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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

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marcoujor: Classical Memories

12/12/2016

18 Comments

 
Picture

​Recently a friend asked me if I enjoyed classical music. I answered her simply with a 'yes', as I honestly enjoy 95% of the music I'm exposed to.


Her question got me thinking about all kinds of things, from my childhood to this Christmas season that I acknowledge is upon us.


My childhood

PictureDad and I
I took piano lessons for about four years in grade school. I was drawn to this instrument as my sister, ten years my senior, was/is an accomplished musician. It was her piano that I practiced and played on.

Dad was proud of all his children for different reasons. He loved my sister's gift with the piano, especially classical music. Looking back, I'm sure he convinced himself I would be as accomplished. Alas, this was not to be the case.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the piano. I loved and still love music. Even at the age of eight, I enjoyed all musical genres and could never imagine limiting myself to one style. I loved playing (and singing) show tunes (from My Fair Lady) and popular songs (by The Monkees and The Partridge Family). Mixed in was a bit of classical music, however, it was not a passion of mine at the time.

​My music teacher, Sister Fastidious, and my Dad were equally dismayed when I selected the theme song from Born Free as my contest entry for the music show. This rendition is not yours truly, but may give you an idea why this was a winner to me, although not even a runner up in my music contest.

​About twenty years later, my (now) husband and I were planning the music for our wedding ceremony. Geoff asked me to consider The Prince of Denmark's March. I readily agreed, falling back in love with classical music after my childhood musical detour.
My music library is now filled with a wide variety of classical music, a natural accompaniment to dinners, visits and relaxing in general.
​

​Christmas is here!

Through this Fall 2016 semester, I worked with 59 young men and women in their behavioral health clinical rotation, the future of the Nursing profession.  I encourage my students to take time for themselves each day and to develop hobbies and self-care practices that are suited and interesting to them, especially as they finish up papers and finals for the semester.

Hoping this beautiful collection of music will promote perspective, reflection and mindfulness of this holy day, now less than two weeks away. May my students have magical moments with loved ones and time to rejuvenate over Christmas break. ​

ShoutOuts

☙ Vinegar & Brown Paper? Via WarnerWords
☙ Jest call me melancholy via Horse Biscuits
​☙ Angels & Soldiers via flashPress

Until next week, wishing you all peace and joy,

mar
18 Comments
Vicki link
12/14/2016 09:54:10 am

Dear Mareer,
What a lovely reply to the question! As usual you thought deeply about it and came up with an in-depth beautiful answer. I love being able to have the classical renditions play along with reading. The last one however may have to be changed, as it only plays on you tube.
I enjoy the picture if you as a little girl with your Dad. So sweet.
Thank you for this lovely reveal of your memories and thoughts.
Big hugs and love,
Vickster

Reply
Maria link
12/15/2016 08:49:23 am

Dear Vickster,
Thanks for being the first to comment. Thanks even more for helping me with that last stubbornly beautiful video.
Wishing you a peaceful and cozy day. Love, mareer

Reply
MartieCoetser link
12/14/2016 11:05:28 am

Dear Mar, I am 100% in agreement with you. I believe music is like food - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. I compare classical music with a formal dinner.

I wish you and yours a peaceful and joyful Christmas :)

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
12/15/2016 08:51:47 am

What a perfect analogy, dear Martie. I totally agree with you on classical music being like a formal dinner.

Thanks for your visit and hugs. Love you, mar

Reply
Mike
12/14/2016 11:19:18 am

Hello mar - Merry Christmas. I think all that know you, know you are 'into' music. I remember your 30 Hubs in 30 days marathon.

Reply
Maria link
12/15/2016 08:53:42 am

Oh thank you, dear Mike...I had a blast (along with a few panic attacks) at my self-imposed 30-day musical marathon.

Reply
paula link
12/14/2016 01:19:34 pm

Maria....I do share your fondness for most all music. I have a special affinity for the Big Band Era music and musicians due to my Dad having been a professional musician~~alto & tenor sax, song writer & member of an acapella group (with his 3 brothers). My sister and I had an entire childhood of live music being played and sung in our home. It entered our bloodstream forever. Acapella Harmony for me, is like heaven.
My sister (also) played the piano. My Dad called me his daughter who played the radio. I took lessons for a while, but that and my swimming lessons were of no interest to me. So technically, I can play chopsticks & Old Man River and doggy-paddle almost as well as my cocker spaniel.....but I can't do them simultaneously. Our Dad had aspirations of his own "Lennon Sisters" so Pat and I indulged him and attempted to sing harmony~~until he asked us to stop, with tears in his eyes,,,,,LOL I was still allowed to sing along with the radio. Oh...LOL...but what a wonderful HAPPY, Music-filled home we had!.........Classical makes me cry. Christmas music makes me cry~~but then so do TV commercials.
Wishing you the very Best Holiday season ever my dear Paisana!..............Hugs, Effer

Reply
Maria link
12/15/2016 08:58:26 am

Oh yes, 'Sista Paisana' Paula effer woman...you and I are two peas in a very scary pod... ;)

I love when you share your beginnings...they pull at my giggles and tears - not sure who cries more? It's 'tissue and tissue' from day to day!

Merry, peaceful Christmas to you and your family. Love ya, mar

Reply
Ruby link
12/14/2016 06:04:03 pm

I think you know me well enough to know that I love music with a deep passion. My mother instilled the love of music early in my life. Her great love was country, so I grew up loving Dolly and Loretta as well as George Jones and Conway Twitty, but of course I fell head over heel for Elvis. I must say that I have added many types of music over the years. I love all classical and Marvin Gaye makes me cry. The picture of you and your dad is adorable. I learned to settle when it was more than evident that I was no painter, although I wanted it badly. Have a wonderful Christmas season. I love you my friend. God bless...

Reply
Maria link
12/15/2016 09:05:21 am

Yes, I know you well enough to recognize a sweet friend who shares all of my musical influences and loves, dear Ruby.

Well we may not be painters or pianists but when it comes to writing and nursing... I shake your hand and bestow mega bear hugs, Sista Ruby.

Merry Christmas and love you so much, mar

Reply
Genna East
12/15/2016 08:49:30 am

Oh, Maria..this is so beautiful. Music is our salvation...one of the true miracles of humanity. I can't imagine existing without it. Best wishes to you, your family and loved ones for a very Merry Christmas. Hugs.

Genna East

Reply
Maria link
12/15/2016 09:08:02 am

Beautifully expressed, dear Genna - I know music lives in your soul.

Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Christmas as well. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
12/17/2016 12:42:42 pm

Dear Maria,

What a beautiful post! From the photo of you and your father all the way down to the video of all the beautiful Christmas songs. Music is healing to our souls, Could not imagine life without it.
Have yourself a relaxing and restful Christmas break, dear friend!
Wishing you and yours a joyful and Merry Christmas!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
12/19/2016 09:55:13 am

This comment is as beautiful as you are, dear Sannel.

I love your visits, your support and your friendship.

Hugs to you and Freddie, Maria

Reply
Angelia S. Phillips link
12/17/2016 08:26:46 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

Very cool post.

Born Free surely brings back memories--mostly headbands, lions and black-lighted Snoopy posters, while he danced wearing a lei!

Fun read!

Reply
Maria link
12/19/2016 09:16:21 am

I love seeing the memories this post evoked in you, dear Ange - sounds like happy and carefree times for sure.

Love you and thanks for all you do, mar

Reply
Shauna
12/19/2016 03:52:32 pm

I learned classical music on the piano too, Mar. I didn't take lessons for very long because I rebelled against practicing. I didn't mind practicing, I just minded being told to do it! Anyway, I had just memorized Beethoven's Fur Elise by the time I quit taking lessons. I still love that son to this day.

And I love Born Free! I'd actually forgotten all about that song until you mentioned it. Another one I love to play was the theme from Love Story.

Your advice to your students is quite sage, my friend. Enjoy your break and Merry Christmas to you, Geoff, Andy and Zoey!

Reply
Maria link
12/20/2016 08:52:11 am

It's both spooky and delightful how similar we are, dear Sha.

Funny I loved playing (never able to memorize) Fur Elise as well...

I guess this is something else we can do when we hook up...fur real!

Love you and Merry Christmas to you and yours, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

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    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • mar's Desk
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    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
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