Delineating Des

It's the season and to me it's not complete without the Hallelujah Chorus. The other thing is majestic choirs move me. Here are two videos by the Brooklyn Tabernacle and the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs. I love both versions of what probably is the most famous part of Handel's Messiah . I get gooseflesh on "King of kings! ... Lord of lords ...." Happy holidays, everyone! Walter Cronkite conducts. Choir begins singing around four minutes into the video. Introductory speeches are covered on the first four. They are as beautiful to watch as the rendition. ~ Amy hosts Then Sings My Soul Saturdays . Visit her at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for more uplifting music or to join ~

According to legend, King George II of England rose to his feet when the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. Following protocol his subjects rose up as well. Thus began the tradition of audiences around the world rising during the Hallelujah performace. There are many speculations as to why the king stood or if he even stood at all. The Bangkok Combined Choir is composed of volunteer singers of around twenty nationalities. Every year in December, the choir performs Handel's Messiah. I sang once. (pure luck: there was no audition in 2000) Rehearsals got me thinking of the tradition of standing when the Hallelujah Chorus is sang. I googled what people have to say and my today is a list of opinions about audience decorum during the chorus: 1. The Hallelujah Chorus is like an anthem for the church. Whenever you hear it you are supposed to stand up. 2. Standing for the Hallelujah Chorus just interrupts the performance. 3. People should not be taught that they need to stand up at a certain time ...

It's Music and Me this week at Mommy Moments Months before Cj was born his Dad and I would talk which musical instrument was he going to play while an earphone was attached to my belly; its mate plugged in my ear playing classical music. My choice was saxophone. Ex-hubster preferred the violin. During our latest family reunion, I noticed that several of Cj's Philippine cousins play either the violin and trumpet. No one plays the saxophone that's why I want it for Cj. I'll skip our boring discussion and recall that we only ended up arguing over which instrument should Cj take lessons in first. Silly. Sometimes I reckon that if we couldn't settle on Cj either blowing or fiddling then maybe we should have him strum the ukelele. I used to be a piano accompanist, teach piano, organize and play in piano recitals. Those little musical adventures were fairly successful. But when it came to teaching my own son, I didn't know how. When I played, he would scream, Mozart ...

Header by Samulli . Play T13 here . They are sweet, powerful, hauntingly beautiful, intense, cheeky cute, pleading, optimistic, lively, begging, sad, longing, magical, promising. In random order I listed famous duets that cover many moods imaginable. Any song or artist you like? 1. A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle) 2. I Know Him So Well (Whitney Houston and her mom Cissy) 3. Can't We Try (Dan Hill and Vonda Shepard) 4. I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You (Mark Anthony and Tina Arena) 5. Especially For You (Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan) 6. It's Hard to Say Goodbye (Regine Velasquez and Paul Anka) ~ one of my faves ~ 7. Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie) 8. Beauty and the Beast (Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson) 9. Something Stupid (Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman) 10. Please Be Careful With My Heart (Jose Mari Chan and Regine Velasquez) 11. The Day I Fall in Love (James Ingram and Dolly Parton) 12. Somewhere Out There (Linda Ronstadt and James Ingra...

I was wired while I was preggy. An earphone was taped to my belly while its mate was plugged in my ear. Together my then unborn Cj and I listened to classical music. It was kinda difficult to choose a favorite as I loved all that were playing during those nine months. My favoritest is Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Nowadays I play it especially when I go a'neighboring in blogsville and Cj doesn't leave me alone. It's easier to send him back to his toys while I blog in peace. Musical Monday is brought to you by Jori and Diane . Head over to their sites to play along.

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as Jodi from the blog Moody Blue . She has tagged a bunch of folks on facebook to do it. She did not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing ! INSTRUCTIONS: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Post as "Jodi's Meme: My Life According to (BAND/ARTIST NAME)" The great thing is that if you have already done this meme, you can do it again with a different artist! Please do! CHEERS TO US ALL THIEVES! -Are you a male or female? Natural Woman -Describe yourself I'm Every Woman -How do you feel right now? All At Once -If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I Wanna Be Where You Are -Your favorite form of transportation Walk On By -Describe Your Morning R...

~ brought to you by Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders ~ Here's Big Mama's take on a great gospel hymn. If you've seen them around, I'd love to know what you think. If you haven't, I hope you enjoy listening to them. (They just blew me away) Have a great Saturday, everyone!

When I woke up this morning, my mind was again on the same thought I had right before I fell asleep last night. Mixed emotions. Being in love seems to be one of them, but NOT with a new person . I'm in love, yes. With a plan . "I toss and turn can't sleep at night it's worrying me; I go to bed turn out the light but your face I see... I'm so in love with you" These lines describe as perfectly as the rest of the lyrics are unrelated with the stuff in my mind. John Farnham sounds like he is crying singing, but it's probably just me. I like Please Don't Ask Me in a general sense, besides the part that matches my mood. And I guess there are others who can relate with the song in its entirety. Happy listening! Jori and Diane are hosting Musical Monday . Head over to their sites to play along.

It was the Lord's Prayer I was looking for on youtube weeks ago. Of course with the kind of piece that The Lord's Prayer is, there are many versions of it sang by different artists. I picked two from all those choices: Charlotte Church and Regine Velasquez, Asia's songbird. But I made a full stop at the rendition of this little angel. Cute. Talented. Adorable. I kept replaying the video. Among the end credits that I liked in particular is "Directed by: Mommy." You may have seen her already. I may be just as amused, wowed, entertained and blessed as you by this little singing diva. Here she is: TSMSS is hosted by Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders . Visit her site to join or listen to more good music .

Two weeks ago I posted a song by the Heritage, and thought I would like to post another one this week, and maybe more in the following weeks. You might like listening to more of them too. Here's one customer review of the Heritage Singers : " ... known for their brilliant vocal harmonies, [This] talented group of young, professional musicians feature seven carefully selected vocalists with vocal styles ranging from traditional to contemporary Christian, celebrating 36 years of ministry. The passionate conviction of these musicians shines through their music. Their honesty, integrity and unquestionable commitment to excellence touch a common chord with listeners from every walk of life. As pastors and evangelists from churches around the world testify, an evening with the Heritage Singers will encourage, edify and inspire you to a deeper love relationship with our Lord. The Heritage Singers . . . implementing a musical message of hope, inspiration and peace . . . reaching peop...

During Saturday afternoons when I was a kid, I listened to the Heritage Singers music with my mother who is a fan. I had no idea what happened to them years later. In 2006 a friend told me about their 35th anniversary concert. I bought the DVD and noticed new members as well as a few new styles in their singing. I love this upbeat Hosanna. TSMSS is hosted by Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders . Visit her site to join or listen to more good music .

Header by Samulli . Play T13 here . Music is a great stress reliever -- we all know that. We use it in different ways. I play the piano to unwind. Earlier I moved in to a smaller place, selling my gorgeous black Kawai upright in the process. Nowadays I play in piano studios, paying by the hour, thanks to divorce. Although I no longer play as often as before, I still have more than a thousand pages of sheet music, compendiums, selections, and books, excluding the ones at home in the Philippines. Most of the time I play to bring back memories or just to feel good. 1. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach; ~ playing this reminds me of grandma's haunted WW II house where I always heard The Platters version when I was little 2. Liebestraum by Franz Liszt ~ makes me dreamy and my plants grow well 3. War March of the Priests by Felix Mendelssohn ~ I play it to help digest a hearty meal 4. Fur Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven ~ my piece as a kid, still play it ...

Although I believe in the story of redemption, I don't have the stomach to view crucifixion images. Except for the appalling violence (they make me flinch), I love watching this music video. Salvation is a beautiful thing to have. I remember listening to this song during dormitory worship back in college in the early 90s. I love playing it on the piano too. Have a great Saturday, everyone! TSMSS is hosted by Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders . Visit her site to join or view more participants .

Out of the Dark has lines that I am fond of: " ...and though I love you so temptation finds its way to me " reminds me of wild student days when I was 'banished' by my parents to a boarding college to make sure I don't mix study with party. The school, beautifully nestled in the hills of Central Mindanao, strictly upholds extremely conservative religious views. Students were allowed to leave the campus one weekend a month and that's where we have a taste of the outside world. This outside world that we nicknamed "civilization" is the nearby city where we do what we can't do inside the school campus. The school did manage to instill in me a few christian values that I still believe in to this day. " t each me to trust in You with all of my heart, to lean not on my own understanding " I remember there's encouragement to memorize the verse and always remember it especially when times are great. It probably meant, don't go carrying ...

Although international, the dominant atmosphere of the gradschool I attended heavily reflects the religious culture of the host country: Thailand-Buddhism. Blending in well didn't mean forgetting my spiritual roots. Music always takes me back to the upbringing that was drummed into my head - christianity is beautiful. Interaction with (mostly) buddhist professors and classmates at Bangkok University is amazing; socializing, fun. But when I am alone, I switch back to familiar surroundings and that includes listening to songs that greatly appeal to my spiritual senses. I drive to the university with some of my faves blasting off the car. Lower floor parking is reserved for graduate students. But often the undergrads love to use our privilege and we end up driving to the 7th, or even up to the 9th floor. I temper the annoyance with Michael W. Smith. Climbing upper floors on wheels becomes less dizzying. When neighboring skyscrapers begin appearing as I make my way to the top, I enjoy ...

There's a ritual at home that my mother imposed: family worship. It's the time when we sing hymns, read the bible, recite verses and pray. We did it morning and evening. My parents, although both christians, come from different religious backgrounds. Papa didn't attend worships 98% of the time, so it was mainly just mother, I and the pets. When I left the nest, I also left the church and worship became a thing of the past. Forgetting church and worship was easy as I'm not a fan of either. For more than a decade I was all work and party. Life rocked until divorce entered the scene. I found myself alone and resorted to the internet for company. Thank God for such a wonderful technology! I stumbled upon youtube and this: It's the very Abide With Me we used to sing at home! I clicked around and found other arrangements like Elton John's, but this is nearest to the way we sang at home, usually to close those worships. I used to memorize this, we all did. Mother'...

1. Do you mind people to show up uninvited? ~ Yes, but as long as they don't ruin whatever I'm hosting, I quickly forgive 2. Last person you talked to on the phone? ~ Patrick 3. Last person on your missed call list? ~ someone not on my call list 4. Who calls you the most? ~ nowadays, a girl friend 5. What is your favorite song about breaking up? ~ I don't have a favorite, but I like listening to The Jets's You Got it All on youtube, and I agree with a comment there that says "bad lovers are replaceable." 6. If someone sent you an unexpected gift, what would you like it to be? ~ a charming cottage in rural England, with a piano and a library in it and a Ferrari in its garage (lol) 7. Your classic rock station plays the top songs of all time. What is number one? ~ I don't have a classic rock station, but I do like listening to some from to time 8. Do you live for today or tomorrow? ~ both. I love living at the moment and I enjoy looking forward to the futur...

Music is foremost among the tools I employ in putting my baby to sleep. Around eight weeks into my pregnancy I started playing Ultrasound: Music for the Unborn Child. I used earphones; one plugged in my ear and the other attached to my belly. I bought the CD from Tower Records. Right before I wrote this entry I looked it up in Amazon. The prices now vary. There are also good and not very good reviews there. Personally I love the tracks, all 17 of them and I assume the tiny listener inside would love them too :) Now that he's out and invading my bed, I still play it on for him. A few minutes of these titles quickly send a semi-hyperactive kid to dreamland: Berceuse for Piano in D flat major, B 154/Op. 57, Nocturne for Harp, Op. 20, Rˆverie or Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: no 3, Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy. The latter is my favorite :) Storybooks are just as vital. This one is prescribed by the Lola. History does repeat itself. I had two of the same books along with those Tell-it-again...