Considering the general state of things, this seems like a good morning for a rousing performance of "Unclouded Day," an 1879 gospel song by Josiah Kelley Alwood that in the years since has taken on a life of its own.
The performing group is Conspirare, directed by Craig Hella Johnson, and proof that some good things do come from Texas (Conspirare is based in Austin where its founder and director spent several years as director of choral activities at Texas State University; he's now resident artist in choral music at Texas State University).
Craig Hella Johnson also is the composer of the oratorio entitled "Considering Matthew Shepard," which Conspirare premiered during 2016 and which is featured currently during the ensemble's 2018-19 national tour.
Conspirare was on hand at the Washington National Cathedral on Friday for Matthew Shepard's memorial service to perform excerpts from the oratorio that along with other exceptional musical performances helped to weave that remarkable and moving service together.
Here's the trailer for a PBS broadcast of the oratorio, broadcast in Iowa last evening I think (I don't have a television) with a couple of repeat performances scheduled (check your listings).
"Unclouded Day" serves as a reminder of the need not just to dream of such a time, but to put that dream into action and work toward it. Be it the anti-Semitism demonstrated tragically in Pittsburgh yesterday, persistent racism, homophobia or any of the other ills that beset us as a society, it's long past time to end this bullshit and to call out those who practice and countenance it. Speak out, act up (peaceably) --- and vote.
No comments:
Post a Comment