Sunday, May 26, 2013

Part 2: Tribute to Mothers ... and 'mothers'




Soprano: Alexis Jorgenson, Alto: Elly Stornebrink, Pianist: Matt Grinke, Violinist: Brienne Powers, Drummer: Marilyn Mann

How silly of me! I had forgotten that there were two other main reasons for agreeing to sing The Mummer’s Dance by Loreena McKennit on Mother’s Day. Was it just two weekends ago?! (This month is sure flying by!)

As a result of a warm-up during the byoV choir rehearsal where members were sounding notes, i.e., toning and humming, I ended up standing relatively near Alexis. A male choir member commented on the lovely harmony we created which I had also noted – pardon the pun (as they just come out of me spontaneously). Thus, I thought we might sound good together creating a nice harmony - had this in mind - when Alexis asked if anyone from the alto section was interested in singing the chorus of a song as backup.

The other reason I had agreed to singing a duet with her was simply that I love that song, rather the music in the song, at least initially. What I mean is that I actually was not even aware of the words to this song beforehand. It wasn’t until Alexis sent me the link to the video that I could learn the words as I read and heard them. Consequently, I love the song even more and in fact, I consider this my favourite of Loreena’s songs.

This is due to the fact that I love nature, especially springtime and trees.Could I be a 'tree worshipper'? – I love to touch, hug, and ‘bless’ trees (occasionally) as I walk by.

I also love to gaze at the moon and stars and do that as often as I can – I have witnesses! – and love to hear birds singing. And furthermore, I love to dance, though I haven’t around trees, at least not yet! ;)

In her own words, Loreena refers to a book that suggests that “mumming has its roots in the tree-worshipping* of the peoples who inhabited great regions of a forested Europe now long gone.” There’s that word* again! (Hmmm…wonder if they were perhaps Celtic and Pagan?) (http://www.quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/bookofsecrets.asp?type=notes&id=534)

Mumming usually involves a group of performers dressing up in masks (sometimes of straw) and clothes bedecked with ribbons or rags, and setting out on a procession to neighbouring homes singing songs and carrying branches of greenery. It’s primarily associated with springtime and fertility, and it has a cast of stock characters, like the Fool, which recurs in some form or another from Morris dancing to the shadow puppet plays of Turkey and Greece and even the morality plays of the Middle Ages.”

“Black Sheep Morris and Mummers” aka “Bowen Island Black Sheep Mummers” (http://www.bowenblacksheep.ca/) are not the only mummers in BC. This troupe dress primarily in black rags with colourful ribbons. They’re quite an interesting lot of musicians/dancers in both their look and sound.

I couldn’t quite make out what they were when I saw them for the first time about a year or so ago. I would have if I had understood the meaning of Loreena’s song beforehand!

What aspects of nature do you love and how do you express it?

10 comments:

  1. p.s. Though I would have preferred to sway more during the singing (as music resonates with me strongly and my body naturally moves to it), I toned my body movements down as I felt as backup, I should have less of a presence. That is partly why I wore only black and with no design. I purposely chose flowing feminine clothing with 'ribbons' hanging from the sides of my pants in keeping with the music and the mummers. ;)

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    1. Elly, that is SUCH a beautiful photo of you hugging that tree. You look so lovely. I want to tell you not to hide your light under a bushel. Reading your comments about wanting to sway more during the performance, wearing black, and toning down your movements, I felt a response that went something like this: You are a child of God carrying divine light and are here to walk your own unique walk, dance your own unique dance, and share your own unique vision. It means you get to sink more into who you are, then find the colors of your soul, and wear them on the outside. Black is not the color of your soul. Please, don't be shy and self-diminishing in your world's work. Let your knowing and inner confidence flow from breath to breath; and flow through your every act of service, your every sharing of expression and joy. Wear your soul colors, move freely, flow, and be the you - the Elly - that you are here to be. No one is going to mind. Rather, they will appreciate your light all the more.

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    2. Thank you for your kind words Christy: they are truly poetic and deeply felt and appreciated. It is good for me to hear and re-learn that if I am to empower children to be true to themselves, that I too must honour myself and shine my inner light. Your words bring to mind Marianne Williamson's poem, "My Deepest Fear." Thanks for the reminder!

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  2. Nice going, Elly! I look foreward to hearing / watching it.

    As for the trees, you might find some "answers" through DAMANHUR (an intentional, gasp - making community in Italy)
    particularly in their "plants" program. Scientific approach to "why do we love being treehuggers".... France Allden

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    1. Thanks for the tip Frances. I am indeed curious now and will definitely check into that! :) <3

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  3. I am very happy for you Elly; so great that you joined the duet and can't wait to see the video. I love your blog, your sensitivity and awareness... send you xoxooxoxox Ania

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    1. Thanks Ania. I appreciate your support and love. Remember that what you see in me is a reflection of you...see my blog posting on that... ;) <3

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  4. Hi Elly The song was beautiful (so haunting) and you sounded really good. I think though if you do another song together that you should be standing much closer to each other..sometimes it was hard to hear you. Also the dynamics need to be paid more attention to - they matter both for big choirs and for duets. Anyway I'm proud of you for getting up the courage and I think you should do it again if you want. Love, M

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    1. M, I initially responded to your comment on May 28th but forgot to hit "reply" so you didn't see it. Here it is, "Thanks Margot. Yes, it is a beautiful piece. I agree in terms of standing closer together, can't recall now why we weren't. My mike was purposely lowered in volume as I was backup after all." ;) <3

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