfying sounds. Can't wait to hear it!!
Thanks for this thoughtful essay, Hal. I especially enjoyed the Arvo Part piece. I know I've heard his music performed in the past. Since I rarely attend the symphony any more, I'm guessing it was at a SF Ballet performance, which is how I usually got my classical music fix. The book you're reading sounds very interesting, and I like that part of the title came from "Hallelujah." I recently started reading a book about the history of the song itself and how it became such an unlikely hit in the first place.
Thanks Barbara! Could you share the title of the book about "Hallelujah"? I'd be interested. I don't know if you heard this at the time, but for me - the most moving version was (believe it or not) the cold open on SNL just after Hillary lost the election. Kate McKinnon came out on an empty stage, sat at the piano, and played the most heartfelt version (with moving lyrics). I'm sure it's on YouTube if you never heard it. Here's hoping that the same thing won't need to happen this cycle. My cataract surgery is tomorrow - but once I'm on the other side of that, let's talk!
The book is "The Holy or the Broken," by Alan Light; it was published in 2012. The author has an updated Foreward in the paperback version I bought, and the SNL version is the first thing he mentions. I didn't see it at the time; I was traveling in India during the election, and we were on a train when the results were announced. Everyone in my group was stunned, including me. I don't think I could watch it before this election's results are finalized...look forward to talking when you can, and trust your surgery goes well.
Thanks Barbara -- I'll check on the book. And good to wait on the SNL version -- it is a heartbreaker. Here's hoping that things turn out better this time. I find it all quite surreal.
Wow, Hal. Thank you. The Spiegel im Spiegel for Cello and Piano is astonishingly beautiful. Speachless...
I'm so glad you liked it. If you scroll down through the comments on the YouTube video, you will see powerful testimonials from people who have used this piece at the beside of a dying loved one or for comfort of various sorts. One which stuck with me over the years was about how this piece, played in a NICU nursery, helped regulate the heart rate and breathing of a preemie who was at high risk for dying.
I did see that, Hal. Thought of you and Susan🙏❤️ And my thoughts and feelings traveled down my own field of memories...
During these times of unease in the pre-election, I especially appreciate your writing and giving some focus as to how and where we might integrate music as a force to uplift us. Along those lines, I've been really been enjoying the recordings put out by Playing for Change (playingforchange.com). Lots of these on YouTube, and it is amazing to see the video edited collaborations of various street musicians with iconic performers and across the globe.
Thanks so much, Mike. I always think of you when writing about music -- our encounters over the years sparked my passion for going deeper to understand how listening to and making music can be such positive forces -- thank you! And thanks for the reference to Playing for Change -- I'm not familiar with it and will definitely check it out!
Correction: I lost a comment to you, not a post. It’s a great documentary.
Thanks Kris! I’m glad this was well-timed for you. I’d love to see what you wrote about the documentary,if you can reconstruct it. I’m always glad when we can connect. Bowling alone is no fun.
Dear Hal, This came at a perfect time. Thank you! I just wrote a post about Robert Putnam’s “Join or Die” documentary which relates to your Music is Medicine post. I just lost the comment I’d typed trying to be fancy & hyperlink to the documentary 🤨. If I can manage to find what vanished, I’ll send later.