"It's a fun novelty, but I don't think I'd like to listen to it for hours on end. Even though he is singing all 4 parts, his is the same voice, with the same timbre and expression. It's not quite as rich as hearing four different people sing those four parts. But you be the judge."
Hey Hal...choral singing has played a big role in my life as well. Thank you for this thoughtful piece of writing. I went through a period recently I would describe as my Steely Dan period where a friend and I built studio music together. Sort of like building a ship in a bottle. It was cool for awhile, but I am in a place now where god save me from making art in a closed box.
I love it here among Substack poets simply because it is a real exchange of others digging deep within themselves and sharing. It is harmonic. I love singing and playing for choirs because of the way the voices feel as they move the air around me. Harmony is so cool. The harmony of voices...is a metaphor for itself almost.
Thanks so much, Jed -- Indeed, the harmony of voices ... there's nothing like it. I'm glad to hear more about your musical life. And agreed, "making art in a closed box" sounds like no fun. Art wants to be set free, right? I will keep singing -- and you keep writing too! It's great that we are both finding these outlets that bring so much meaning to our lives. Happy new year!
How wonderful to welcome in the year reading your piece on choral singing, Hal, and to take in the reflections from others readers. Such a lovely sense of conversation in the space that your writing offers and invokes. Lovely too, to get a deeper understanding of your singing life and know you’ll be back at Tanglewood this year. Bravo!
Here’s a little “sing back” --something which your pieces so beautifully inspire.
A few bars that moved me arose from the Tanglewood Choral sample video that you included. What a musical variety! The cherry on top was listening to Frank Nemhauser, who was being honored, speak at the end. His choice of words about the chorus, how it brought him, and everyone together from near and far to sing as a family of choice and love- possibly to never see one another again, coupled with his refrain, “beauty lives in kindness.” added such dimension to choral singing and its to bring us together. What a privilege it must have been to have sung under the direction of such a conductor, who seems to embody his words- his humanity, his understanding of music- so deeply. (Maybe he might have rubbed off on Miss S, had she had the chance and inclination.)
Knowing she would appreciate it, and thinking of an antidote to Miss S, I shared your piece with a friend, Dana, a fellow musician who was a long time teacher (and friend of Treehouse, where you have crossed paths.) Her response moved me, and I asked if I could include it in my comments. (“Yes,” and I pass on her “thanks and good wishes” to you, along with appreciation for your thoughtful writing.) Dana’s response:
"I remember having some of the same insights when singing with kindergartners. When I was at Hill Institute (first free kindergarten in US), one of the dads, who was a musician, came in to sing with us. It was so clear to me that we were sharing community in such a special way. We were breathing deeply together, we all knew the same songs, and it was such fun!"
I love the image of breathing deeply together and sense of community referred to here and in your piece. Yes! to more of that for one and all as we all endeavor to catch our breath, find our place in the choir, find our conductor, and find Couraggio!
As I ended reding your piece, a song came to mind, resonating with what came to me, so I thought I would share. To 2025 and singing!
Dear Kerry, Thank you for these beautiful comments!! I'm writing my response as I listen to that wonderful rendition of "How Can I Keep From Singing" -- such a perfect piece. Speaking of that era, I saw "A Complete Unknown" (the movie about Bob Dylan) earlier this week and really enjoyed it. Lots of good music from both him and Joan Baez. I don't think I fully appreciated him back in the day, but the movie made me want to learn more. I've always liked Joan Baez' pure voice and have at least 6 of her LPs.
I did love hearing your thoughts about my essay - and thanks for sharing it with Dana as well. Singing under Frank's direction was a very special experience. I didn't know him at all, but many of the singers last summer had sung with him for years and specifically returned to sing with him one last time. And now I fully understand why. He's a humble and unassuming guy, but his wisdom, knowledge of music, and humanity shone through in the way he related to us. I became a better musician through that 4 day intensive experience and am so grateful for it.
I had been familiar with Biebl's Ave Maria, one of the pieces we sang, for many years (through Chanticleer) but had never had the opportunity to sing it - so it was a thrill to be able to do so. It gave me goosebumps for sure. I am excited about singing again this May (performance on the Sunday before Memorial Day in Ozawa Hall, if it works for you!), and look forward to reuniting with some of the friends I made last summer.
The thought of Frank's kindness and wisdom rubbing off on Miss S. brought a smile to my face! Although to a 10-year old all teachers seem ancient, I think she was quite young -- possibly in her 20s or early 30s. I think she was the only music teacher for the school, so I'm sure she had a continual stream of different kids flowing through her room hour after hour every single day -- some of whom would rather be elsewhere. She had high expectations and taught us a lot, and for that I'm grateful as well.
Loved this essay, Hal. I'd like to share several thoughts I had off the cuff: 1) Yes, music is physical, and breathing is a big part of it (which I haven't mastered by any stretch). This reminded me of Conspirare, which means "to breathe together." When Craig has group performances, he invites the audience to breathe with him before they join in the singing.
2) It was really interesting that one singer had the ability to sing all four parts, but I agree that it was less interesting than four different singers combining their voices. 3) Music is indeed intellectual, as I think you and I both learned in Miss S's music classes, and which I have appreciated ever since. However, it's also inborn, inherited, and instinctual for some people. When I was in Austin last week, I went to see Alejandro Escovedo at the Saxon Pub. He was born into a musical family that includes Sheela E., his brother, and others. A friend and I were talking last night that people like him may have never had musical training or even read music, but they have an "ear" for it and just feel it. 3) Loved your sharing your experiences with Miss Simons and glad that you overcame the trauma, lol! Isn't it crazy how those childhood experiences stick with us forever? So cool that you decided to take voice lessons to put "the Ghost of Florence Simon" in the dustbin of history! 4) I have never been confident about my voice and have always "drafted" off of other singers with the same part. It's really cool that your choir director put you in sections where singers were doing other parts; I can only imagine that finding and hearing your own part must have given you confidence.
Hi Barbara, Thanks so much for these thoughts. Re: Conspirare, I noticed in the livestream of their Christmas show that Craig had the audience do some breathing and stretching -- very nice. It really makes audience members feel more included - in sharing that breath. Conspirare is such a great name for them. The Alejandro Escovedo gig sounds like it was very exciting. I agree - some people seem that have that "ear" or that "voice" without having been trained. The live music scene in Austin is something to be envied! Last night, I went to see the Dylan movie - and enjoyed it thoroughly. Will respond about that separately. I'm very much looking forward to another year of singing. HCS starts up again in less than 2 weeks. Our big piece for spring will be Psalm 42 by Mendelssohn - I'm not familiar with it but am starting to get acquainted via recordings. Wishing you all the best for the year ahead!!
Beautiful piece, Hal — choral singing is a moving experience on so many levels. I miss it. Opportunities in the Phoenix area are rather scarce, and seemingly nonexistent in the small-early-music-ensemble niche I embraced in the Twin Cities. I’m sorry for that early Messiah experience but I love it that the lesson you took from it was to watch the conductor. I always found that a rewarding habit as a singer, and it motivated me to memorize. There was something so compelling about being both a musician in my own right, and the living instrument of a skilled conductor.
Regarding virtual one-singer choirs, I think you would enjoy Quire of Cheahs, the YouTube channel of a friend-of-a-friend who’s a marvelous singer in NY. Here’s Phillip singing Pärt: https://youtu.be/5b65XLmF_ow?si=LoX90KNpPoDit1wT
Just listing to the Pärt -- wow!! So amazing! Maybe that's one advantage of doing such a one-person rendition ... I wonder if it's easier to maintain intonation? Such a challenging piece. I like Pärt's work quite a bit and have many of his CDs. I've seen posts on FB about the Arvo Pärt Centre in Estonia -- would be fabulous to visit. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks so much, Christine. It must really be disappointing not to have opportunities nearby. You have such a beautiful, clear voice - I hope you get to sing again some day. Thanks for the YouTube link. I will definitely check it out!! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. I was in the Cities last May and had coffee with Andy and Dave -- it was fun to be together and reminisce about choir days.
Ah heck, somehow I missed your reply until just now. Thanks for your kind words, Hal! I almost signed up for the ASU Choral Union since they accept community members but this spring’s piece (Faure Requiem) wasn’t quite enough to motivate me to overcome inertia and deal with the rush hour traffic. I’m going to keep an eye on future seasons and try it when it’s something I’m really itching to sing (sadly, I’m sure I’ll never see Bach cantatas or early music of any kind there - but I can hope for, say, Mozart Requiem).
Too bad the Faure wasn't your top choice. I hope they come around in the future! It's hard to envision how a metro area as large as Phoenix wouldn't have good choices for Bach (and early music) singers! Our local choir started up again last night for the spring term. We will be doing Mendelssohn's Psalm 42 and a few other pieces on June 1. I think it will grow on me.
Beauty does live with kindness, Hal. And that is my experience of you. Your kindness, Hal, is palpable...and that is a beautiful thing.
I couldn't help but think of your years as a professor, researcher, writer and administrator -- all of it done in collaboration with others -- producing a kind of music that often brought beauty to the world. I might add, a kind of music that might not have been heard, had you not led the way for others to join in and contribute 'their part' to the whole. I'm remembering now the 1st paper I worked on with you and others on adoption (The Many Faces of Openness in Adoption) and how being a part of an orchestra of researchers -- and emerging researchers (me) ‐- produced a beautiful piece, (one that I might add, keeps on giving!) to the world of adoption literature and lived experience.
From my view, Hal, your life is a blessed Opus offering beauty and kindness to the world. Sing on!!
Oh my gosh, Jane. I couldn't ask for higher praise. From time to time, I have indeed thought of my academic roles in musical terms. As a department chair, just like as an orchestra conductor, you can't do a thing by must waving that stick in the air -- you have to have talented and willing co-conspirators along for the ride who want to make something greater than the sum of the parts!! You were one of those wonderful co-conspirators who played an important role in making it all happen -- and for that (and just for you anyway), I thank you!! Wishing you peace in the year ahead.
I'm so happy you felt the intention of my words, Hal. Life itself is a gift, and friendships -- a part of the magic! Happy everything in your New Year.
Excellent essay, Hal. I noticed the Tanglewood video, with amazing sound, included two works by Lauridsen, who is probably my favorite modern choral composer. I’ve found great peace and inspiration in his Lux Aeterna, as well as O Magnum Mysterium and his compositions inspired by the work of well-known poets. Looking forward to Part 3.
Thanks so much, Paul. Lauridsen is a favorite of mine as well. I have pretty much worn out my CD of Lux Aeterna. I have sung his O Magnum Mysterium before, and it always gives me goosebumps. I recentlly shared the VOCES8 version of his piece on Facebook -- it's on their website. The programming for our performance was quite interesting. Frank chose 6 pairs of pieces. Each pair was (at least roughly) based on the same text, but they were often written centuries apart. For "O Nata Lux," he paired Lauridsen's version with that of Thomas Tallis (about 4 centuries apart). We also did "Sure on this Shining Night" by Lauridsen and by Samuel Barber. Both contemporary, but very different takes. Just for fun, since this was his last performance, he decided to end it with versions involving "tonight" -- so we sang "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and then ended on "Tonight" from West Side Story -- what a powerful way to end it.
I believe I first heard Lux Aeterna shortly after it was written and premiered in Los Angeles in 1997 or 1998. I have 2-3 different recordings on CD and a vinyl as well. The In Paradisum from Faure's Requiem is another favorite.
Oh my gosh, yes!! At the summer sing of the Faure last year, someone asked if everyone (regardless of part) could sing along with the solos - it was so much fun to sing In Paradisum for the first time, just for the sheer joy and beauty of it.
Hal … Thanks for this and thanks for e-mailing me yesterday! I was driving limo so I think I may have inadvertently deleted your e-mail address so pls re-send. Enjoy the rest of your weekend Hal. Cheers
"It's a fun novelty, but I don't think I'd like to listen to it for hours on end. Even though he is singing all 4 parts, his is the same voice, with the same timbre and expression. It's not quite as rich as hearing four different people sing those four parts. But you be the judge."
Hey Hal...choral singing has played a big role in my life as well. Thank you for this thoughtful piece of writing. I went through a period recently I would describe as my Steely Dan period where a friend and I built studio music together. Sort of like building a ship in a bottle. It was cool for awhile, but I am in a place now where god save me from making art in a closed box.
I love it here among Substack poets simply because it is a real exchange of others digging deep within themselves and sharing. It is harmonic. I love singing and playing for choirs because of the way the voices feel as they move the air around me. Harmony is so cool. The harmony of voices...is a metaphor for itself almost.
Keep singing, friend.
Thanks so much, Jed -- Indeed, the harmony of voices ... there's nothing like it. I'm glad to hear more about your musical life. And agreed, "making art in a closed box" sounds like no fun. Art wants to be set free, right? I will keep singing -- and you keep writing too! It's great that we are both finding these outlets that bring so much meaning to our lives. Happy new year!
How wonderful to welcome in the year reading your piece on choral singing, Hal, and to take in the reflections from others readers. Such a lovely sense of conversation in the space that your writing offers and invokes. Lovely too, to get a deeper understanding of your singing life and know you’ll be back at Tanglewood this year. Bravo!
Here’s a little “sing back” --something which your pieces so beautifully inspire.
A few bars that moved me arose from the Tanglewood Choral sample video that you included. What a musical variety! The cherry on top was listening to Frank Nemhauser, who was being honored, speak at the end. His choice of words about the chorus, how it brought him, and everyone together from near and far to sing as a family of choice and love- possibly to never see one another again, coupled with his refrain, “beauty lives in kindness.” added such dimension to choral singing and its to bring us together. What a privilege it must have been to have sung under the direction of such a conductor, who seems to embody his words- his humanity, his understanding of music- so deeply. (Maybe he might have rubbed off on Miss S, had she had the chance and inclination.)
Knowing she would appreciate it, and thinking of an antidote to Miss S, I shared your piece with a friend, Dana, a fellow musician who was a long time teacher (and friend of Treehouse, where you have crossed paths.) Her response moved me, and I asked if I could include it in my comments. (“Yes,” and I pass on her “thanks and good wishes” to you, along with appreciation for your thoughtful writing.) Dana’s response:
"I remember having some of the same insights when singing with kindergartners. When I was at Hill Institute (first free kindergarten in US), one of the dads, who was a musician, came in to sing with us. It was so clear to me that we were sharing community in such a special way. We were breathing deeply together, we all knew the same songs, and it was such fun!"
I love the image of breathing deeply together and sense of community referred to here and in your piece. Yes! to more of that for one and all as we all endeavor to catch our breath, find our place in the choir, find our conductor, and find Couraggio!
As I ended reding your piece, a song came to mind, resonating with what came to me, so I thought I would share. To 2025 and singing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz0VT34X0XE&list=RDwz0VT34X0XE&start_radio=1&rv=yIkjMzAFy_Q
(How Can I keep from Singing written 1868):
Dear Kerry, Thank you for these beautiful comments!! I'm writing my response as I listen to that wonderful rendition of "How Can I Keep From Singing" -- such a perfect piece. Speaking of that era, I saw "A Complete Unknown" (the movie about Bob Dylan) earlier this week and really enjoyed it. Lots of good music from both him and Joan Baez. I don't think I fully appreciated him back in the day, but the movie made me want to learn more. I've always liked Joan Baez' pure voice and have at least 6 of her LPs.
I did love hearing your thoughts about my essay - and thanks for sharing it with Dana as well. Singing under Frank's direction was a very special experience. I didn't know him at all, but many of the singers last summer had sung with him for years and specifically returned to sing with him one last time. And now I fully understand why. He's a humble and unassuming guy, but his wisdom, knowledge of music, and humanity shone through in the way he related to us. I became a better musician through that 4 day intensive experience and am so grateful for it.
I had been familiar with Biebl's Ave Maria, one of the pieces we sang, for many years (through Chanticleer) but had never had the opportunity to sing it - so it was a thrill to be able to do so. It gave me goosebumps for sure. I am excited about singing again this May (performance on the Sunday before Memorial Day in Ozawa Hall, if it works for you!), and look forward to reuniting with some of the friends I made last summer.
The thought of Frank's kindness and wisdom rubbing off on Miss S. brought a smile to my face! Although to a 10-year old all teachers seem ancient, I think she was quite young -- possibly in her 20s or early 30s. I think she was the only music teacher for the school, so I'm sure she had a continual stream of different kids flowing through her room hour after hour every single day -- some of whom would rather be elsewhere. She had high expectations and taught us a lot, and for that I'm grateful as well.
Loved this essay, Hal. I'd like to share several thoughts I had off the cuff: 1) Yes, music is physical, and breathing is a big part of it (which I haven't mastered by any stretch). This reminded me of Conspirare, which means "to breathe together." When Craig has group performances, he invites the audience to breathe with him before they join in the singing.
2) It was really interesting that one singer had the ability to sing all four parts, but I agree that it was less interesting than four different singers combining their voices. 3) Music is indeed intellectual, as I think you and I both learned in Miss S's music classes, and which I have appreciated ever since. However, it's also inborn, inherited, and instinctual for some people. When I was in Austin last week, I went to see Alejandro Escovedo at the Saxon Pub. He was born into a musical family that includes Sheela E., his brother, and others. A friend and I were talking last night that people like him may have never had musical training or even read music, but they have an "ear" for it and just feel it. 3) Loved your sharing your experiences with Miss Simons and glad that you overcame the trauma, lol! Isn't it crazy how those childhood experiences stick with us forever? So cool that you decided to take voice lessons to put "the Ghost of Florence Simon" in the dustbin of history! 4) I have never been confident about my voice and have always "drafted" off of other singers with the same part. It's really cool that your choir director put you in sections where singers were doing other parts; I can only imagine that finding and hearing your own part must have given you confidence.
Hi Barbara, Thanks so much for these thoughts. Re: Conspirare, I noticed in the livestream of their Christmas show that Craig had the audience do some breathing and stretching -- very nice. It really makes audience members feel more included - in sharing that breath. Conspirare is such a great name for them. The Alejandro Escovedo gig sounds like it was very exciting. I agree - some people seem that have that "ear" or that "voice" without having been trained. The live music scene in Austin is something to be envied! Last night, I went to see the Dylan movie - and enjoyed it thoroughly. Will respond about that separately. I'm very much looking forward to another year of singing. HCS starts up again in less than 2 weeks. Our big piece for spring will be Psalm 42 by Mendelssohn - I'm not familiar with it but am starting to get acquainted via recordings. Wishing you all the best for the year ahead!!
Beautiful piece, Hal — choral singing is a moving experience on so many levels. I miss it. Opportunities in the Phoenix area are rather scarce, and seemingly nonexistent in the small-early-music-ensemble niche I embraced in the Twin Cities. I’m sorry for that early Messiah experience but I love it that the lesson you took from it was to watch the conductor. I always found that a rewarding habit as a singer, and it motivated me to memorize. There was something so compelling about being both a musician in my own right, and the living instrument of a skilled conductor.
Regarding virtual one-singer choirs, I think you would enjoy Quire of Cheahs, the YouTube channel of a friend-of-a-friend who’s a marvelous singer in NY. Here’s Phillip singing Pärt: https://youtu.be/5b65XLmF_ow?si=LoX90KNpPoDit1wT
Just listing to the Pärt -- wow!! So amazing! Maybe that's one advantage of doing such a one-person rendition ... I wonder if it's easier to maintain intonation? Such a challenging piece. I like Pärt's work quite a bit and have many of his CDs. I've seen posts on FB about the Arvo Pärt Centre in Estonia -- would be fabulous to visit. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks so much, Christine. It must really be disappointing not to have opportunities nearby. You have such a beautiful, clear voice - I hope you get to sing again some day. Thanks for the YouTube link. I will definitely check it out!! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. I was in the Cities last May and had coffee with Andy and Dave -- it was fun to be together and reminisce about choir days.
Ah heck, somehow I missed your reply until just now. Thanks for your kind words, Hal! I almost signed up for the ASU Choral Union since they accept community members but this spring’s piece (Faure Requiem) wasn’t quite enough to motivate me to overcome inertia and deal with the rush hour traffic. I’m going to keep an eye on future seasons and try it when it’s something I’m really itching to sing (sadly, I’m sure I’ll never see Bach cantatas or early music of any kind there - but I can hope for, say, Mozart Requiem).
Too bad the Faure wasn't your top choice. I hope they come around in the future! It's hard to envision how a metro area as large as Phoenix wouldn't have good choices for Bach (and early music) singers! Our local choir started up again last night for the spring term. We will be doing Mendelssohn's Psalm 42 and a few other pieces on June 1. I think it will grow on me.
Beauty does live with kindness, Hal. And that is my experience of you. Your kindness, Hal, is palpable...and that is a beautiful thing.
I couldn't help but think of your years as a professor, researcher, writer and administrator -- all of it done in collaboration with others -- producing a kind of music that often brought beauty to the world. I might add, a kind of music that might not have been heard, had you not led the way for others to join in and contribute 'their part' to the whole. I'm remembering now the 1st paper I worked on with you and others on adoption (The Many Faces of Openness in Adoption) and how being a part of an orchestra of researchers -- and emerging researchers (me) ‐- produced a beautiful piece, (one that I might add, keeps on giving!) to the world of adoption literature and lived experience.
From my view, Hal, your life is a blessed Opus offering beauty and kindness to the world. Sing on!!
Jane
Oh my gosh, Jane. I couldn't ask for higher praise. From time to time, I have indeed thought of my academic roles in musical terms. As a department chair, just like as an orchestra conductor, you can't do a thing by must waving that stick in the air -- you have to have talented and willing co-conspirators along for the ride who want to make something greater than the sum of the parts!! You were one of those wonderful co-conspirators who played an important role in making it all happen -- and for that (and just for you anyway), I thank you!! Wishing you peace in the year ahead.
I'm so happy you felt the intention of my words, Hal. Life itself is a gift, and friendships -- a part of the magic! Happy everything in your New Year.
Excellent essay, Hal. I noticed the Tanglewood video, with amazing sound, included two works by Lauridsen, who is probably my favorite modern choral composer. I’ve found great peace and inspiration in his Lux Aeterna, as well as O Magnum Mysterium and his compositions inspired by the work of well-known poets. Looking forward to Part 3.
Thanks so much, Paul. Lauridsen is a favorite of mine as well. I have pretty much worn out my CD of Lux Aeterna. I have sung his O Magnum Mysterium before, and it always gives me goosebumps. I recentlly shared the VOCES8 version of his piece on Facebook -- it's on their website. The programming for our performance was quite interesting. Frank chose 6 pairs of pieces. Each pair was (at least roughly) based on the same text, but they were often written centuries apart. For "O Nata Lux," he paired Lauridsen's version with that of Thomas Tallis (about 4 centuries apart). We also did "Sure on this Shining Night" by Lauridsen and by Samuel Barber. Both contemporary, but very different takes. Just for fun, since this was his last performance, he decided to end it with versions involving "tonight" -- so we sang "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and then ended on "Tonight" from West Side Story -- what a powerful way to end it.
I believe I first heard Lux Aeterna shortly after it was written and premiered in Los Angeles in 1997 or 1998. I have 2-3 different recordings on CD and a vinyl as well. The In Paradisum from Faure's Requiem is another favorite.
Oh my gosh, yes!! At the summer sing of the Faure last year, someone asked if everyone (regardless of part) could sing along with the solos - it was so much fun to sing In Paradisum for the first time, just for the sheer joy and beauty of it.
Thanks for sharing that, Hal!
Hal … Thanks for this and thanks for e-mailing me yesterday! I was driving limo so I think I may have inadvertently deleted your e-mail address so pls re-send. Enjoy the rest of your weekend Hal. Cheers