Friday, August 21, 2009
Audio no more
You'll notice that I don't have my audio down the side anymore, even though I say in my heading and in my about me that I do. I'd love to do small clips, but I don't want to take the time or put in the mental effort to dig up how to do that, so we'll just go soundless, and I'm not into changing my heading or about me & having to meticulously make sure I'm not going over characters again. If you want me to send any music to you to listen to, send me a little email to davchrismonson@msn.com. I'd be happy to send something your way! What I have is "O My Father," "I Stand All Amazed," "A Poorwayfaring Man," "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul," "Where Can I Turn for Peace," "Be Still, My Soul," "I Will Be Your Light," and "Forever Yours, Forever Mine."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
How Do You Enjoy Reading the Story When You Don't When or How the End Will Come, But You Have Faith in The Author and the Hero?
How Do You Enjoy & Keep Reading (read that "being the protagonist in the story") the Story When You Don't When or How the End Will Come, Nor How It Will Be Accomplished, But You Have Faith in The Author and the Hero?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
****So What Are All These Titles with No Blog? Blips, Blurbs, or Blunders?
I love to write--I could write forever, especially when I don't have to worry if anyone will ever read it (& maybe nobody will ever read this!). Maybe I'm writing this for me, so it really doesn't matter. But I do enjoy writing--it is therapeutic, and after all, musicology was my graduate study, not piano, even if I did find out that I really don't like the research at all--and found out that my passions and loves really are composing, arranging, and performing. It may be hard for someone to get through what I write here, since I tend to write a LOT, be wordy, ramble on and drift about, and then come back in a circular arc to where I started, not really feeling like we got anywhere. But there are many things I have an interest in writing about that I don't want to forget, and since right now I have much more pressing, important matters, like children that need immediate and focused attention and play and care and a husband that needs love and support, I'm recording the titles so I don't have to have them rolling around in my mind anywhere. But someday...maybe someday all these titles will be blogs. And someday may I'll finish commentaries on the rest of my songs--that's what I'm really looking forward to! But for now, just muse on what Funerals R Us--Knowles Funerals Inc., means, and why there's such a difference between how athletes are measured and how musicians are measured, and why athletic games can be so much more exciting than musical performances (can be, that is--they don't have to be, though), and why music is first and foremost about communication, not skill (and how many who take the obligatory piano lessons are prevented from really understanding and appreciating that), and...
Keep It All In the Family
The real title of this should be,"How was I so blessed to be born into a family where I am surrounded by people who love music (or at least have to tolerate it because the rest of the family does). From my three sisters who rope each other into singing together (not as much as we used to--multiplying and replenishing the earth kind of limits your extra time), even though we have to drag Lisa (who happens to be the youngest) out of "retirement" to sing each time (& then she begrudgingly willingly helps Sherri on the soprano), and on to Dad, Uncle Darrell, and my cousin David Knowles, who I always beamed with pride when I was young to see them up there as the core of the Army National Guard 23rd band trombone section (with another member that we still claim on piccolo) to cousins and an uncle who should form their own quintet and go traveling around to sing "Coney Island Babe." And of course, we can't forget my parents--Dad, who as one of that trombone core secretly also longs to direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and practices along with them each Sunday morning, and Mom, who will just be organist the rest of her life. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by people who enjoy life and its beauties and can be friends as well. My sisters are my best friends--although we have our ins and outs with life and we've each had interesting challenges to deal with, we are truly supports to each other and the things we've experienced together have forged a bond that is unique and can't be broken. I also love improvising with my sisters--they each feel in different ways musically and spiritually, but we have all been able to do some amazing things together with hymns and spiritual music that have been wonderful. The same goes for all members of my family, I think--when you experience things together, you really come together. There's others--maybe not blood related, but we're heavenly family related, that have been such a great influence in my life. People like the one and only Evelyn Harris (and Lynn), who have done so much good and taught so many. There's people I have been put together with so we could share some amazing moments in life and music--Kelli Houston Figgins and her "Be Still My Soul" and "I Stand All Amazed," Kara Brandt and her husband Rob and their "Because He Lives." These are times that are great strengthening memories to me, as I can still feel the power of the words and music combined that spoke directly to my soul (and that of those listening) from a Heavenly Father who cares so deeply and speaks to us when we need His comfort, love, and reassurance. We have the best men's ward choir in the Church (in my humble opinion). A few weeks ago, as we sang "Brightly Beams the Fathers' Mercy (I was the lone female trying to unobtrusively provide some supportive accompaniment), and they went acappella into the third verse, I thought this is what heaven is--an absolutely perfectly unified choir of people working together in their own way to render something magnificent and poignant--it was a direct reflection of what we do in the Church, in our wards, in our families--when we can all unitedly come together in absolutely perfect harmony, the results are stunning, life-changing, and life-lifting--we are truly lifted to another sphere, along with those we serve and those we serve with. That's what life is really all about--trying to do our best to come together with our talents, with the various families that surround us, and unitedly work more fully to achieve the perfection of our Heavenly Father--to truly create heaven and its perfect union and standards here on earth. Let's keep singing and working together so we can create more perfectly that harmony with each other and with Him!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
****All About Me--Part 2--What Really Matters Most****
Since I don't have any more room in my About Me section, this is About Me Part Two--the real version, since music is still only a small part of my life. I'm doing the thumbnail version right now--maybe I'll go more in depth later. I'm a busy mother of many--full-time to a 2-year-old, 1-year-old, and 14-year-old, part-time to an 11-year-old & 17-year-old--and an even busier wife and manager of the household and of our many business and real estate interests (for better or worse). I've been married six years--got married a little later than most, but I made up for it really fast. I live in Utah--Wasatch Front--and not Utah Valley and not Salt Lake Valley. That's detailed enough for that. I have my bachelor's degree in piano, although I do a lot of singing also and I played violin through high school. I love to accompany and improvise-arrange more than anything else I do musically. It is satisfying to collaborate in some way with another. I have a couple of compositions, but I think I've explained that already. After college, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do in music, so I ended up working full-time in health care then decided I at least needed to do some graduate work and eventually ended up at BYU in Musicology for a year. Though I did not finish my degree, I gained a lot of experience and perspective that year that's directed me in many ways since (and I still managed to have a foot in the real world still through working in health care part-time). Sometimes my problem has been that I do too many things well, but not well enough to be as good as you need to be to really look like you're highly successful at it. I also don't have the personality or focus and maybe talent to go all the way with any of them. But I enjoy everything, from showing young whippersnappers that an over-35-year-old woman can teach them how to really play volleyball (or at least play right up there with them if they really do know) or holding my own against nearly anyone (OK--maybe not a college basketball player) within 4-6 inches of me (guy or girl) in basketball (all the while admittedly looking like I'm an over 35-year-old-mother who never grew up), to being a walking demonstration that you can be blonde and a little scattered (not scatterbrained) at times and still be smart, deep, and on top of things (or at least cognizant of what it will take to be on top of them). I love everything--I love the world & its beauties and the particularities of everything and people--I really love everything a little too much to want to give my life to any one thing (except the Gospel & my family & well, music--at least I know the real calling with my talents is music--I can still enjoy everything else though and serve in whatever way I can! Can't forget that!). I just keep plugging away and hope that I will meet the "where much is given, much is expected" thing without damaging it with the "we are all given weaknesses" thing. I guess that's what the Gospel's all about, right! Keep smiling! And keep progressing!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Where Can I Turn for Peace?
Where Can I Turn for Peace? Hymn #129 LDS Hymns Words by Emma Lou Thayne Music by
Some of us seem to have lives that may be a little more intense than others. Don't get me wrong--life is a challenge for all, in different ways. And it is, after all, only a very short middle act, surrounded by lives by we either can't remember or that will be very much determined by what we do here. I have had my share of happiness, but I've also experienced much that sometimes just makes it hard to know that someone really is control, that there is really an ultimate purpose and meaning to it all that all will be made perfect in the end. Now before we start comparing lives, which just isn't good, let's just know that ultimately, we know Heavenly Father really is in control, that He has created a plan that is tailor-made for us, to teach us exactly what we need so that we can become like Him. And that can't happen unless we accept what the Savior did for us and give ourselves to Him and follow Him. But let's face it--life really is hard sometimes, and it is difficult not to resent what we have been given, especially when we see others. Now, of course, I really wouldn't want to ever trade lives with anyone else--the things, hard and not-as-hard, that I've learned, I really wouldn't want to miss for anything, and I have been reminded by some that it really is rewarding (& it really is)--it would just be nice to see the end so that it would made the middle easier to view in proper perspective. When I read a book or watch a movie, I almost always have to know the end before I can see the movie--it can drives me nuts if I don't--of course, we live in a world where most books and movies have an ultimate wrap-up, if not a happy ending, but we don't live in a world where that happens for most--we struggle, just hoping and trusting that all will be made right. I'm always intrigued by those who have many more years than I--who have gone through hard things--I always wonder what, now they have a little more perspective having seen how at least some things have wrapped up, they would have done or how they would have thought differently when they were going through harder things when they were younger. Unfortunately, most of them don't seem to remember necessarily what it was like or are reluctant to share--oh well.
So what does this have to do with "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" I've always loved the text and the melody of the music is just so beautiful that I always wanted to do something with it. After struggling and working and playing with it for a long time, it finally just clicked, shortly after I was married (I found it so interesting that, now that I have kids and cannot do as much with music on a wide basis because of time and resource constraints, that all of these have really crystallized for me as I feel really they can be fully expressed for me--just thinking about this morning, in light of the fact that I'm always listening to my music now that I have some kind of recording and why that is--am I addicted to it--is it my form of "daydreaming-"I'll answer that in a moment). Back to just after I was married. I became an instant mom when I got married--I became the mother of Tyler and Travis--wonderful kids, wonderful sons of God who themselves have been through a lot in their short lives that have left their scars, quite deep. It was a challenging few months, as I realized there was not necessarily going to be a wrap-up in our story, a happy ending as I had once conceived. But nevertheless, I had gotten through it and was starting to feel a measure of comfort and peace. I think I also came up with this in its final form before my brother, Brian, my youngest brother, at the age of 21, took his own life. He did it in early May and I think this really came together in about April, about the time that things were becoming a little easier with the boys (so just to give the boys' story some perspective--we moved that summer and again threw everything up in the air--I am not so sure that everything has landed--and more so that we have two more little girls, even five years later, but yet it's still all good, somehow, or at least will be). To put the story of my brother in perspective, however, you need to know that my other brother (I'm the oldest of six--2 boys, 4 girls), Stephen, also took his own life in 1990 at the age of 17. When that happens, the story has a very abrupt ending, and it definitely is not happy, and all those loose ends are hard enough. Death is hard enough, but when it happens in that way, there are many, many, many unanswered questions and things that give you a completely different perspective on life and eternity and the Atonement.
When you can't see the end, somehow you have to find a way to make it through today, because I just can just become overwhelmed thinking of how the ramifications of the decisions I make today will affect the end result, and sometimes that can become paralyzing, as well as depressing. And the Savior provides the way that we can make it through each day, knowing that He does know the end result, and that if we just choose His way, don't give up, and keep trusting and going, that He will provide the way for our rescuing, for making everything right. When our aching grows, when nothing else can provide solace because it just doesn't answer the questions or provide the comfort we need, when noone else can truly understand, He does and can provide the peace through the Spirit that He promised and that we need. Even with his promise, sometimes we still struggle feeling that peace, but if we can just continue to desire to receive that peace through Him and His way, it will come. I promise. I promise it does. Even now I am struggling with the sadness and despair that come with not knowing what the end will be, especially considering the fact that we are about to the end of our rope with regards to our finances--we've been living on the edge for so long--not just financially, but emotionally in trying to be patient and continue cheerfully, mentally in trying to make things work and give our all, in the midst of family concerns, callings, and doing good in our lives, and physically, as it sometimes seems more than we can bear and have time or resources to accomplish. My music right now is the way the Spirit can speak to me. I am having a hard time receiving peace and direction through any other way. As much as I sometimes have had a "love-hate relationship" (I really am grateful for them, but...) with my musical talents and don't know how much good it really does for anyone else, I am so grateful for the messages I can receive through music--that He can provide the peace that I need, and He has done so through helping me, through my talents, to fully convey the love and the extent of the feelings He has, as I do my part to fully convey my feelings about & for Him. Where Can I Turn for Peace---He only one. And He will do it in the way that we can receive. Thank you for music, and thank you for these beautiful hymns, and thank you for my talents and the abilities and desires and the opportunities I have to express and use them. We thank Thee, Lord, for everything!
Some of us seem to have lives that may be a little more intense than others. Don't get me wrong--life is a challenge for all, in different ways. And it is, after all, only a very short middle act, surrounded by lives by we either can't remember or that will be very much determined by what we do here. I have had my share of happiness, but I've also experienced much that sometimes just makes it hard to know that someone really is control, that there is really an ultimate purpose and meaning to it all that all will be made perfect in the end. Now before we start comparing lives, which just isn't good, let's just know that ultimately, we know Heavenly Father really is in control, that He has created a plan that is tailor-made for us, to teach us exactly what we need so that we can become like Him. And that can't happen unless we accept what the Savior did for us and give ourselves to Him and follow Him. But let's face it--life really is hard sometimes, and it is difficult not to resent what we have been given, especially when we see others. Now, of course, I really wouldn't want to ever trade lives with anyone else--the things, hard and not-as-hard, that I've learned, I really wouldn't want to miss for anything, and I have been reminded by some that it really is rewarding (& it really is)--it would just be nice to see the end so that it would made the middle easier to view in proper perspective. When I read a book or watch a movie, I almost always have to know the end before I can see the movie--it can drives me nuts if I don't--of course, we live in a world where most books and movies have an ultimate wrap-up, if not a happy ending, but we don't live in a world where that happens for most--we struggle, just hoping and trusting that all will be made right. I'm always intrigued by those who have many more years than I--who have gone through hard things--I always wonder what, now they have a little more perspective having seen how at least some things have wrapped up, they would have done or how they would have thought differently when they were going through harder things when they were younger. Unfortunately, most of them don't seem to remember necessarily what it was like or are reluctant to share--oh well.
So what does this have to do with "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" I've always loved the text and the melody of the music is just so beautiful that I always wanted to do something with it. After struggling and working and playing with it for a long time, it finally just clicked, shortly after I was married (I found it so interesting that, now that I have kids and cannot do as much with music on a wide basis because of time and resource constraints, that all of these have really crystallized for me as I feel really they can be fully expressed for me--just thinking about this morning, in light of the fact that I'm always listening to my music now that I have some kind of recording and why that is--am I addicted to it--is it my form of "daydreaming-"I'll answer that in a moment). Back to just after I was married. I became an instant mom when I got married--I became the mother of Tyler and Travis--wonderful kids, wonderful sons of God who themselves have been through a lot in their short lives that have left their scars, quite deep. It was a challenging few months, as I realized there was not necessarily going to be a wrap-up in our story, a happy ending as I had once conceived. But nevertheless, I had gotten through it and was starting to feel a measure of comfort and peace. I think I also came up with this in its final form before my brother, Brian, my youngest brother, at the age of 21, took his own life. He did it in early May and I think this really came together in about April, about the time that things were becoming a little easier with the boys (so just to give the boys' story some perspective--we moved that summer and again threw everything up in the air--I am not so sure that everything has landed--and more so that we have two more little girls, even five years later, but yet it's still all good, somehow, or at least will be). To put the story of my brother in perspective, however, you need to know that my other brother (I'm the oldest of six--2 boys, 4 girls), Stephen, also took his own life in 1990 at the age of 17. When that happens, the story has a very abrupt ending, and it definitely is not happy, and all those loose ends are hard enough. Death is hard enough, but when it happens in that way, there are many, many, many unanswered questions and things that give you a completely different perspective on life and eternity and the Atonement.
When you can't see the end, somehow you have to find a way to make it through today, because I just can just become overwhelmed thinking of how the ramifications of the decisions I make today will affect the end result, and sometimes that can become paralyzing, as well as depressing. And the Savior provides the way that we can make it through each day, knowing that He does know the end result, and that if we just choose His way, don't give up, and keep trusting and going, that He will provide the way for our rescuing, for making everything right. When our aching grows, when nothing else can provide solace because it just doesn't answer the questions or provide the comfort we need, when noone else can truly understand, He does and can provide the peace through the Spirit that He promised and that we need. Even with his promise, sometimes we still struggle feeling that peace, but if we can just continue to desire to receive that peace through Him and His way, it will come. I promise. I promise it does. Even now I am struggling with the sadness and despair that come with not knowing what the end will be, especially considering the fact that we are about to the end of our rope with regards to our finances--we've been living on the edge for so long--not just financially, but emotionally in trying to be patient and continue cheerfully, mentally in trying to make things work and give our all, in the midst of family concerns, callings, and doing good in our lives, and physically, as it sometimes seems more than we can bear and have time or resources to accomplish. My music right now is the way the Spirit can speak to me. I am having a hard time receiving peace and direction through any other way. As much as I sometimes have had a "love-hate relationship" (I really am grateful for them, but...) with my musical talents and don't know how much good it really does for anyone else, I am so grateful for the messages I can receive through music--that He can provide the peace that I need, and He has done so through helping me, through my talents, to fully convey the love and the extent of the feelings He has, as I do my part to fully convey my feelings about & for Him. Where Can I Turn for Peace---He only one. And He will do it in the way that we can receive. Thank you for music, and thank you for these beautiful hymns, and thank you for my talents and the abilities and desires and the opportunities I have to express and use them. We thank Thee, Lord, for everything!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Joseph Smith's First Prayer
I can always imagine music playing in the background, accompanying the events of our lives. Many think it's strange that on old musicals, you all of the sudden have people break into song as if everyone hears the same music and each feels inspired at the exact same time to express the exact same thing. (I love the movie, Enchanted, which pokes a little fun at that idea).
I, however, am intrigued with the idea that maybe there's a movie score playing in the background of our lives--with different themes & motifs coming in, depending on the people, events, thoughts, and emotions of our day.
I love imagining that indeed this was the case as Joseph Smith went into the grove that fateful spring morning in 1820 with a determination to pray and ask His Father which Church to join. I can imagine "The Spirit of God" playing in subdued tones, as if to foreshadow what was to come, then "Praise to the Man" breaks in, with all who were witnessing on the other side so excited to see what was just about to take place. Then the music fades, and we're left with the chorus of birds in the trees, bees going about their work, and the beauty of the spring morning permeating it all. Into that scene steps Joseph Smith, about to offer perhaps one of the two or three most important prayers of all time. He humbly kneels and begins to offer up a prayer in a way he had never done before. Forcefully and abruptly, he is overcome by and begins a struggle with a dark, unseen power, working to prevent him from supplicating His Father and receiving the answer he so desires more than anything. He perseveres, undaunted, in spite of the power which has him bound--you can hear his spirit crying out--save me, with echoes of themes that will eventually define his life attempting to lift him out of this abyss. Suddenly, at the moment of greatest alarm, a light, brighter and more glorious than anything ever earthly seen, pierces the darkness--and a luminous ball of brilliant light begins to descend until it falls around him and illuminates everything it surrounds with a light greater than noonday. Then two figures appear, magnificent and wonderful, with a anticipation of what was to come building, as those witnessing know just the sheer significance of their both coming to Joseph and of the truth that is just about to be imparted personally. I can imagine all is quiet and still as the Father begins that glorious introduction--Joseph, this is beloved--hear Him." Oh, how sweet the word is, with music sweet and tender letting the world know that He is over all and will answer prayers and will and is giving us truth sweet and powerful to pierce the darkness. Joseph's humble prayer is answered, with echoes of the music which accompanied that prayer. As he listens, he is filled with a rapture and excitement above all, for He saw the living God--THE LIVING GOD. He didn't know then what this prayer would lead to, how much it would consume his life, but I'm sure he had chosen this part, this role. As he left the grove, pondering on all that had just taken place, I can imagine a choir, singing in unison, "Praise to the Man who communed with Jehovah, Hail to the Prophet," as the "Spirit of God like is burning," with an excitement and anticipation about the work just beginning--the restoration of the fulness of the Gospel to the earth, the restoration of the knowledge of who our Father is and of what His Son Jesus Christ did for all of us, of the establishment of His Church--The Church of Jesus Christ--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And it all begin with a prayer, kindled by the faith of a 14-year-old boy who entered a grove so he could get an answer to a question that so forcefully pressed itself on him. He gave his lifetime in dedication to His Father and His Savior, Jesus Christ, and ultimately gave his life for this glorious cause. Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again. I give this testimony that these things are true and did happen--and with heartfelt strains of music that I consecrate to the Father, I add to that testimony.
Joseph Smith's First Prayer/Oh How Lovely Was the Morning
LDS Hymns #26
Words and Music by George Manwaring
Oh, how lovely was the morning,
Radiant beamed the sun above,
Bees were humming, Sweet birds singing,
Music ringing through the grove.
When within the shady woodland, Joseph sought the God of love.
When within the shady woodland, Joseph sought the God of love.
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing,
'Twas the boy's first uttered prayer.
When the pow'rs of sin assailing,
Filled his soul with deep despair.
But, undaunted, still he trusted, in his Heavenly Father's care.
But, undaunted, still he trusted, in his Heavenly Father's care.
Suddenly, a light descended,
Brighter far than noonday sun.
And a shining glorious pillar,
O'er him fell, around him shone,
While appeared two heavenly being, God the Father and the Son.
While appeared two heavenly being, God the Father and the Son.
"Joseph, this is my beloved. Hear him."
Oh, how sweet the word.
Joseph's humble prayer was answered,
And he listened to the Lord.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God.
Oh, how lovely was the morning, for he saw the living God.
This arrangement came into being when my sister, Sherri, and I were trying to come up with a hymn to sing in sacrament meeting way back in 1998 when my Uncle Ray Knowles & Aunt Colleen spoke in our Sunset ward, talking out their recent mission in Kirtland, Ohio. Over the years, the key structure has changed a bit, especially in the last two verses, and the last half of the second verse has come into what I consider its best form--I think I've pretty much got the structure of everything just where it's supposed to be now to really fully express and reflect the meaning of the text. I've also got this in SATB form, though the piano part is maybe a little on the more difficult side. Sometime I'll be able to make a little easier to play.
I, however, am intrigued with the idea that maybe there's a movie score playing in the background of our lives--with different themes & motifs coming in, depending on the people, events, thoughts, and emotions of our day.
I love imagining that indeed this was the case as Joseph Smith went into the grove that fateful spring morning in 1820 with a determination to pray and ask His Father which Church to join. I can imagine "The Spirit of God" playing in subdued tones, as if to foreshadow what was to come, then "Praise to the Man" breaks in, with all who were witnessing on the other side so excited to see what was just about to take place. Then the music fades, and we're left with the chorus of birds in the trees, bees going about their work, and the beauty of the spring morning permeating it all. Into that scene steps Joseph Smith, about to offer perhaps one of the two or three most important prayers of all time. He humbly kneels and begins to offer up a prayer in a way he had never done before. Forcefully and abruptly, he is overcome by and begins a struggle with a dark, unseen power, working to prevent him from supplicating His Father and receiving the answer he so desires more than anything. He perseveres, undaunted, in spite of the power which has him bound--you can hear his spirit crying out--save me, with echoes of themes that will eventually define his life attempting to lift him out of this abyss. Suddenly, at the moment of greatest alarm, a light, brighter and more glorious than anything ever earthly seen, pierces the darkness--and a luminous ball of brilliant light begins to descend until it falls around him and illuminates everything it surrounds with a light greater than noonday. Then two figures appear, magnificent and wonderful, with a anticipation of what was to come building, as those witnessing know just the sheer significance of their both coming to Joseph and of the truth that is just about to be imparted personally. I can imagine all is quiet and still as the Father begins that glorious introduction--Joseph, this is beloved--hear Him." Oh, how sweet the word is, with music sweet and tender letting the world know that He is over all and will answer prayers and will and is giving us truth sweet and powerful to pierce the darkness. Joseph's humble prayer is answered, with echoes of the music which accompanied that prayer. As he listens, he is filled with a rapture and excitement above all, for He saw the living God--THE LIVING GOD. He didn't know then what this prayer would lead to, how much it would consume his life, but I'm sure he had chosen this part, this role. As he left the grove, pondering on all that had just taken place, I can imagine a choir, singing in unison, "Praise to the Man who communed with Jehovah, Hail to the Prophet," as the "Spirit of God like is burning," with an excitement and anticipation about the work just beginning--the restoration of the fulness of the Gospel to the earth, the restoration of the knowledge of who our Father is and of what His Son Jesus Christ did for all of us, of the establishment of His Church--The Church of Jesus Christ--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And it all begin with a prayer, kindled by the faith of a 14-year-old boy who entered a grove so he could get an answer to a question that so forcefully pressed itself on him. He gave his lifetime in dedication to His Father and His Savior, Jesus Christ, and ultimately gave his life for this glorious cause. Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again. I give this testimony that these things are true and did happen--and with heartfelt strains of music that I consecrate to the Father, I add to that testimony.
Joseph Smith's First Prayer/Oh How Lovely Was the Morning
LDS Hymns #26
Words and Music by George Manwaring
Oh, how lovely was the morning,
Radiant beamed the sun above,
Bees were humming, Sweet birds singing,
Music ringing through the grove.
When within the shady woodland, Joseph sought the God of love.
When within the shady woodland, Joseph sought the God of love.
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing,
'Twas the boy's first uttered prayer.
When the pow'rs of sin assailing,
Filled his soul with deep despair.
But, undaunted, still he trusted, in his Heavenly Father's care.
But, undaunted, still he trusted, in his Heavenly Father's care.
Suddenly, a light descended,
Brighter far than noonday sun.
And a shining glorious pillar,
O'er him fell, around him shone,
While appeared two heavenly being, God the Father and the Son.
While appeared two heavenly being, God the Father and the Son.
"Joseph, this is my beloved. Hear him."
Oh, how sweet the word.
Joseph's humble prayer was answered,
And he listened to the Lord.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, for he saw the living God.
Oh, how lovely was the morning, for he saw the living God.
This arrangement came into being when my sister, Sherri, and I were trying to come up with a hymn to sing in sacrament meeting way back in 1998 when my Uncle Ray Knowles & Aunt Colleen spoke in our Sunset ward, talking out their recent mission in Kirtland, Ohio. Over the years, the key structure has changed a bit, especially in the last two verses, and the last half of the second verse has come into what I consider its best form--I think I've pretty much got the structure of everything just where it's supposed to be now to really fully express and reflect the meaning of the text. I've also got this in SATB form, though the piano part is maybe a little on the more difficult side. Sometime I'll be able to make a little easier to play.
I'm Forever Yours, You're Forever Mine
I'm Forever Yours, You're Forever Mine
Each time I see you, it's like before.
My heart again is taken; I love you even more.
Your eyes can pierce right through me, and see into my soul.
You see the very best in me, and realize my destiny.
You help me reach the goal.
I'm forever yours, and you're forever mine,
And we forever one may be
Beyond the end of time.
And hand in hand we walk,
Where'er the road may lead.
Through joy and tears, through the years,
Our love will lead us home--to share eternity.
The way may not be easy, the path may not be sure,
But if we lift each other, together we'll endure,
Eyes focused on the Savior, whose love for us is pure.
In His hands we put our trust, to make us one, and lead us home
For all eternity.
I'm forever yours, and you're forever mine,
And we forever one may be
Through His love divine.
And hand in hand we walk,
Where'er the road may lead.
Through joy and tears, through the years,
Our love will lead us home--to share eternity.
Our love will forge us together, as a fortress without fear,
Where our children can take shelter, and learn all that we hold dare.
A beacon ever brighter, through each passing year.
He will be our light, He will be our guide.
Our Savior ever near.
I'm forever yours, and you're forever mine,
And we forever one may be
Through His love divine.
And hand in hand we walk,
Where'er the road may lead.
Through joy and tears, through the years,
Our love will lead us home--to share eternity.
For all eternity.
It took me a relatively long time to find my husband (it took him even longer). However, I made up for lost time in a hurry, stepping into the role of both wife and stepmom of 3 (2 full time), ages 6, 9, and 11 when I was 32. The day I first saw my husband's profile on the LDS singles website, I had made a conscious choice that I really needed to find someone with who was raising children on his own--I knew I was supposed to be a stepmom--after that conscious choice, everything literally fell into place. A month into our courtship, though, I realized this was not going to be easy--in fact, I remember crying with my husband, saying I just didn't know if I could do it. These were children who were scarred from a rough few years of their lives and who needed some tender love, guidance, and care to help them to be successful. I didn't know if I was strong enough to provide that. There was something so wonderful, so easy, so natural in our relationship, something I had never experienced before and really had not really thought possible. It was something that was worth taking the risk for, and knowing that we shared that love, we would be able to do it. The other thing I knew was, though we had our weaknesses and imperfections and the road may have looked tough, we had absolute faith that the Lord would lead us if we would do our part and that all things would work out for the good of us and our children. That ultimately would be, with the love for and commitment to each other and our family, all we would really need.
About a month before we were married, in fact just after we found out, to my utter elation, that we would be able to be married in the temple and could do it so soon, I wanted to compose a song that summed up our relationship and the step we were taking that would lead to an pathway on which we would walk eternally together. I started working on it alone, planning to keep it as a surprise, so that I could sing it to him at our wedding. After a couple of weeks, though, I found myself stuck with the lyrics and told him what I was doing and that I thought we should do it together. It was so fun to come together with our individual ideas and watch them take shape into an expression of love and faith that has really become the theme for our lives and that we have sung many, many times on many different occasions since. We were finalizing it way into the wee hours of the night (or morning) before our wedding, having had our reception the night before, and we sung it at our wedding breakfast (although I didn't have the chords for the bridge firmly in my mind at the time). I know not everybody has the opportunity and it doesn't have to be part of a relationship, but I personally am grateful my husband can sing and that we can make beautiful music together. It has been a blessing to us--a strength to us--that we can come together in some way, even when the world around us seems to be so unstable, and create something that beautifully reminds us again that we are in this together, to remind us that we are in love, that even though it may not be easy, He will provide us the strength and help we need so that we can "come home" and bring our children with us. The way truly has not been easy, but it has been a wonderful journey that continues to have a bright future, especially as we continue to endure faithfully and well and just trust Him. We have brought two more beautiful children into the world, and though our other three children have their various challenges (as well as successes) and though our relationships with them today may not all be quite as we would have imagined or hoped for six years ago, we know the Lord is providing a way for each of them, too, so that they may travel, if they will follow Him, the road together with us, then with a companion of their choosing--and most importantly, we all want to travel the road with our Savior, Jesus Christ, so that He can lead us, and provide the way for us, so that we may share eternity.
Each time I see you, it's like before.
My heart again is taken; I love you even more.
Your eyes can pierce right through me, and see into my soul.
You see the very best in me, and realize my destiny.
You help me reach the goal.
I'm forever yours, and you're forever mine,
And we forever one may be
Beyond the end of time.
And hand in hand we walk,
Where'er the road may lead.
Through joy and tears, through the years,
Our love will lead us home--to share eternity.
The way may not be easy, the path may not be sure,
But if we lift each other, together we'll endure,
Eyes focused on the Savior, whose love for us is pure.
In His hands we put our trust, to make us one, and lead us home
For all eternity.
I'm forever yours, and you're forever mine,
And we forever one may be
Through His love divine.
And hand in hand we walk,
Where'er the road may lead.
Through joy and tears, through the years,
Our love will lead us home--to share eternity.
Our love will forge us together, as a fortress without fear,
Where our children can take shelter, and learn all that we hold dare.
A beacon ever brighter, through each passing year.
He will be our light, He will be our guide.
Our Savior ever near.
I'm forever yours, and you're forever mine,
And we forever one may be
Through His love divine.
And hand in hand we walk,
Where'er the road may lead.
Through joy and tears, through the years,
Our love will lead us home--to share eternity.
For all eternity.
It took me a relatively long time to find my husband (it took him even longer). However, I made up for lost time in a hurry, stepping into the role of both wife and stepmom of 3 (2 full time), ages 6, 9, and 11 when I was 32. The day I first saw my husband's profile on the LDS singles website, I had made a conscious choice that I really needed to find someone with who was raising children on his own--I knew I was supposed to be a stepmom--after that conscious choice, everything literally fell into place. A month into our courtship, though, I realized this was not going to be easy--in fact, I remember crying with my husband, saying I just didn't know if I could do it. These were children who were scarred from a rough few years of their lives and who needed some tender love, guidance, and care to help them to be successful. I didn't know if I was strong enough to provide that. There was something so wonderful, so easy, so natural in our relationship, something I had never experienced before and really had not really thought possible. It was something that was worth taking the risk for, and knowing that we shared that love, we would be able to do it. The other thing I knew was, though we had our weaknesses and imperfections and the road may have looked tough, we had absolute faith that the Lord would lead us if we would do our part and that all things would work out for the good of us and our children. That ultimately would be, with the love for and commitment to each other and our family, all we would really need.
About a month before we were married, in fact just after we found out, to my utter elation, that we would be able to be married in the temple and could do it so soon, I wanted to compose a song that summed up our relationship and the step we were taking that would lead to an pathway on which we would walk eternally together. I started working on it alone, planning to keep it as a surprise, so that I could sing it to him at our wedding. After a couple of weeks, though, I found myself stuck with the lyrics and told him what I was doing and that I thought we should do it together. It was so fun to come together with our individual ideas and watch them take shape into an expression of love and faith that has really become the theme for our lives and that we have sung many, many times on many different occasions since. We were finalizing it way into the wee hours of the night (or morning) before our wedding, having had our reception the night before, and we sung it at our wedding breakfast (although I didn't have the chords for the bridge firmly in my mind at the time). I know not everybody has the opportunity and it doesn't have to be part of a relationship, but I personally am grateful my husband can sing and that we can make beautiful music together. It has been a blessing to us--a strength to us--that we can come together in some way, even when the world around us seems to be so unstable, and create something that beautifully reminds us again that we are in this together, to remind us that we are in love, that even though it may not be easy, He will provide us the strength and help we need so that we can "come home" and bring our children with us. The way truly has not been easy, but it has been a wonderful journey that continues to have a bright future, especially as we continue to endure faithfully and well and just trust Him. We have brought two more beautiful children into the world, and though our other three children have their various challenges (as well as successes) and though our relationships with them today may not all be quite as we would have imagined or hoped for six years ago, we know the Lord is providing a way for each of them, too, so that they may travel, if they will follow Him, the road together with us, then with a companion of their choosing--and most importantly, we all want to travel the road with our Savior, Jesus Christ, so that He can lead us, and provide the way for us, so that we may share eternity.
I Will Be Your Light
I Will Be Your Light
The night is dark, I am far from home.
Frightened and uncertain, weary and alone.
Am I lost? Do I know the way?
My soul cries to my God?
Then my soul is calmed as I hear these words of love.
Chorus:
I will be your light in the darkness,
I will keep you safe through the storm,
I will give you hope as I prepare the way,
Strength to battle day by day,
And if you have faith and obey,
I will lead you home.
I lift my head; the answer brings me peace.
With my hand in His, my trust in Him I place.
So I take a step once more on a path I cannot see.
The Spirit's light will guide, the light that's within me.
Chorus
So when the storm comes, I will not fear.
For in the darkness, He always is near.
So I will turn to Him, no matter what,
And follow Him, and willingly I'll serve Him,
Because He knows the way.
Chorus
Chorus repeat
I will lead you home.
I will lead you home.
Nephi's is a story that has spoken straight to my heart for a long time. There must be a good reason that it's the first part of the Book of Mormon, so we get to read it so much when we start the book over after hitting a wall when Isaiah comes up in 2 Nephi. We get vivid, small bits of day-to-day life within families over a period of many years in various trying circumstances, a slice of daily life we don't get too often. That's why I love the story of Nephi--it's so real--it could have been us. At no time did it affect me more than spring of 1999 when I began reading the Book of Mormon again. At this time, I was wondering what turn my life was going to take--I wasn't married--absolutely no prospects--was thinking very seriously about graduate study, and was living alone. As I read the story of Nephi again, I was struck by how Nephi, with his family, left Jerusalem, on Lehi's word only, then traveled in the wilderness for 8 long years. They didn't know how long they would need to continue, or exactly where they were going. But they did know it was the promised land. For them, life was getting up day after day, with little to no change from the day before, not knowing if they would have to have hundreds more days just like that. But they kept on getting up and enduring, knowing there indeed was a goal. And who would lead them? The Lord and his Light. In the first half of 1 Nephi 17, we read of how they learned to endure and the way the Lord provided for them--in verse it tells us how He literally provided the light for them to use--miraculously making their meat sweet so that they didn't need fire, to being the light that showed them the way in the wilderness, in the darkness, a darkness that they were not sure would turn to light. They just kept following, keeping hope in the promise that as long as they kept the commandments and had faith, he would continue to lead them, day after day, night after night, preparing the way head one day, even one step at a time until they reached the Promised Land. This scripture is sort of a theme for my life--sometimes I don't know where I'm going, other than I know my ultimate goal is eternal life and I know that I need to obey Him and follow Him as best as I can so I can get there. He will help me each step of the way, preparing the way so that I can take each of those steps, whether on a path that is seen with eyes or only with the eye of faith. Those steps multiplied over many days of just following constitute a journey that we can look back on and be grateful for, as we realize that He truly led us, prepared the way for us, provided for us, protected us, and ultimately delivered us. He has led and guided me. And as hard as it can be to continue getting up day after day, not knowing where the end of the "wilderness" may be, I know that if I continue to obey, He is preparing the way even now so that I will someday come into the Promised Land and praise him as I look back, survey the journey, and realize my deliverance. He really is there--go to Him, obey Him, follow Him, and trust Him--He knows the way!!!
Because this scripture means so much to me and is quite poetic, I have always wanted to set a song to it. I've had the basic idea for the chorus for quite some time, with minor modifications, and have added the verses as time has progressed. It probably came to its final form (although recently I decided to change the chorus from "He will give me hope through trials on my way" to "...hope as I prepare the way," since that is one of the most important concepts here) about 2006. I enjoy singing the words to it--unfortunately as I have not recorded the vocals yet and the piano was only recorded as a vocal accompaniment track, the melody isn't clear yet. But it will be! I know it--because He'll prepare the way!
The night is dark, I am far from home.
Frightened and uncertain, weary and alone.
Am I lost? Do I know the way?
My soul cries to my God?
Then my soul is calmed as I hear these words of love.
Chorus:
I will be your light in the darkness,
I will keep you safe through the storm,
I will give you hope as I prepare the way,
Strength to battle day by day,
And if you have faith and obey,
I will lead you home.
I lift my head; the answer brings me peace.
With my hand in His, my trust in Him I place.
So I take a step once more on a path I cannot see.
The Spirit's light will guide, the light that's within me.
Chorus
So when the storm comes, I will not fear.
For in the darkness, He always is near.
So I will turn to Him, no matter what,
And follow Him, and willingly I'll serve Him,
Because He knows the way.
Chorus
Chorus repeat
I will lead you home.
I will lead you home.
Nephi's is a story that has spoken straight to my heart for a long time. There must be a good reason that it's the first part of the Book of Mormon, so we get to read it so much when we start the book over after hitting a wall when Isaiah comes up in 2 Nephi. We get vivid, small bits of day-to-day life within families over a period of many years in various trying circumstances, a slice of daily life we don't get too often. That's why I love the story of Nephi--it's so real--it could have been us. At no time did it affect me more than spring of 1999 when I began reading the Book of Mormon again. At this time, I was wondering what turn my life was going to take--I wasn't married--absolutely no prospects--was thinking very seriously about graduate study, and was living alone. As I read the story of Nephi again, I was struck by how Nephi, with his family, left Jerusalem, on Lehi's word only, then traveled in the wilderness for 8 long years. They didn't know how long they would need to continue, or exactly where they were going. But they did know it was the promised land. For them, life was getting up day after day, with little to no change from the day before, not knowing if they would have to have hundreds more days just like that. But they kept on getting up and enduring, knowing there indeed was a goal. And who would lead them? The Lord and his Light. In the first half of 1 Nephi 17, we read of how they learned to endure and the way the Lord provided for them--in verse it tells us how He literally provided the light for them to use--miraculously making their meat sweet so that they didn't need fire, to being the light that showed them the way in the wilderness, in the darkness, a darkness that they were not sure would turn to light. They just kept following, keeping hope in the promise that as long as they kept the commandments and had faith, he would continue to lead them, day after day, night after night, preparing the way head one day, even one step at a time until they reached the Promised Land. This scripture is sort of a theme for my life--sometimes I don't know where I'm going, other than I know my ultimate goal is eternal life and I know that I need to obey Him and follow Him as best as I can so I can get there. He will help me each step of the way, preparing the way so that I can take each of those steps, whether on a path that is seen with eyes or only with the eye of faith. Those steps multiplied over many days of just following constitute a journey that we can look back on and be grateful for, as we realize that He truly led us, prepared the way for us, provided for us, protected us, and ultimately delivered us. He has led and guided me. And as hard as it can be to continue getting up day after day, not knowing where the end of the "wilderness" may be, I know that if I continue to obey, He is preparing the way even now so that I will someday come into the Promised Land and praise him as I look back, survey the journey, and realize my deliverance. He really is there--go to Him, obey Him, follow Him, and trust Him--He knows the way!!!
Because this scripture means so much to me and is quite poetic, I have always wanted to set a song to it. I've had the basic idea for the chorus for quite some time, with minor modifications, and have added the verses as time has progressed. It probably came to its final form (although recently I decided to change the chorus from "He will give me hope through trials on my way" to "...hope as I prepare the way," since that is one of the most important concepts here) about 2006. I enjoy singing the words to it--unfortunately as I have not recorded the vocals yet and the piano was only recorded as a vocal accompaniment track, the melody isn't clear yet. But it will be! I know it--because He'll prepare the way!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
Hymn #112 LDS Hymns
Words by Orson F. Whitney (couple of minor adaptations)
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul,
Whose Mighty Pow'r Hath Made Me Whole,
Whose wond'rous hand hath raised me--hath raised me up,
And filled with sweet my bitter cup.
What tongue of gratitude can tell,
O gracious God of Israel.
Never can I repay Thee, Lord,
But I can love Thee, Thy pure word.
Hast Thou not been my one true delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim-proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect Thy will.
O'errule my acts to serve Thy ends,
Change frowning friends to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul to I shall be,
In perfect harmony with Thee.
Make me more worthy of Thy love
And fit me for the life above. The life above.
President Packer once said in his very famous talk on the arts (I'm thinking about late 70s) that Elder Orson F. Whitney was one of the greatest poets in our culture, but someone very underappreciated (sorry--I'll find the actual quote to do it justice). About nine years ago, I was looking through the LDS Hymnbook to find some hymns to arrange. I happened upon this hymn, #112. With all regards to Harry Dean (who happened to have led Manti Messiah events that my husband participated in when he was young), I didn't really feel like his setting was what I wanted to arrange. I was taken very much with the text--it's beautiful, it expresses the very thoughts I have when I think of the majesty of our Father's plan, then reflect on my own weaknesses, and then convey my desires for our Father and His Son to allow that plan take effect in my life as I try to do my part. When I first worked with this, there was a melodic idea that I had floating around in my head. I tried for years to get the first verse to take a form I liked, but it just never happened. I went through my graduate study, through pre-courtship, then through courtship, marriage, stepparenthood, and eventually through expecting my first baby. It was at this time, about 3-4 months along in my pregnancy, that the whole entire concept of this hymn text came together with the music so beautifully and perfectly that I felt such gratitude to have been able to be the instrument to set this wonderful text (I've also heard Rob Gardner's setting, which is hauntingly beautiful). This joy helped me through finding out my first baby had died in the womb halfway through the pregnancy and I went through delivering a half-pound baby girl. I have created an SSA version and a SATB version of this. I enjoy the piano accompaniment, but I think it could be made a little different and be possibly a more effective accompaniment. But I am grateful for this hymn. I am grateful for Elder Whitney's inspiration in writing this and so much else--he's someone I've studied quite a bit and he has a very interesting story, being Heber C. Kimball's grandson, being called as an Apostle during the early 1900s--he's quoted quite a bit by General Authorities even today. It's wonderful to have poetry that we can create beautiful music for that enhances the text. Thank you, Elder Whitney!
Hymn #112 LDS Hymns
Words by Orson F. Whitney (couple of minor adaptations)
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul,
Whose Mighty Pow'r Hath Made Me Whole,
Whose wond'rous hand hath raised me--hath raised me up,
And filled with sweet my bitter cup.
What tongue of gratitude can tell,
O gracious God of Israel.
Never can I repay Thee, Lord,
But I can love Thee, Thy pure word.
Hast Thou not been my one true delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim-proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect Thy will.
O'errule my acts to serve Thy ends,
Change frowning friends to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul to I shall be,
In perfect harmony with Thee.
Make me more worthy of Thy love
And fit me for the life above. The life above.
President Packer once said in his very famous talk on the arts (I'm thinking about late 70s) that Elder Orson F. Whitney was one of the greatest poets in our culture, but someone very underappreciated (sorry--I'll find the actual quote to do it justice). About nine years ago, I was looking through the LDS Hymnbook to find some hymns to arrange. I happened upon this hymn, #112. With all regards to Harry Dean (who happened to have led Manti Messiah events that my husband participated in when he was young), I didn't really feel like his setting was what I wanted to arrange. I was taken very much with the text--it's beautiful, it expresses the very thoughts I have when I think of the majesty of our Father's plan, then reflect on my own weaknesses, and then convey my desires for our Father and His Son to allow that plan take effect in my life as I try to do my part. When I first worked with this, there was a melodic idea that I had floating around in my head. I tried for years to get the first verse to take a form I liked, but it just never happened. I went through my graduate study, through pre-courtship, then through courtship, marriage, stepparenthood, and eventually through expecting my first baby. It was at this time, about 3-4 months along in my pregnancy, that the whole entire concept of this hymn text came together with the music so beautifully and perfectly that I felt such gratitude to have been able to be the instrument to set this wonderful text (I've also heard Rob Gardner's setting, which is hauntingly beautiful). This joy helped me through finding out my first baby had died in the womb halfway through the pregnancy and I went through delivering a half-pound baby girl. I have created an SSA version and a SATB version of this. I enjoy the piano accompaniment, but I think it could be made a little different and be possibly a more effective accompaniment. But I am grateful for this hymn. I am grateful for Elder Whitney's inspiration in writing this and so much else--he's someone I've studied quite a bit and he has a very interesting story, being Heber C. Kimball's grandson, being called as an Apostle during the early 1900s--he's quoted quite a bit by General Authorities even today. It's wonderful to have poetry that we can create beautiful music for that enhances the text. Thank you, Elder Whitney!
****Welcome! For an introduction!****
Welcome! I've created this blog to share my music and the thoughts, feelings, and intentions behind the music. It's my first attempt at a music website, but if you can direct me technically in setting up an actual website or giving some technical expertise (I'm not the most knowledgeable in the world in that area), I would sure appreciate it. And if you know of anyone willing to record in the South Davis/Salt Lake/Ogden areas for cheap, let me know (or someone willing to teach me hands-on how to edit MIDI files and add sound enhancements). And if you or someone you know likes to put together videoes/slide presentations as a labor of love, let me know also. I explain all of these later on here, and ask again, so if I seem to be repeating, I am. And if there are resources you know of to help me achieve the goals I've talked about before, please feel free to share. You can send me an email message at davchrismonson@msn.com).
First of all, to explain what's here--I've got an intro on 7/2/09, words and commentaries for new compositions on 7/2/09 & 7/3/09, a thumbnail sketch of the hymn arrangements beginning on 7/3/09; each piece is listed under the title of the audio link. I will add commentaries on hymn arrangements and other things as time permits, as well as musings, sheet music that I feel is in OK-enough form to share, and the like. And of course there's links to vocal accomp. versions of each of these. If there's anything you'd like to share here, let me know and we'll see what we can do.
I know I've been given talents to create and communicate through music and love to do so, especially when the Spirit is strong, as music is definitely a spiritual medium. Many of these pieces are hymn arrangements, and I have worked to tell the story as exactly as I can through music and depict the emotions as fully as possible. I really try to get to the heart--to the spirit--of what the words convey, in musical form. Piano is my first love, of course--I could play (and do) in my sleep, and I always have music going through my head. More than anything, I love to improvise, especially with something which already has a framework that I can work with, build on, and take to a different level, exploring different aspects through sound and expression (that's why I enjoy arranging so much--I enjoy composing, and could improvise-compose all day, but actually having it go somewhere musically satisfying is totally different--that's why I don't have a lot of compositions--and why 2 of the 3 I have finalized take somewhat of a pop bent). I also enjoy accompanying a good, highly expressive, communicative singer, spiritually and musically (if you would like to sing any of these with me and consider yourself in that category, I'd love to talk--maybe we could collaborate and come up with a new hymn arrangement--I have ideas for a lot of them). I have somewhat of a decent voice, but not necessarily a recordable solo one, although I do hope to include some of my singing here, as sometimes having the immediate association of the words increases the impact greatly, and maybe I'll get some of my favorite singers to record them (heck, if you know anyone that might be interested in recording them, I'm all for it). I will post links here (and maybe some sheet music as well) to either clips or entire arrangements--if posting an entire arrangement hurts my chances of doing something more commercially later, oh well--I'm just grateful to have been able to share it now. With the world of iPods and the like, the music industry is going to continue to change anyway, so who knows what the music business will look like in the future. Maybe I'll just be a Sally Deford or something, not caring if someone pays me (I really DON'T want to get paid) for what I do--at least I don't have to market myself and I have ultimate control over what I do. You may notice that some (actually most of what I've got here now) of the clips may still have mistakes or not be in their final form, such as those which are missing the melody because I have recorded them as vocal accompaniment tracks--hopefully soon I can go back and fix the boo-boos and record the piano solo version, as well as add some voice to them (if I'm that brave).
My ultimate goal for my music is to 1) be able to perform with a spoken presentation and/or slides/videoes accompanying it for either distribution over the Internet or fireside-type meetings (****if anyone is or knows someone who likes to put together videoes/slide presentations and would do it as a labor of love and for the spiritual/missionary opportunity, let me know****; 2) let others use it to do the same and possibly orchestrate them--there's something more powerful about an orchestral sound as opposed to a piano sound, even though I improvise pretty orchestrally on the piano; I'm just not into the tedium or orchestrating now, so if anyone feels so inclined...); 3) possibly publish (probably self-publish) some of it--more of an on-demand publishing (to make it customized and playable by interested people or by creating a specific choral format or by composing something someone wants for a specific purpose--we'll see if I have to charge for some of that stuff--writing it down can be tedious for me!); 4) downloading is great, but it's nice to sometimes have something tangible and all in one place, and there really are still many who don't do the downloading thing, so I definitely want to finish a "rudimentary" CD that I can share with interested parties, including friends and family (possibly free--possibly at cost--we'll see-I don't know as much as I want about the process of making a CD en masse, so I couldn't tell you what it will involve); and lastly 5) make a more professional-quality CD/recording that I can possibly market and profit from commercially. And of course, I can't forget--just keep on playing, arranging, singing, and sharing. I would really appreciate it if, after listening, downloading, reading (especially downloading) you would LEAVE A COMMENT or two so that I can track things somewhat--call that your payment for listening! And again, if anyone knows of resources or can offer me technical advice and practical application, I would wholeheartedly welcome whatever you can direct me toward!
As you listen, I hope that you don't just enjoy, nor be just uplifted--I hope you can be inspired, feel closer to and strengthen your relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and increase your testimony of the restored Gospel.
First of all, to explain what's here--I've got an intro on 7/2/09, words and commentaries for new compositions on 7/2/09 & 7/3/09, a thumbnail sketch of the hymn arrangements beginning on 7/3/09; each piece is listed under the title of the audio link. I will add commentaries on hymn arrangements and other things as time permits, as well as musings, sheet music that I feel is in OK-enough form to share, and the like. And of course there's links to vocal accomp. versions of each of these. If there's anything you'd like to share here, let me know and we'll see what we can do.
I know I've been given talents to create and communicate through music and love to do so, especially when the Spirit is strong, as music is definitely a spiritual medium. Many of these pieces are hymn arrangements, and I have worked to tell the story as exactly as I can through music and depict the emotions as fully as possible. I really try to get to the heart--to the spirit--of what the words convey, in musical form. Piano is my first love, of course--I could play (and do) in my sleep, and I always have music going through my head. More than anything, I love to improvise, especially with something which already has a framework that I can work with, build on, and take to a different level, exploring different aspects through sound and expression (that's why I enjoy arranging so much--I enjoy composing, and could improvise-compose all day, but actually having it go somewhere musically satisfying is totally different--that's why I don't have a lot of compositions--and why 2 of the 3 I have finalized take somewhat of a pop bent). I also enjoy accompanying a good, highly expressive, communicative singer, spiritually and musically (if you would like to sing any of these with me and consider yourself in that category, I'd love to talk--maybe we could collaborate and come up with a new hymn arrangement--I have ideas for a lot of them). I have somewhat of a decent voice, but not necessarily a recordable solo one, although I do hope to include some of my singing here, as sometimes having the immediate association of the words increases the impact greatly, and maybe I'll get some of my favorite singers to record them (heck, if you know anyone that might be interested in recording them, I'm all for it). I will post links here (and maybe some sheet music as well) to either clips or entire arrangements--if posting an entire arrangement hurts my chances of doing something more commercially later, oh well--I'm just grateful to have been able to share it now. With the world of iPods and the like, the music industry is going to continue to change anyway, so who knows what the music business will look like in the future. Maybe I'll just be a Sally Deford or something, not caring if someone pays me (I really DON'T want to get paid) for what I do--at least I don't have to market myself and I have ultimate control over what I do. You may notice that some (actually most of what I've got here now) of the clips may still have mistakes or not be in their final form, such as those which are missing the melody because I have recorded them as vocal accompaniment tracks--hopefully soon I can go back and fix the boo-boos and record the piano solo version, as well as add some voice to them (if I'm that brave).
My ultimate goal for my music is to 1) be able to perform with a spoken presentation and/or slides/videoes accompanying it for either distribution over the Internet or fireside-type meetings (****if anyone is or knows someone who likes to put together videoes/slide presentations and would do it as a labor of love and for the spiritual/missionary opportunity, let me know****; 2) let others use it to do the same and possibly orchestrate them--there's something more powerful about an orchestral sound as opposed to a piano sound, even though I improvise pretty orchestrally on the piano; I'm just not into the tedium or orchestrating now, so if anyone feels so inclined...); 3) possibly publish (probably self-publish) some of it--more of an on-demand publishing (to make it customized and playable by interested people or by creating a specific choral format or by composing something someone wants for a specific purpose--we'll see if I have to charge for some of that stuff--writing it down can be tedious for me!); 4) downloading is great, but it's nice to sometimes have something tangible and all in one place, and there really are still many who don't do the downloading thing, so I definitely want to finish a "rudimentary" CD that I can share with interested parties, including friends and family (possibly free--possibly at cost--we'll see-I don't know as much as I want about the process of making a CD en masse, so I couldn't tell you what it will involve); and lastly 5) make a more professional-quality CD/recording that I can possibly market and profit from commercially. And of course, I can't forget--just keep on playing, arranging, singing, and sharing. I would really appreciate it if, after listening, downloading, reading (especially downloading) you would LEAVE A COMMENT or two so that I can track things somewhat--call that your payment for listening! And again, if anyone knows of resources or can offer me technical advice and practical application, I would wholeheartedly welcome whatever you can direct me toward!
As you listen, I hope that you don't just enjoy, nor be just uplifted--I hope you can be inspired, feel closer to and strengthen your relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and increase your testimony of the restored Gospel.
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