The St. John UCC choir, which it feels like I directed forever, surprised us with a touching and entertaining surprise Wednesday night. They asked to come to the house after their usual 7 p.m. rehearsal. The whole troupe showed up, en mass, formed a semi circle in our living room, and sang a five verse homage to the tune of Hymn to Joy (with apologies to L. von Beethoven). Here are the first two verses:
Maestro, Maestro, we applaud you, and we want to make a fuss,
To acknowledge your direction over 30 years and plus.
Singing faster, singing slower,
Singing louder, singing soft.
Peppy carols, Lenten dirges
Wafting from the choir loft.
Maestro, Maestro, we admire you for your varied repertoire.
Leading us through sacred music, we your own irreverent choir.
Fearless, singing with conviction
No attention to our diction.
Garlic blessing, slaughtered Latin.
Slumber snot is what we've got.
The clever lyrics, crafted by Robyn, are filled with inside jokes that require some foot notes. We have long called ourselves the "irreverent choir" as we have had way too much fun poking at our literature, our services, and each other. Not a vocal person, I have never had much concern for diction--the goal is the right notes in the right places, in tune if possible, and once over lightly. Garlic blessing is what we called "Gaelic Blessing" by John Rutter. Our Latin, as we have several anthems that we always did in the original language, was truly utilitarian approximations. Slumber snot is what you get in "He Watching over Israel, slumbers not nor sleeps" when you aren't very careful. I will give you some more of this in succeeding postings!
After the singing and presentation of the lyrics, we received a wonderful lap blanket with monogrammed blocks containing the names of everyone who has sung in the choir over those 30 years--surrounded by a variety of musical note fabrics--the work of of Judy. And a pillow autographed by all the current members. What a wonder tribute by an incredible bunch of folks! Thank you to all who helped make this happen.
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Ah Maestro! What a wonderful tribute to you for your oh so many years of leadership, leading to so much fun and laughter! The memories you all have!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Symphony on Saturday! There is nothing like a live performance to move the spirit and the soul!
Chanticleer performed at BGSU Wednesday night, as the culminating event of the Festival Series. I was so moved by this choral ensemble, I purchased a couple of their cds and popped them in for the drive home. The recordings were so flat, when compared to the live performance I had just enjoyed. It was like trying to experience the Grand Canyon from a photograph.
Good to hear you are making plans to stay over. Enjoy!
Maestro! Wow, what a wonderful expression of love to a man who has shared his life long love of music and his talent for teaching an appreciation of same to all of us! I look forward to seeing the blanket and pillow in the near future...enjoy your symphony date, may all your senses be appeased with grand food, and grand music and a grand evening with your lady love at your side. Marion
ReplyDeleteMaestro, that is so cool. What great friends you have. I can't wait to see what they crafted for you. I actually laughed out loud here at my computer after reading the "slumber snot" explanation.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! What a terrific group of people! You obviously have made a very positive impact on them to have rewarded you in such a special way! Hope you're doing well! I just keep praying!
ReplyDeleteThis is waaay cool! You are amazing and everybody knows it.
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