Some time ago --- (BC) (Before Covid} the pianist and I went to a performance of Chor Leoni . They were a noted Canadian men's choir from Olympic City and usually sang classical music, whatever that is. The pianist says "Within the common practice period." This time, however, they sang Gospel music and soul music from the pen of Stephen Foster. I went away thinking that there was little difference between the religious and secular when the soul of the music is exposed.
It got me thinking more widely about Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Stephen Foster and the compelling nature of Gospel music, and that genre of thinking, and the Ovum, that is buried in every human, that seeks to be penetrated by the chord of truth and beauty. Though my association was admittedly a broad band, both authors bravely swam in the time of the sea of iniquity in their country.
Stephen Foster in his short and desperate life provided soul music that lifted his nation and struck a chord deep in everyone who wept. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a story that shocked and served to revolutionize an attitude that slowly cracked barriers forever. Technically they may not have produced so- called great literature or music, but they touched the spirit. Both were criticized mightily during their lifetimes and Uncle Tom's Cabin was shunned by many up to modern times. How would these two have known the influence they provided has lasted up to now.?
When you walk away from a performance with a warm glow in your heart and resolve for the umpteenth time to crank up your "anima" again, you can celebrate both classical and classy! Religious is as Religious does.
It got me thinking more widely about Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Stephen Foster and the compelling nature of Gospel music, and that genre of thinking, and the Ovum, that is buried in every human, that seeks to be penetrated by the chord of truth and beauty. Though my association was admittedly a broad band, both authors bravely swam in the time of the sea of iniquity in their country.
Stephen Foster in his short and desperate life provided soul music that lifted his nation and struck a chord deep in everyone who wept. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a story that shocked and served to revolutionize an attitude that slowly cracked barriers forever. Technically they may not have produced so- called great literature or music, but they touched the spirit. Both were criticized mightily during their lifetimes and Uncle Tom's Cabin was shunned by many up to modern times. How would these two have known the influence they provided has lasted up to now.?
When you walk away from a performance with a warm glow in your heart and resolve for the umpteenth time to crank up your "anima" again, you can celebrate both classical and classy! Religious is as Religious does.
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