If you want to consult an expert on classical music, it wouldn’t be me. But over the years I’ve learned a thing or two. When I was in college, somebody introduced me to “Adagio for Strings” by Samuel Barber. I’ve listened to it at least a dozen times over the years and it has never failed to grab hold of my heart and bring me to tears. Tears for what? I don’t know, but Mr. Barber summons them forth as reliably as the the Lord summons forth the sun each day for its carousel ride over the horizon. Whatever there is within you that aches, grieves, or feels any strong emotion, expect it to rise up along with the violin crescendo. Here’s what I want you to do: find “Adagio for Strings” on your favorite music streaming app, set aside your petty distractions and have a listen. Close your eyes if necessary. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about what happens next. But don’t turn it off before the end. The furnace of emotion that Barber stokes up, he also takes gentle care to extinguish, saying “peace, peace…” to your soul. You dare not miss that part, or you will be stuck in the State of Verklempt without an exit.
I might dip another toe into the Classical world on this blog sometime, thus adding to its eclectic nature. Why not, right?
I’ll probably delete this while listening to Adagio for Strings unless I get too weepy to see the keys.
Lynniebeemuseoday 