Thursday, December 14, 2006

MUSIC IS THE LANGUAGE OF CEREMONIES

Music is the language of ceremonies and special occasions.  My parents used to say that IF you had a gift of music, you were duty-bound to give it.  There were songs for bridal showers, songs for weddings, songs for anniversaries silver and golden.  There were songs for birthdays and songs to fill out the program at Christmas concerts. 

 

And now, a new trend that has gradually been taking hold in my life, songs for funerals.  Tomorrow will be a sad day for those who knew Brian as a husband, a father, a friend.  While Marilyn and I play the Pachebel canon, building steadily toward the final triumphant crescendo that has brought us thunderous applause on other days, I will ponder the differences in the music that comforts us, some asking for the lonesome cry of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, others turning to the Pachebel, presented in rousing splendour, the way they heard it at previous celebrations. 

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