Let there be Light!
Let there be Light! Music depicting and describing light, with a link to a playlist
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
- Sir Frances Bacon
Welcome to a blog post with a bit of a difference! For this month, I have chosen the subject of light as a contrast to last months dark and spooky themes.
Music (being noise) does not directly contain light, but I am going to make a list of music that seeks to examine, describe, and explain light in some way. Click on the link below to take you to the youtube playlist on my youtube channel where you can listen/watch the excerpts back to back.
Here in the blog there will be short explanations and listening notes you can choose to follow along with, or not, as you feel like it.
As ever, feel free to comment and let me know your favourite pieces about light. Have I missed anything out you think should have been included?
Rusalka’s Song to the Moon, Dvorák
Rusalka is a water nymph, singing to the moon which is reflecting in the pool of water. She asks the moon to send her love to the human Prince who hunts around the lake, who she has fallen in love with. The music is full of shimmering ripples and dark forboding, as this story won’t end well.
Lux Aeterna, Ligeti
It won’t surprise you to find that several pieces in this selection about light are from the latin mass. This, however, is one of the more modern and perhaps the most challenging piece I’ve chosen, written in 1968.
Featuring a 16-part choir, this setting was used in Stanley Kubrick’s film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. The words are:
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine, cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis
Translated as: "May everlasting light shine upon them, O Lord, with thy saints in eternity, for thou art merciful. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may everlasting light shine upon them."
The music is written to be very close harmony cluster chords and dissonance, so many have a mixed response. Some people find it very unsettling, others find it relaxing. What about you?
In splendour bright is rising now the sun, The Creation, Haydn
Here is a sunrise, written to illustrate the creation as depicted in Genesis. The chords build to a radiant burst of sunshine where there once was nothing. Short and sweet, but very dramatic when seen live!
Lux Aurumque, for Wind Ensemble, Eric Whitacre
Eric Whatacre is a living composer who has become a celebrity in music circles for his beautiful choral music. Here I’ve chosen a wind ensemble version of this choral piece, as it really demonstrates the beauty of his writing to describe the golden light of the title. I also think the wind arrangement is very peaceful and atmospheric for our playlist, a mid point to reflect.
Lux Aeterna, Requiem, Verdi
Now that you’ve heard some very modern interpretation of Lux Aeterna, here is Verdi’s version performed in 1874.
The requiem includes some huge music scored for a large orchestra and large choir, but here the music is much more quiet and intimate, the soloists are partly unaccompanied, all eyes are on them as they sing of angels and the light shining, with twinkling woodwind.
Four Sea Interludes: no 3 Moonlight, Britten
We started with the moon, we had a little sunshine in the middle, and now we are ending with the moon again.
the Four Sea Interludes are taken from the opera Peter Grimes, first performed in 1945. The story follows the life of an unfortunate fisherman from a small fishing village. Several of his young apprentices go missing, drowned. The village people decide Peter is in some way to blame.
Written to cover the scene changes, the sea interludes describe the light, energy, and brooding of the sea, one of my favourite pieces of music.
Listen to the full playlist on Youtube by clicking on the link.
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some pieces of music about light - which is your favourite? Have I missed out something? As ever, write me a comment, and see you again next month.
Back to School- Tips for a new term of Music Lessons
Back to School- Tips to start a new term of music lessons fully prepared
Preparing for a New Term - are you ready?
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary”
Prepare
Whether returning to a teacher or beginning a whole new course somewhere new, you will have some idea what is expected. Check up on the syllabus, read up about your new teacher to understand their training and experience.
Begin practice in advance to make sure you have stamina and some strength ahead of the demands of rehearsals, lessons and performances - the term can get busy fast!
2. Make a schedule
Make a practice diary - work out your schedule. Mark out your weekly lessons, lectures and classes so they are all in your diary. Add alarm reminders if this is helpful!
If you know you practice better in the morning or in the afternoon, try work this in to your schedule.
Leave space for everyday life tasks too - gym, running, if you work or do a teaching job or another job to fund your studies.
I know I study better if my workspace is clean and tidy, with no distractions! So I often schedule this into my day.
And of course… leave lots of space for socialising or to switch things around if new things are scheduled.
3. Keep track of Deadlines
If you don’t already have an electronic system/diary, investigate ways of linking your email and calendar so you can keep track of performances, and essay due dates. Use whatever version that best suits you whether digital or pen and paper, or a combination.
4. Tailor your Study Habits and Prepare Study Resources
I know I am a visual learner - but what about you? What will help you learn?
If you know memorising is easier if you write things out or use different coloured pens/paper, make sure you have these things ready to go. This is your chance to indulge your stationery dreams and buy things like a new highlighter for your notes and scores!
If you work digitally with music, make sure your equipment is ready to go, you have a good case for your tablet, a nice feeling pen holder for your electronic pen, and your computer/laptop have plenty of memory for new music, and back up options to charge everything.
Has your teacher been asking you to look at a particular score or to practice a particular technique?… Do this now. Don’t put it off!
5. Find a Healthy Balance
Lastly, your new course/term is likely to take up a lot of your time, but don’t forget to plan and enjoy life outside of this.
I’ve already mentioned planning your fitness regime in to your timetable, or maybe plan to begin one! There is nothing more stress relieving than exercise, a walk is a simple way to start.
Remember to carry on with any hobbies you have and maybe even consider starting something new. Your life is enriched by your diverse experiences, and this includes experiences outside of your study.
Best of luck to everyone starting a new term, I hope these few tips help you feel organised and ready for success in your music making.
How do you like to prepare? Have I missed anything out? Comment below with your favourite tip.
As we head into the autumn, I’m starting to prepare for a new school and University Year. No one likes those ‘Sunday Night’ feelings, so make yourself a hydrating cup of something, sit down with a notebook, and let’s work through some top tips to start your new year of music lessons off with lots of energy and focus.