Music for the Winter Solstice - Twitter musings
This year Music on Main is bringing us a December celebration of music for the winter solstice. Featuring five musicians with two world premieres, the evening is intended as the first of many annual winter solstice concerts. Happening at Heritage Hall, there is a feeling of warmth and gathering on when the days grow short and the nights so long.
@AllysonMcGrane Everyone is wearing black & white... Suddenly seems very somber to me. #solstice
@AllysonMcGrane From a composer not yet 40 to one much his senior, now we listen to "Spiegel im spiegel" by Arvo Part.
@AllysonMcGrane It is for violin and solo piano. I watch the bow drawn across the strings & see the sound shimmer in the air. #solstice
@AllysonMcGrane I notice that I can see a reflection of the pianist's face in the lid of the grand piano. Shiny black reflection. Oh no! A cellphone rings!
@AllysonMcGrane Whoever didn't turn off their phone manages to hush it. We listen, then wait for a bow to offer appreciation.
@AllysonMcGrane Close for Couloir (5-movement piece for harp & cello) by Caroline Lizotte. Inspired by European folklore - brilliant for tonight! #solstice
@AllysonMcGrane Movement 1 is Cromlech - Ring O'Brodgar. The cello is deep and low, the harp sings above.
@AllysonMcGrane I love to watch musicians who play together communicate onstage. The head nods, the eye contact, the rhythm of connection.
@AllysonMcGrane Movement 2 - Battle O'Harlaw. I listen to the harp & cello, watch the grace of what two musicians are shaping on a winter night. #solstice 1 Favorite
@AllysonMcGrane Movement 3 - The Sodger An' The Queen - Edinburgh Castle. At least I hope it is... no digital sign flashing above to clue me in. #analog 1 Favorite
@AllysonMcGrane Nope - totally miscounted. They also played Movement 4 & 5. #solstice
@AllysonMcGrane And the last song tonight is another world premiere - this by Caroline Shaw. She tells us to talk to each other cuz we are singing a round.
@AllysonMcGrane "When long ago swings back around..." A Winter Song indeed. #solstice
@AllysonMcGrane The concert ends. Thanks to the musicians & everyone @musiconmain! #musicforthewintersolstice