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April 07, 2007
Post Traumatic Chant Disorder
Happy Easter, everyone! That’s what’s most important.
Of less significance was my experience this evening singing the Exsultet for the Easter Vigil. It’s my favorite point of the church year, and Jeanette very kindly invited me to chant the Exsultet this Easter. I practiced and practiced it, which was fine with me because I love the setting — gave it three run-throughs just before the service. Then, in the dark of the service, with only the Paschal Candle and the hand candles of the congregation, my music went missing. The Master of Ceremonies leaned over and suggested that I go ahead and start it from memory.
It would be inexact to suggest that I panicked; “panic” would imply chaotic behavior, shrieking and so on. I sang the bits I remembered, and I interpolated notes for the bits I didn’t, and non-musicians who didn’t know what had happened didn’t notice. The musicians (who could tell a mile away, I’m sure) were very patient and generous with me, and in the end, all that really matters is that we proclaimed Christ is risen! with fervor and joy.
Alêthos anestê! Vere surrexit! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Nancy very kindly said:
Actually, this is a note of congratulation for your inspired riff on the Exsultet on Saturday evening. To alter the comment made about Ginger Rogers, "He did everything that Merlin Lehman did last year, only in the dark without a score." Thank you!
Regards,
Nancy
Posted by AKMA at April 7, 2007 11:10 PM | Threadorati
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