most reflects who we are. The song that, wherever it is heard, we smile.)
I was standing in back of the auditorium at Pikeville College nervously waiting to go on-stage to perform in the girl's (yes, it was a long time ago. . .) ensemble portion of the all-state choral competition. My trio would sing "Lo, How a Rose er Blooming" (repeating, it was a long time ago. . .). I prayed I'd remember my part. I hoped no one would notice that the black skirt that I wore was more rusty-red than black. Since I didn't own a black skirt, my mother had helped me make do by dyeing a red skirt black to wear with a white blouse for my costume.
As we waited to go on, the Prestonsburg High School Glee Club walked on-stage. They filled all the risers, looking splendid and professional in their red blazers. And then they opened their mouths and I forgot what they were wearing, what I was wearing, and whether I would remember my trio part later on.
The first soaring a cappella notes of Felix Mendelssohn's "Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains" from the oratorio
Elijah drifted over the auditorium. I was overcome by its beauty. Right now as I'm typing this I have a lump in my throat. It was the first piece of great classical music that I had heard in a live performance.
I sang the refrain over and over, trying to remember as much as I could. I sang it at the top of my voice, directing an imaginary chorus, while washing dishes. This got me in big trouble with my no nonsense mother who didn't believe in multi-tasking. Eventually, I got to perform "Lift Thine Eyes" with a large choral group. And you know how you'll sometimes drive while singing at the top of you're lungs when you're happy? Well, after all these years, you still may be able to catch me driving down the interstate, singing and conducting My Song.
Now if classical isn't your thing, go over to Crown Princess and check out other Fun Monday participants and their special songs.
(If you'd like to check out the lyrics, just click on sheet music to enlarge.)
26 comments:
I love that you posted the sheet music. What a great idea! Have a great Monday.
That is a wonderful memory, Faye. I had a similar experience, but in mine the was an orchestra instead of a chorus.
What a lovely piece of music.
"thy keeper will never slumber"
How blessed to have a keeper like that!
What a beautiful memory to have for all these years!
how cool is that. What a great memory and thinks for sharing a different genre of music. I love to hear (or read) different things
Lovely post.
Something with such memories is always a great song to consider yours.
I have never had the pleasure of going to an opera or a Orchestra..how memarable!!
What a lovely memory, you have music in your soul.
That's beautiful.
That is such a goose-pimpling, spine-tingling piece of music. Good choice!
There are lots of classical music I truly enjoy. Our choir would used to sing them, and I learned to appreciate them. What a good way to display your music! Happy FM!
Nekked Lizards
That is a lovely memory and a beautiful way to honor it.
Thank you.
No....no Classical IS my FAVORITE!!! And your post sent chills down my arm as I read it. Fabulous.
That's a great post. And I love how you put the sheet music on there.
Your mom didn't get multi-taking, huh?
Lovely post.
Music really can evoke the 'whole' memory can't it? A few bars and you're right back there.
Your mother dying your skirt? That's exactly the sort of thing my mother did:-)
(I love the image of you driving, singing and conducting too!)
It is a beautiful piece.
Here's my Fun Monday
what a wonderful post and a wonderful memory!!
I sure that you sing as lovely as you did then.
A purely delightful post!
Thank you for the heart smile-
Patience
The lyrics were a little small for me to read, even when I clicked on them, but I'll take your word for how beautiful they are based on your post. If you're singing classical music in your car, you are miles ahead of the rest of us poor slobs - OK me - warbling along with Billy Joel!
Beautiful song and story!
So cool to see the sheet music to this! And reading your memories behind it is priceless.
Awesome choice. So beautiful that it is a song that you got to preform.
Thanks for commenting over at mine, Faye. I've scrapped that whole storyline now, thanks to the helpful feedback!
I often see people singing their heads off in their cars, and wonder what song it is! My personal favourite is I Can See Clearly Now, by Johnny Nash. Just uplifts me.
I couldn't get the sheet music to embiggen, but Kay Anne MUST see this entry! I'll remind her.
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