Seems when I have trouble in life, some Earthly Angel comes along to give me direction.
Such an EA (Earthly Angel) descended last month, shortly after my Dad died.
Catherine Daniel has been busy travelling and singing Wagner, Strauss and other big opera roles. She also takes time to develop new Canadian works of a more modest nature. If you attended the workshop of our opera Llandovery Castle you would have heard her creating the role of Margaret Marjory “Pearl” Fraser in June of this year.
Cathy asked me to arrange a hymn for her upcoming recording project Sacred Christmas.
Her request was the hymn ‘Picardy’ to the well-known text ‘Let all mortal flesh keep silence’ which happened to be a favourite hymn of mine since I was a kid. So I jumped to the task Cathy had set for me – an a cappella arrangement for 8 voices, SATB/SATB. I felt completely at home working this out.
I have found in the last 7 years, focussing on a detailed, intricate task gives my scattered brain focus, an aching heart relief.
While I was working away on Cathy’s project, I realized there was more to this job. I realized I was actually writing in memory of my Dad, and that Cathy Daniel was, de facto, my EA.
Thanks Cathy, and all the best on your recording project and for allowing me to share this music.
Click here to have a look at the score: Picardy arr. Steph Martin
One of my favourite hymns too! Glad the task gave you solace.
Thanks Brian! All the best to you for the coming year : )
For me, once the initial numbness of a painful event starts to wear off, getting back to work on my current woodcarving helps to restore equilibrium.. The brain can only concentrate on one thing at a time. Thank goodness such antidotes are available.
Thanks for your insights about Earth Angels. I too love Picardy!!
Was talking to friends at church about you and your wonderful post about your dad!
Happy New Year Ruth : )
Art hath charms to soothe the savage breast…Happy New Year Sheila, though I know it’s a difficult moment as the year turns this time.
Stephanie, thanks for sharing all of this wonder…I had forgotten the beauty of that hymn. You were my EA as I read through your arrangement. I would dearly love to hear it performed. I’ll need to follow the production of this recording. Peace to you.
Thanks Margaret. I’ll post more about the recording project as things develop.
Beautiful, I love the ending!
Glad you like it James!