Monday, December 22, 2008

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

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:

Emily said...

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.

Wendy Haught said...

Yes, I guess that's what makes me feel "other-worldly". Nathaniel thinks it was the champagne.