Speaking of Rufus

[vaneramos]

Last night was the Rainbow Chorus's tech rehearsal for the concert on Saturday. I get to give a little blurb about why I chose to arrange "Pretty Things". So I will say something like this:

In spring 2008, the Rainbow Chorus was planning a concert about gay composers. Rufus Wainwright is a fabulous Canadian and I thought we should include something from him, but was unaware of any choral arrangements of his songs, so I decided to provide one. That's how "Pretty Things" came to be.

Another interesting thing: if you listen to some of Franz Schubert's songs, it's evident they were an inspiration for "Pretty Things". Schubert was an early 19th Century master of the modern song form, and there is a lot of evidence that he preferred men, too. Wainwright is a big fan of Schubert, and so am I.

This song also gives us an opportunity to commemorate the life of Wainwright's mother, Kate McGarrigle. She was an influential Canadian folk singer. Kate died of cancer on Monday at the age of 63.

I am painfully nervous when I speak in front of a crowd. Fortunately I can give my spiel without notes, because my hands shake visibly. I can hear it in my voice, too, but others don't seem to notice. I spoke about this to Christine, the narrator, who will be interviewing and holding the mic for me. We agreed that I should just focus on her.

"I'll exude warmth," she said.

I didn't have to do this, but was given the opportunity. It's good practice for me, and it adds insight to the music.

It sounds like tickets to the concert are selling out.

Comments

[bellakara.livejournal.com]

Re: speaking in public, I'm sure you'll be fine.

I haven't heard Wainwright's music. For years I tended to listen to Brazilian and other World Music so I'm rather out of touch with things. I'm sure I missed the last couple of Loreena McKennitt albums. I'll have to see what's come out.

[bellakara.livejournal.com]

Forgot to say, I think the speech works well, particularly the bit about Schubert, and the dedication to Wainwright's mother. I'm intrigued though to know what your choir sounds like - especially the song you're referring to, and how it would compare to the original. Good luck on the night, but I'm sure you won't need it.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

We're supposed to have an audio file on the website soon, but it won't be one of my songs. We're just a non-auditioned GLBT chorus who perform a lot of secular music.

My arrangement of "Pretty Things" keeps the same simple piano accompaniment as Wainwright plays it but adds choral harmonies, which are (I think) dreamy and mysterious.

I obtained rights to arrange the piece for performance, but not publish or record it.

[bellakara.livejournal.com]

I can definitely see the choral potential in that Rufus Wainwright song you linked me to. That was the first time I've ever heard one of his songs. I'd heard of him though. I'll try more of his stuff, see if it's my kind of thing since I'm always on the lookout for new artists. I get a bit fed up with the same old ones. Also, hope the concert went well.

McKennitt - I didn't realise she'd brought out so little since her partner's death. I loved those two albums The Book of Secrets and The Mask and the Mirror.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

She really did not release much new material for years after the death of her fiance, 1997 to 2008. Her first new album, An Ancient Muse, is excellent, though admittedly her style hasn't evolved since The Mask and Mirror and The Book of Secrets, which are my favourites. She has also done a new Christmas album, but that doesn't especially appeal to me and I haven't heard it.

I recommend Rufus Wainwright. It is heavily instrumental folk pop with a lot of influence from Classical and opera. My favourite album is Want One.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

Great info and a great back story.

You've a lovely strong voice and I'm glad that even tho it isn't comfortable for you, you'll be using it!

Cheers and a hug.

I too hate to speak in front of folks. One on One I could talk to the President but put me in front of

one on one

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Exactly. I am at ease talking to an individual, but even put my in a social setting with a group of people and I tend to keep my thoughts to myself. Anyway, tonight will be good practice for me.

Hugs and cheers.

[justapostcard.livejournal.com]

oh, van, i just read your post about Kate dying. i had heard he cancelled his australian tour because of family illness and i thought it could be her because i knew she had been so ill with cancer. she's exactly my age. i believe he was really close to her.

i like what you wrote about "pretty things" very much.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Sorry to be the bearer of sad news. His sister Martha had a baby last month, so at least the McGarrigle-Wainwright clan will carry on.

Thanks for your comment. "Pretty Things" is such a lovely song, but not an easy one to explain or talk about.

[devin101.livejournal.com]

Wow! That sounds like a really neat project. I hate speaking in public as well, and that idea of focusing on one person like that, that sounds like it would be really helpful.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

When I've done poetry readings, it's obvious I'm nervous because my hands shake like crazy. I need to memorize stuff so I don't need notes!

public speaking

[(Anonymous)]

To write well and speak well do go hand in hand Van... just keep your confidence knowing we are all so very proud of you.

Re: public speaking

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your encouragement. Writing and speaking don't feel closely connected for me. I find it hard to "think on my feet" or remember what points I want to get across. Even when I'm writing, it takes time to string ideas together coherently, but when I'm writing, time is on my side. I prefer writing.

[ink-ling.livejournal.com]

Wow: This sounds nice all round. Congrats!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Turned out to be a great evening!