On the one hand, we are physically separated from our families, friends and usual activities and those who live alone must be hugely affected. It is so hard for some of us.
On the other hand, if we are lucky enough to be connected to the rest of the world via the internet, we have been able to connect through Facetime, Skype and Zoom, learning new communication skills that can change our small worlds.
We have been invited into homes of musicians, entertainers, chefs, gardeners and others in a way that is new and strangely comforting. Even churches are conducting worship from the living rooms and music rooms of congregants, a really intimate way to connect in a time of great dis-connection.
Performances and masterclasses from kitchens, family rooms and gardens. A few of the groups I've enjoyed on YouTube or Instagram TV:
- Musicians of the Toronto Symphony, performing from home
- The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, interactive videos
- The Zolla Boys, young Bluegrass musicians
- Mary Chapin Carpenter, Songs from Home on YouTube
- Voces8, tracks, masterclasses, interviews
- Martin Philip, head baker at King Arthur Flour
- Zoë François, baker extraordinaire and awesome Instagrammer
- Laura Boutillier of Garden Answer, in Ontario, Oregon (!it's true! - located on the eastern side of the state near the Idaho border) is a daily joy.
- Amy at Falconry and Me on YouTube is a new discovery. A bird-lover and conservationist, she just recently showed owlets hatching live on her channel.
- Emma Massingale on YouTube is a professional horse trainer, and a specialist in liberty training does amazing and creative things with her many horses and ponies. She recently bought a wading pool for her ponies and it's so much fun watching them discover it.
This list doesn't even include the hikers, authors, book bloggers and photographers I keep up with, unbeknownst to them. 😉 They enrich my small life. Keep in mind that I do not watch TV or movies - but these occupy a great deal of time and it may be hard to turn it all off if/when I eventually get busier.
Today, though, I want to share this exquisite piece of music recorded by Voces8. Recorded pre-pandemic, it's one of many tracks that the group has released from their recent album to help get us all through this trying time. The oboist here has that incredible and noteworthy ability of circular breathing.
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, J.S. Bach, one of the most perfect pieces ever composed and performed here with perfection. No paradox involved!
No comments:
Post a Comment