L. just passed to me this absolutely fabulous little snippet of composer and brilliant director John Rutter waxing philosophical about the lifeblood of choral music within a well society. What with the bickering and shooting deaths, we are not a well society, and frankly, we need to sing more, among other things. Singing, according to Rutter, is not a frill, so to those of you cutting the arts and choir teachers in your districts, listen up. It’s not a frill, it’s a necessity, and a school or church or community without a choir, is like a body without a soul. Strong words, those, and a great little talk — but, if you’ll excuse the pun, Mr. Rutter is preaching to the choir on the JW Pepper blog… which after all, is a fabulous company that sells…choral music.
Despite this irony, an inescapable little bit of wonderful is the Rutter song playing in the background of the video, one many of us did at school. It’s called The Lord Bless You And Keep You and it’s based on the birkat kohanim – a priestly benediction that was to be given to the Jewish people long ago. It’s a lovely thing to sing to a nowadays person as well.
bless you. godspeed. peace.
hope, like wafts of blossom-scent
breathes through thoughts of you.