Sitting in my office at Waubonsie Valley High School (Aurora, Illinois), I would often go down listening rabbit holes after school. Sometimes it was purposeful - searching for orchestra music I might do with my students. Sometimes it was purely selfish - listening for me, for music that brought me out of my busy, sometimes overly complicated mind.
…….I probably don’t listen to music as much as people might think I do. I don’t need music filling every empty moment in my life. (That’s what podcasts are for!) But…. But music can bring me an indescribable joy, can surprise me, can pull tears out of me with one chord…….
That afternoon’s listening was purely for me. I can’t remember what else I was listening to, what brought me to this music. But I do remember seeing the album cover.
Norwegian folk music? Sold.
It was the very first track that pulled me in. “Polonese” was unique. I’m always jazzed when I hear music that doesn’t remind me of anything else. “Polonese” - Solo violin to start. Fiddle-like, simple ornaments, with all the right colors. Vocals sneak in and blend with the violin perfectly. Harmonies develop, a soprano voice emerges and duets with the violin. Strings and choral music - oh my happy, happy heart. I turned up the volume so that the music filled my office, closed my eyes, and smiled. The solo violin remained, but more voices joined, the music became more complex, and I was in Scandinavian heaven. I felt like I understood where the music was going and I was 100% in for the ride. A certain sense of predictability can be very appealing when listening to music. Then 3:21 happened and I gasped.
Yep, I audibly gasped. I did not see… ok, hear… that coming. I’m always impressed and tickled when I’m surprised - plots in movies or mystery/thriller books, finding an unexpected spot on a new highway with my camera, but especially music. I finished listening to the piece and immediately proceeded to listen to it at least another 5 times. Sometimes stopping and rewinding just to hear the beautiful colors and that amazing moment again and again. I don’t want to say much more. No more spoilers! I hope you’ll take a listen. And maybe’ll find your own beauty within the music.
I can’t specifically remember other times music has made me gasp out loud. I’m sure it’s happened. I know I’ve listened to music with my mouth agape. But I celebrate this memory. This music. This moment of awe.
…KMH