Going to Poland to sing

[hollister]

www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070807/FON0101/70806132

A very heartfelt story about a trip to Poland and the discovery of classical music and choirs in Poland....

"When I told people where I was going for my summer vacation, what generally followed was an anticipatory pregnant pause of hope for a great punch line. You know, like – "Did you hear about the German guy who went to Europe to sing in a Polish choir?"

One friend said, "I think so – is that the one where the farmer’s daughter, who was a soprano, taught the pig to oink to the tune of Ol’ Man River?"
I said, ‘no.’

Since the eighth grade, Richard Zielinski, who after several master’s and doctoral degrees to his credit, and is now known as Dr. Richard Zielinski, has been my best friend. And it’s through him that I’ve had the unique opportunity to sing with his choirs, and travel to, and experience the wonderful part of the world that straddles Russia and Germany known as Poland."

[kaima]

Ah, You remind me of my time in Riga, Latvia. In the summer they had (seemingly a regular occurrence, though that seems extraordinary) an international choir festival. It seemed quite appropriate, as I have to label Latvia as "the singingest country I know". Over the year I was there and in Lithuania, I have never encountered so many people and groups singing under any and all circumstances!

One of the greatest surprises and finest concert came about as I was walking down a narrow medieval street and heard some heavenly singing from one side. A short way down the alley and around a corner was a choir practicing in the broadened alleyway, enjoying some of the best acoustics I have ever experienced.

Now the Germans live up to their reputation for being good and well practiced, and in our small village (4000? In Alaska that makes it a major regional hub!) there were two organized choirs - one politically conservative, one politically liberal. Where else but in Germany...

Kai
PS. I like to listen to music but don't dare to sing. That became an iron-clad rule the day my dog ran away when I started to sing one time. Other than that display of good taste and sensitive ears, he was quite a loyal dog.

[kaima]

I would say the reaction they describe in the article, people anticipating a joke when someone mentions traveling to Poland for a musical experience, reflects the narrowness of our standard knowledge. It is a shame, but in America European history consists of the British Isles with France & Scandinavia on the periphery, and Germany marking the land of the Huns. Beyond that is terra and culture incognita.

... and that reflects our "Euro-centric" view of the world. How little we must know of the rest of the world!
Kai

[bescheid]

Holly

Pay not attention to those cretans, please.... For they know not of music. For music is our soul and our senses. For it is a healer of our minds and bodies and presents to us our inner feelings and appreciation of life.

Please go in the direction of your heart and ignore these silly nay sayers, for they know not...

Charles

[bescheid]

Kai

I am laughing with you on your story of your faithfull dog!!! Some times it is demonstrated to our selves, it is much better to listion, then contribute.....

Actually, you have touched upon an important aspect of Germany and music. For music a very important and indispensable ingredient of life.

I was up set some what to missing the yearly Richard Wagner fest in Bayreuth this year {17 July} for I am a great fan of Wagner and possess two disk recordings of his music. {Only able to play them whilst Anna is out}. But, for every event, we have the music for it such as {beer, wine, of the many old masters} and the many events such as the{Mid month Beethoven's, Mittelrhein and such}.

A most prominent statue was placed in Bremen depicting the {Town Musicians} as a memory to a story.

Charles