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December 8, 2005
And even so, I still remain
I woke up this morning with a badly hurting throat. All day I loafed around drinking tea and eating jello. But eventually I had to go to rehearsal.
Once we were assembled, the actors learned the words to 'Greensleeves'. Matthew had everyone close their eyes and told them to think of their beloved homeland, and he played Ralph Vaughan Williams' arrangement, while directing them to delve into their characters.
I also closed my eyes and let the music transport me. I hope nobody saw the tears creeping down my cheeks. The melody was sweet and sad and made me homesick. For what, it's hard to say. But I felt such a palpable feeling of loss, that I couldn't control my tears.
Comments
Greensleaves makes me cry every time I heard it. It's beautiful and haunting and makes you ache. I hope your throat is feeling better!
Posted by: Grace at December 8, 2005 6:16 AM
I know exactly what you mean about the music. As a child I used to wonder why such a melancholy song was a Christmas carol. When I heard the hymn version, I understood a little more. Here's some interesting history about Greensleeves/What Child is This?. It provides a little context for the origins of the music.
Posted by: Kathryn at December 8, 2005 10:00 AM
You and I must have the same scratchy thing...must be in the darned air. I'm at home watching bad monster movies and eating chili.
Posted by: Pete O at December 8, 2005 11:25 AM
Grainger's arrangement of 'Irish Tune from County Derry' always gets me. It's so full of longing.. and that counter melody... agh, I need a tissue. :)
Posted by: Megan at December 10, 2005 11:28 AM