Dear Singers
We are coming into the home stretch. The season this time is somewhat confusing for me, and probably for you, as we present two different concerts a month apart. It is encouraging to me, however, that both concerts are receiving a lot of interest. We are getting it all together, though…
Meaning of the text
It is very easy to lose track of the fact that we are actually singing words as we work hard to get the notes and rhythms in the right place. Don’t get me wrong–notes and rhythms are very important. Otherwise, we just sound bad.🙂 But ultimately we want to affect our audience (and ourselves) with the passion originally intended.
The Chichester Psalms was written by a devout (at least in the spiritual sense) Jew. Leonard Bernstein’s father emigrated to the U.S at the turn of the 20th century. His father was born Shmuel Josef ben Yehuda and was renamed Samuel Bernstein by immigration officials on Ellis Island. He was a devout Jew and enforced it in his family. To the Bernstein family, the Psalms were central to that faith and the music underlines Leonard’s devotion to them.
BTW, this also goes for the Gloria. We tend to see it as ancient, but at the time there was passion in Vivaldi’s setting as well and still is there for many Christians.
Please approach the pieces with the composers’ passion in mind. I have written the English translation into my score to remind me. You might do the same.
From the Podium
Please take a moment to check out the latest installment of “From the Podium.” This is a reprint of a message from the new president and CEO of Chorus America. He addresses the special mission that choirs have, especially, specifically, in these times. You’ll find it on the main page (not the member’s section).
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Bandlab
It is possible that you went to the website looking for the link. Unfortunately, that was the part of the job that I left out–sending the link to Michael. It is now there and also is here:
Rehearsals Before Rehearsal
We will have a rehearsal of Mr. Santa at 6:30 pm on Tuesday. That will be followed by a quick rehearsal for the sopranos of Bernstein 2 (you know the place).
Please Let Me Know
I repeat that it is important to let your section leader and me know if you must miss rehearsal. You do make a difference!
Rehearsal Monday, Dec. 2
Don’t forget that our rehearsal right after Thanksgiving is on Monday. It is also very important, coming before our performance on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
See you Tuesday
Mark
Rehearsal Schedule
Warmups
Winter Wonderland
Let It Snow
Chichester Psalms, complete
Break
Lullabye
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
We Wish You a Merry Christmas