Yesterday we went to hear the Houston Symphony's performance of Handel's Messiah. Before it began, a brass ensemble played in the foyer in front of a huge Christmas tree. I slipped away when the group began playing a pop Christmas song. When it finished, to my happy surprise, they started Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming. I hurried back to be close to the music, and Herb met me there, presenting me with a tall glass of bubbling champagne. All of a sudden I knew that it was one of those moments that I would always remember. Everything was sparkly and golden: the Christmas tree, the instruments of the brass ensemble, the champagne in my glass and the beautiful, beautiful other-worldly feeling I get when I hear Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming.
This morning I searched YouTube for recordings of this piece. There were so many, but this one, by some members of the Penn Glee Club, was my favorite. I loved that it was young men singing casually for their own pleasure, showing that beautiful, reverent music isn't something just for church or concert hall.
2 comments:
I love that song, too. "She bore to us a Saviour, when half spent was the night." So soft and sweet...you feel the stillness of Christmas night even when you listen to it in the bright of day.
Yes, I guess that's what makes me feel "other-worldly". Nathaniel thinks it was the champagne.
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