Freezing temperatures have finally settled in, here in South Bend. It is good, introspective, no-nonsense weather, and excellent for walks. It's the most phlegmatic time of the year: gone is the melancholia of the autumn, and I was never one for the unrealistic expectations of spring and summer, anyway. In weather like this the monastery starts looking like a viable option. It is thus entirely appropriate that this weather coïncides with the liturgical season of Advent. Consider, why don't you, a good listen to some of Bach's Advent cantatas. (BWV 61 and 62 are especially good.)
For Kirchenmusikers this is, of course, the season to put one's affairs in order for the upcoming festivities. As far as I know I'm only scheduled for two services. The Christmas Eve service should be an intimate affair (piano, keine Orgel), with lots of carols. For the Christmas Day Mass, the papists are planning some rather good choral music (incl. Victoria's O Magnum Mysterium). I just hope our choir is up to the task.
05 December 2009
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One must admit that winter is also phlegmatic in its tendency to cause an excess of that selfsame bodily humour...
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