Your vivid descriptions of the camaraderie of singing made me feel I was there. I would have been an avid listener, for certain (I am no singer myself!). Fabulous memories to have made ... and generously shared.
This is wonderfully written, Harvey. I have travelled to Italy and particularly Venice a few times and the way you mirror the magic of that beautiful country with Tolkien’s prose was very special. Also, the edition of Return of the King you have is the same one I read for the first time back in 1984 when my own journey with Tolkien began and continues to this day, nearly 40 years later. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
I re-read the Lord of the Rings trilogy (sometimes including The Hobbit) every year from the ages of 14 to 30 or so, and intermittently since then. Thanks for reminding me that it’s been a while!
Harvey loved your piece. Comparisons made between the camaraderie you experienced with your class and Frodo and his companions is exquisite. The music and singing for you and your class like the Ring that draws together those in The Lord of the Rings. I could actually feel that spirit in your writing. Having been to Venice I can also understand your comparisons to the beauty you found there. Thank you!
Such beautiful imagery created. I can just imagine how your singing must have been as a spectator, but you describe the joy and connection with your fellow singers in a very spiritual way. It made me wish I could sing so I could feel what you felt. Very touching essay. I'll put more Tolkien on the list. It's been a very long time.
I reas through the trilogy for the first time this year and completely agree with you! What a special time that was in your life, as well. Choral singing is its own kind of magic.
Beautiful, evocative essay, Harvey. Love the religious undertones, and although I’ve never read Tolkien I think you’ve managed to recreate that feel of “epicness” that the movies are known for.
This was riveting. There’s nothing better than choral music in those old churches with their crazy long reverb times. To be part of that stays in the cells of your body. And you brought it to life so beautifully.
Wow that's series dedication! You must know them very well.
Very touching. Emotionally very powerful.
Thank you so much! It was an emotional experience to sit down, live through the moments again and put them to words.
Your vivid descriptions of the camaraderie of singing made me feel I was there. I would have been an avid listener, for certain (I am no singer myself!). Fabulous memories to have made ... and generously shared.
Thank you for all the praise. Music to my ears.
This is wonderfully written, Harvey. I have travelled to Italy and particularly Venice a few times and the way you mirror the magic of that beautiful country with Tolkien’s prose was very special. Also, the edition of Return of the King you have is the same one I read for the first time back in 1984 when my own journey with Tolkien began and continues to this day, nearly 40 years later. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
Thank you for the wonderful comment. It was just one of those special coincidences in life. That's great to hear you have the same copy!
I re-read the Lord of the Rings trilogy (sometimes including The Hobbit) every year from the ages of 14 to 30 or so, and intermittently since then. Thanks for reminding me that it’s been a while!
Harvey loved your piece. Comparisons made between the camaraderie you experienced with your class and Frodo and his companions is exquisite. The music and singing for you and your class like the Ring that draws together those in The Lord of the Rings. I could actually feel that spirit in your writing. Having been to Venice I can also understand your comparisons to the beauty you found there. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your praise! I'm so glad all the comparisons resonated with you.
Such beautiful imagery created. I can just imagine how your singing must have been as a spectator, but you describe the joy and connection with your fellow singers in a very spiritual way. It made me wish I could sing so I could feel what you felt. Very touching essay. I'll put more Tolkien on the list. It's been a very long time.
Thank you so much. It's never too late to join a local choir...
I reas through the trilogy for the first time this year and completely agree with you! What a special time that was in your life, as well. Choral singing is its own kind of magic.
Glad to hear that! It certainly was a special, magical time.
Beautiful, evocative essay, Harvey. Love the religious undertones, and although I’ve never read Tolkien I think you’ve managed to recreate that feel of “epicness” that the movies are known for.
What a compliment to be compared to the movies - thank you!
Moving and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words!
This was riveting. There’s nothing better than choral music in those old churches with their crazy long reverb times. To be part of that stays in the cells of your body. And you brought it to life so beautifully.
Thank you so much - I'm so glad I did that feeling justice in your eyes! It was such an amazing experience to sing in those places.
Beautiful post. Really love the summation!
Thank you so much!
Wow, thank you so much for the praise - and for subscribing! I hope my usual posts won't disappoint!
Thank you, that means a lot.