Alan D
Group: Members
Posts: 3670
Joined: Aug. 2004 |
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Posted: Mar. 18 2005, 11:04 |
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Somehow I missed this until it popped up again recently. And the loss has been all mine.
At first I thought the introductory section (and one or two other bits) seemed a bit ragged, and I wondered if that might spoil the piece overall, but after many more listenings I've reached a completely different conclusion. I'm not sure if I can explain, because I can't comment on the technical details, but here goes.
I think this is like a rough-cut, glistening jewel. The main melody is so exquisite that it almost seems (as I think Elgar used to say) that you might have plucked it out of the air, ready-made. I wouldn't myself have thought it resembled 'Wonderful Land', particularly (though I can see why the issue has been raised). There's a lovely airy naturalness to it - I'm struggling to find the proper words, but 'natural' and 'sincere' and 'honest' are the ones that keep coming up. It lives; it breathes. I believe in it. I believe the feelings it conveys.
And so what I now think is: to heck with the bits of raggedness. They belong there. For me, they've become part of its charm - and to tidy them up may well result in the loss of something far more important - the sense of the piece as a vibrant, living piece of music, carved from real experience.
What a privilege to be able to listen to this, now, whenever I want. Thank you very much indeed; and congratulations on making something so heartfelt and true.
A little later: just listening again, now, for maybe the tenth time - oh my. Just bloody wonderful. It switches me into 'Old Softie' mode, and makes me cry.
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