The Bridge at Khazad Dum: Your Musical Suggestions for Fighting The Good Fight?
Sep 28th, 2008 | 26 responses
Dear Brave Souls,
You may have noticed that Joe, our Ed-in-Chief, had written about how I would be covering the DNC from outside, and that I posted for two days and suddenly went incognito for a long while with no posts. Just on that second day of the DNC, we’d had a loved one in our family suddenly-diagnosed with that one word none of us wants to hear… one of the most staggering words in the English language that anyone, I think, can ever hear… and this diagnosis of Stage IV, was delivered with such harshness and lack of care that the dr’s delivery wounded as much as the diagnosis, only in a different way. I think there must be something somewhere called ‘second degree crimes against the spirit.’
So. For one more day, I was trying to alternate between hospital and DNC, about 50 miles apart from each other and from my home ….until I felt I could not, just could not do it; that spirit and soul were wholly resisting being dragged away like a poor dog hauled away by its collar, while scraping and clawing to stay with its loved one.
(Before I threw in towel, I hope you did catch a bit more than just the nonstop MSmedia coverage of ‘funny-hats-balloon-drops’ at the DNC– via my posts about the craziness re Michelle Malkin on the street (with video); as well as the Fox producer being manhandled, (along with film clip); and a clang piece on Al Jazeera news org renting a country-and-western tavern normally patronized by tough motorcycle/ war vets. I was also able to write about police interviews re men arrested for bragging they’d come to kill Obama, and all the guns and weaponry they had with them. There were several other articles I was able to put up on TMV)
But turning away from DNC, it is now over a month ago… and I am still writing for TMV and my other column at The National Catholic Reporter online, and am daily thinking of ways to just love and support our loved one. I know you know it from your own experience in life– it’s not fancy– at bottom, it’s just that I don’t want her to be alone. Also, oddly, I think you have to take time to be in another reality (writing) so you can remain strong in the other world too. It’s an odd mix of needing to be in several worlds at one time or the heart will somehow not rest right, I think…
So, today, I came to ask you this about some critical provisions for this road ahead…
I am ask if you have music you listen to lift you, strengthen you, calm you, would you post your suggestions here? It may be helpful to others who are walking a hard road right now, as well.
I’ll share mine with you below… that is, the musics I listen to that I find create and change mood, outlook, perhaps even attitude… Music as vitamins. Music as medicine, maybe. Music maybe even as steroids! Here are my lists:
The thing I’ve noticed is that as time goes on, (oh how short time really is, how utterly evanescent when people are so ill and working toward best possible outcomes… even if every falling star is counted as timeless beauty) that if I listen to the same musics over and over, I tend not to hear them as deeply by the 30th time. That’s partly why I am asking you …whom I know to be lovers of music and the life of soulful things… (yes I read all the commenters here and have an appreciable outline, I think, of all persons to some extent … very rich mix in spirit always, each one)
MUSIC FOR CALM
For calmness, for trying to rest so as to stay strong, I often listen to
1. The Pachebel Canon …Long ago when I was in psychoanalytic training, a study was done re the Pachebel saying that one of the reasons it appeared to calm people was that the music itself had a minute by minute beat of a human heart at perfect rest.
2. Samuel Barber Adagio for Strings. Even though the strings in the last attack are rending, I always feel like I am walking in the sky at night, able to touch things that whirl madly, but which are beautiful and in some kind of sacred geometry
3. Tibetan Ghost Exorcism Folkways LP of chanting monks also is calming. It is one of three LPs I have hung onto for dear life over the years, for it is so unusual and as far as I know, considered too esoteric perhaps, to have been put into CD. It is all scratchy and grouchy on the turntable, but there is something so of humus about it, so something that clarifies… even as things fall all around.
4. I also have a CD called Missa Pange, with Agnus Dei and other Gregorian Chant, but with instrumentation, and it is beautiful and I think, healing of spirit to listen to. Different than the usual choral versions.
5. Almost anything A Cappella that means something.
MUSIC FOR STRENGTH
For strength to be restored, for strength to keep going, for strength to withstand the images, sounds, smells, all of life in these matters, to understand this can sometimes be hellish but also holy somehow, often…
1. The Bridge of Khazad Dum
2. The Riders of Rohan
3. Forth Eoringas/ Isengard Unleashed
4. Siege of Gondor
5. Battle of the Pelennor Fields
My dear co-blogger Pete Abel gave me these musics months ago by putting on TMV a trailer from LOTR. I did not know they would serve me in this way. I am grateful to him. When I listen to them, I feel I can remember that though I am just a pathetic person, also, I’ve been called on a quest/ journey of dignity and moment; that hopefully I can rise, and rise and keep rising to whatever would bring best possible outcome, in some cases, best possible memory that we all can hold to… now, but even especially, later.
MUSIC THAT I CANNOT LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW
I cannot listen to LOTR Into the West; the lines “…the ships are coming to take you home…” threw me to my knees just today. I cannot listen to most of my beloved Chicago style or slide guitar blues right now, unless the songs are funny, like “Four Alarm Lover,” and “Squeeze the Lemon,” which make me laugh in happiness.
MUSIC FOR UPLIFTING
For dealing with the dreck and the asinine, for dealing with the malignantly-absurd, for having to confront incompetence, for anyplace anyperson where there’s unnecessary tangle or mis-kindness or outright evil, I only have one song. I wish I had more. And I will probably go to hell for loving this song so much.
1. It is a rap song that I do not know the name of nor whom it is by. I have it as an MP3 for about two years now. The entire song is an angry male rant using the F-word more times than the word ‘the.’ It is clever, bitter, enraged, uplifting and just the right medicine to reset the ‘heartbroken’ switch back to ‘ferocious, even though heartbroken.’
1.a. That, and maybe in terms of bucking the bloody system of what passes for ‘health care’, if spoken words are a music of their own, then I keep this song daily: Qui tacet consentit – Who keeps silent, consents.
The music you leave here, I will also recommend to my youngest daughter who is doing much appreciated care-giving also, and others who are walking this road, especially those for the first time… or the tenth. One of the most persistent unbidden images I get of all of us– you too, included– is of a troupe of mismatched kids all walking a — not predictable, nice, or orderly road– but a road that has long straight-aways, and sometimes jack-knifes and disappears underground… and we all walk holding hands when needed during perilous times, all trying to watch out for one another’s souls. I get this image alot. All my life. All souls show up as wild, funny, strange, creative, inventive children… no matter how many years any person has gathered on Earth in reality.
Thank you.
Dr.E
26 Responses to “The Bridge at Khazad Dum: Your Musical Suggestions for Fighting The Good Fight?”
[...] DR. CLARISSA PINKOLA ESTÃ?S, Assistant Editor, TMV Columnist wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI cannot listen to most of my beloved Chicago style or slide guitar blues right now, unless the bsongs/b are bfunny/b, like Four Alarm Lover, and Squeeze the Lemon, which make me laugh in happiness. FOR UPLIFTING b…/b [...]
The Galaxy Song by Monty Python always cheers me up for some strange reason.
One piece that I love is from Philip Glass. His 5th string quartet, composed for and performed best by Kronos Quartet, is amazingly reflective and uplifting. It is simple and repetitive in Glass's minimalist style, but it essentially is a set of building scales that culminate in the fifth movement, which hits its stride in the middle of the piece and is spectacular. Give it a try, it's about 20 minutes total and is amazing.
Dr. E. I believe this would be in the “Calm” category:
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS:
Fantasia on ta Theme by Thomas Tallis
Fantasia on Greensleeves
The Lark Ascending
Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'
By: Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
NEVILLE MARRINER conducting
If you can't find it I can burn you a copy.
Joe
Dr.E asks: … if you have music you listen to lift you, strengthen you, calm you, would you post your suggestions here?
Lift
Paul sings Nessun Dorma
Strengthen
End Of The Line – Traveling Wilburys
Bobby Bare – Four Strong Winds
Calm
Unchained Melody (pan flute)
Vincent – Don McLean (w- Van Gogh slideshow)
Silly Sanity (adultish & childish all at the same time)
In Spite of Ourselves – John Prine
Dr.E said: “All souls show up as wild, funny, strange, creative, inventive children… no matter how many years any person has gathered on Earth in reality.“
At least for us lucky ones they do Dr.E… At least for the lucky.
While this might not be your kind of music, some of the tunes/songs that soothe me, sadden me (probably NOT what you need right now) amke me reminisce, put me in a melnacholic mood are “The windmills of your mind,” “Those were the days, my friend,” “Yesterday when I was young,” “Somewhere My Love,” and the timeless “Besame Mucho,” y “Nube gris”.
Wishing your loved one well.
Dorian
JSpencer, I doubt she'll have too much trouble finding it. I have the same recording and as I recall I bought mine on Amazon.
Music have i loved, know what you speak here and its power. Music is a constant companion and always the “river beneath the river” flows with it.
Agree with you about Pachebel Cannon. I listen to a number of different arrangements, but have one by Robert Gass and a choir with background vocal of
Alleluia that brings it to a place of praise, gratitude and thanksgiving that i find uplifting.
Often listen to Taize music. Two English lyric ones; Sing to God, and Joy on Earth. Both have the Master vocal with the call and response that establishes a deeper relationship within the music,i believe.
Aslo find Noirin Ni Riain and the Monks of Glenstal Abbey, Vox de Nube, The Darkest Midnight, and The Virgin's Lamet—- these touch something deep and high at the same time. Her voice is etheral and when i listen remember what Giuseppe Mazzini said, “Music is the harmonious voice of creation; an echo of the invisible world.”
I listen to lots of sacred music from around the world. Really like the Sikh music such as Snatam Kaur she has an earthy classically trained voice that expresses an authenticity of soul that captivates me. Prem, Shanti, Grace, and Ananda are all good. Also love the beauty of devotional music of Deva Premal and many of the devotional singers of India which express an emotion that seems to wash the soul of the dust. Love listening to music of the world for there is the reminder we ar all in this together.
Then for invigorating and remembering that within we have what is needed to jump off cliffs or leap gulleys there is the guaranteed to charge—Cherokee stomp dance music. A must listen in a space big enough to dance, Dr. E.
Leonard Cohen has a Cd called Ten New Songs. This CD came out after him taking a leave from his music and spending seven years in a Zen Monastery in the kitchen peeling tables. Ther is a Leonard quote about that experience: ” Roshi—I never really understood what he said, but every now and then i find myself barking with the dog or bending with the irises.”
Also must confess i have always found folk music to touch and soothe the soul in those times when one needs to remember that we are carried by something greater. I listen to every Cd by Kirtana, she sings contemporary sacred songs that celebrate divine love and the life of and strenght of the soul within all of us. Her lyrics are very poetic and when the soul needs comfort and the strength to sustain i go to Kirtana.
Will close with a Richard Nixon quote about music; ” If you want to make beautiful music, you must play the black and white notes together.”
Dr. E will continue to hold you and your family in heart and prayer for comfort and healing. May you each be blessed.
I like film scores. As a fan of Star Trek I love listening to the music from those movies. I find the music from a great deal of modern SF and fantasy to be uplifting. Some more so than others. Might I suggest the score from Braveheart? I took my copy of The Best of John Williams and edited it to only leave the more inspiring tracks (leaving out Jaws, The Reavers and a couple of others) and I think it would fit want you want.
Thanks Jim, that's good to know. Speaking of film scores, one I've enjoyed listening to lately is the soundtrack to the Woody Allen movie, “Sweet and Lowdown”. Some nice guitar work in there.
A few humble suggestions and prayers lifted your way.
Uplifting: Non Nobis Domine off the Henry V soundtrack by Patrick Doyle
Al Jarreau always gives me a lift: Mornin'.
Calming, encouraging: Anything by one of my favorite bands — Iona: A Million Stars
Right now I've been trying to remind myself of the beauty in life and am digging on Sara Groves off her album, Add to the Beauty. The song is: Why It Matters.
Best to you and yours.
Dear Doc E.
It's tragic that so many people in the medical industry (and society in general) can be so jaded to the pain of others.
I'm very sorry to hear that you and your loved one have had to endure this kind of thing at a time when a touch of kindness would go so VERY far.
I am hoping that the doctor in question has a WAKE UP call before more damage is done. Is there any way you get another doctor because this one's attitude and behavior is really inexcusable!
Uplifting music:
One song that makes me dance, smile, laugh and feel good all over…
“Spiritual High (State of Independence)” by Moodswings & Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders).
On the CD the song is quite a bit longer and in the middle of it, they have Martin Luther King giving his famous speech, “I have a dream.” with the music in the background.
If you can find the Moodswings CD though, it's an awesome experience.
For now though, here's an url (this has part two of the song and it's quite amazing even though shortened a bit):
(It's the first song on the list – Spiritual High – State of Independence part two):
http://www.rhapsody.com/moodswings
With a prayer of love for you and yours,
Ghosty
PS I have several more I'd post but we just had a storm move in and my pups are getting hysterical. I'll come back in the morning and post the other songs I was thinking of.
The lyrics:
Spiritual High (State of Independence)
(lyrics Anderson/music Vangelis)
Sounds like a signal from you
Bring me to meet your sound
And I will bring you to my heart
Love like a signal you call
Touching my body my soul
Bring to me, you to meet me here
Home be the temple of your heart
Home be the body of your love
Just like Holy water to my lips
Yes I do know how I survive
Yes I do know why I'm alive
To love and be with you
Day by day by day by day
Time, time again, it is said
We will hear, we will see
See it all-in his wisdom-hear
His truth will abound the land
This truth will abound the land
This State of independence shall be
This State of independence shall be
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
Love like a signal you call
Touching my body my soul
Bring to me, you to meet me here
Home be the temple of your heart
Home be the body of your love
Just like Holy water to my lips
Hey
Yes I do know how I survive
Yes I do know why I'm alive
To love and be with you
Day by day by day by day
Time, time again, it is said
We will hear, we will see
See it all-in his wisdom-hear
His truth will abound the land
This truth will abound the land
This State of independence shall be
This State of independence shall be
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
This State of independence shall be
His truth will abound the land
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
(Hey, hey Yayah yaya oh)
Uplifting: Overture to Mozart's Magic Flute
Uplifting and strengthening: Overture to Wagner's Tannhauser (Pilgrim's Chorus)
FYI – I'm curious to learn more about the Tibetan Ghost Exorcism LP. Does the album cover match any of those found on the Smithsonian Folkways website?
http://www.folkways.si.edu/searchresults.aspx?s…
Smithsonian Folkways keeps all albums ever released in print both in download format and as Made-To-Order CDs, so you should be able to get a new copy if needed directly…
[...] The Bridge at Khazad Dum: Your Musical Suggestions for Fighting …I ll share mine with you below that is, the musics I listen to that I find create and change mood, outlook, perhaps even attitude Music as vitamins. Music as medicine, maybe. Music maybe even as steriods! Here s my lists: … [...]
To calm:
Crazy – Willie Nelson
Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful Life – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Shower the People – James Taylor
Georgia on my Mind – Ray Charles
Down to the River to Pray – Allison Krauss
Happy:
Meglio Stasera – Michael Buble'
Still the One – Orleans
Sing – The Carpenters
Lift:
Cup of Life – Ricky Martin
Jump, Jive and Wail – Brian Seltzer Orchestra
Ain't no Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross
I feel the Earth Move – Carole King
Wrap a voice around you:
Anything Michael Buble', Luther Vandross, Carpenters, Allison Krauss, Bonnie Raitt
Calm-
Meditation from Thais by Massenet.
Dr. E- So sorry to hear of your family's loss and pain.
Here're some of my favorite calm pieces (lots of instrumentals from Windham Hill):
Alex de Grassi: Luther's Lullaby, Bright Sky, Bach's Prelude from Cello Suite 1
Steve Erquiaga: 23rd Psalm, Pavone
For some lighter, funnier bluesy stuff, how about some Keb Mo:
Shave Yo' Legs ( a light funny one)
or some uplifting, strengthening ones:
Let Your Light Shine
One Friend
Infinite Eyes
Stand and Be Strong
Personally I also find that I can't possibly keep from smiling when I put Dr. John on. Always reminds me of a New Orleans Jazz funeral, I guess, where you celebrate life even in death.
Music that will rock your joy
Eastern ….
Dhoom – Euphoria
Officially this band is put under “Hindi Rock.” I think they're too awesome to catagorize into one small label. The song is amazing. Electric guitar mixed with traditional Hindi instruments. Intense, happy and you really want to laugh and smile when you listen to this one.
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/618485/2935444
Celebration ….
Sergio Mendes- Magalenha
The video can been seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzhRr4PWD-Q
The song is celebratory to the MAX! It was released on a CD called “Basiliero” by Sergio Mendes in 1992. Mendes received a Grammy in 1993 for the album (Best World Music album).
I couldn't find the lyrics anywhere (not done correctly in any case) but it's worth it to just listen. You don't need to know Portuguese to enjoy this song. In fact this song helped me survive the worst relationship/separation I've ever experienced. Try it out, eh?
Consideration of Life in Samba ….
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Waters of March
You can find the lyrics (both English and Portuguese lyrics) along with both an audio and a video of the song being performed by Tom Jobim (both are performed in Portuguese – it's best in the original language in my opinion).
http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/waters.html
I have more but I think I'll stop here because if I list all the songs that have helped me through my life…
I'll need my own blogspace.
Music can take our pain
and using different hues
paint it differently yet the same
while relieving the sorrow…
All with one stroke of a broad brush.
For me it can anyways.
Many good thoughts and prayers for your loved ones Doc.
Ghost
Prayers for you.
Woody Guthrie / Klezmatics “”Gonna Get Through This World”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71qW2TCMjq0
Peggy Lee “It's A Good Day” (that's her husband playing guitar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZnscZGpOlk
Sinead O'Connor “This is To Mother You”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQjiLSxMZIU
Willie Nelson “Stardust”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mzXUZyrYiA
Allen Ginsburg “Father Death Blues”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-pmFZJtS4E
Betty Hutton “Murder, He Says”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz7dZ9Q3K-E
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 “Mas Que Nada”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz7dZ9Q3K-E
I have a lot more.
OK I thought of a couple more haha
Hildegard Von Bingen songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqvoB4uN1Qs
The Carter Family – Wildwood Flower
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewnfWoSQz3o
Love -7 and 7 Is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PStzQW6XVkM
Annie Lennox – Precious
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0dGQJmtXaQ
Fairport Convention – Come All Ye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV44H7IyB10
Elis Regina – Águas de Março
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRqI5R6L7ow
Dr. E, {{{ }}} a big hug for you and your loved one. I will think about the music (to lift, strengthen and calm) question.
Dr. E, please allow me to join with all of those who send their positive thoughts your way. I know we all hope for the best possible result for your cherished family member.
On the musical front, I simply must add the album which has long been number one on my own hit parade: “Ella and Louis Again.” This is the second collection of duets recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Recorded in 1957, it follows up their first collection from the prior year. “Ella and Louis Again” is a full on swing machine, and whether I am feeling low, or feeling joy, the beauty of their emotional vocalizations, and the piercing intensity of Louis' horn, always make me feel lucky to be alive. It is indeed music for all purposes.
A song which always touches me on a deep level, and which I always find (perhaps strangely?) uplifting, is “September Song.” There are any number of great renditions (Lou Reed has one which really rocks, but it's tough to find a place on the web to listen to it), but it's the sublime beauty of the lyric “These precious days I'll spend with you” which always seems to free my spirit and allows it to reach a place where it can see the beauty which the future can hold.
And really, as pedestrian a choice as this is, who in their heart of hearts doesn't find comfort and strength in the song “My Way?” “The record shows, I took the blows, and did it my way.” Now that's a lyric, and that's a goal. At least to me.
Thanks for the chance to share some favorites. Maybe you'll consider repeating the idea of asking your readers to contribute some of their own favorites; I think that those of us who love music, and find in it the depth of emotion and meaning which all of those who responded to your piece obviously find, are always thrilled to find more really good music to listen to. And I pray that when next you do it, it is in the context of good news regarding your ailing family member.
Dear Dr. E,
These albums are my medicines :
José Mendez, “Entre dos Barrios”, el flamenco de Jerez : Que no hablen de amor, Yo soy principe, El mar de cai
Thierry “Titi” Robin “Payo Michto” : “Tona del Lobo”, Los tanguillos, Mehdi, Patchîv, Que tu amor, Katchur Khan, Payo Michto, Rumba do vesou n°11
Dear CPE,
I am sorry for your sad news and for the poor delivery. I am a hospice and palliative care RN for many years and understand the difficulty some people have in “the saying of the hard things'. This may be the opportunity needed to find the medicine woman/man your loved one needs at this moment. Look around… open your hands… a healer will appear. You have been a healer of mine for many years.
KD Lang – Hallelujah
Helpless
Twisted Scissor – I don't feel like dancing
Karen Taylor-Good
free Podcast on ITunes – Meditation Oasis
loco
Three perfect compositions that reach the center of human experience.
Embryonic Journey – Jefferson Airplane, Surrealistic Pillow
Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring – Beethoven, Played by Leo Kottke, 6 and 12-string Guitars
Moonlight Sonata – Beethoven, played by Vladimir Horowitz
Blessings,
Scott Newsom