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Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

Adagio for Stings is one of my favorites. One of the most heartrending pieces of music I've ever heard.

"the body, cellularly

sings

when we listen"

Perfect!

I learned about Adagio for Strings on the "How Music Does That" podcast, which explains it beautifully. You might think learning about how it works might ruin the piece, but actually it's an excellent analysis that engages with the music in a rather poetic manner, talking about how it builds an emotional narrative, and increased my appreciation as well as my understanding.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1t5Z6puApleqWE0LRVaiX1

Also, Samuel Barber used the Adagio in his Agnus Dei, and it's equally stunning: https://www.wqxr.org/story/did-you-know-barber-arranged-his-adagio-chorus-give-it-listen/

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Kim Nelson's avatar

Love that you shared these links, Melanie! I am utterly and absurdly curious, so will definitely spend part of the day exploring them and where they lead.

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Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

Oh good! Enjoy your explorations!

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mc's avatar

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,

There is a field. I'll meet you there." I sometimes wonder about this field that Rumi refers to. Is it the negative space that cushions pain and thought patterns that cannot settle? Or perhaps it is among those places our senses guide us to - an unfinished painting or poem, a cathedral spire shrouded in fog, a blue heron's glide path. Thank you for your poetry and paintings and your clear eye of all that imbues hope and peace. take care, m

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Kim Nelson's avatar

You share one of my favorite Rumi poems. In fact, I've scripted that line in a couple of paintings over the years. I always see the space as wide open, natural space where everything is again, possible. I am glad you feel uplifted here. That is a goal.

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mc's avatar

every sorrow. every regret. every longing. cradled, soaring. here. thank you.

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Kim Nelson's avatar

Your comments are always uplifting, mc. I get the sense that you get where I'm coming from and where I'm going.

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LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

I love how the photo on the cover for the song mirrors your poem.

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Kim Nelson's avatar

I changed to this version because of that. Makes me happy you noticed!

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Paul De's avatar

Thanks Kim. I am among the hoi poloi not very well educated in classical music, but this piece is immense, and filling. Thanks! Paul

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Kim Nelson's avatar

You and I are in the same camp, Paul; but this piece swells my heart!

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