The last installment of posts about the Hermit Songs ends with a huge party, but not before study time… There used to be subject GRE tests (the test you take as a college senior that helps place you in graduate school). I took the music GRE, and one of the questions was to hear “Sea-snatch” and identify its composer. I didn’t know the song at the time, and I still think it’s an unfair question. Because of the repetition of melodic parcels and the relatively static harmonic movement, I pinned it as a much later, minimalist piece of music by the likes of John Adams. (I don’t remember who exactly I said; the test was multiple choice.) In other words, I think this piece is stylistically a bit forward-looking. That aside, I don’t know of any other such succinct and accurate portrayal of a shipwreck. (I’m thinking of you, Gavin Bryars.)
“I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings…”
attr. to St. Brigid, 10th century. Trans. Sean O’Faolain
If Barber’s piano writing in “The Heavenly Banquet” is any indication, this monk who wants to throw a party has already imbibed a vat or two of good cheer. It’s an aural depiction of beer goggles, with the pianist’s right hand and the left hand never quite getting coordinated with each other. I love imagining this monk, having had a few, wanting to throw a party for Jesus and the entire company of heaven. Why not? I say praise however your spirit wants to manifest your praise.
May it be soon that we can all safely gather again for a big party. I’ll chip in for drinks.
This is post 6 of 6 about Samuel Barber’s Hermit Songs. I wrote these meditations around the release of my digital-only EP of the Hermit Songs (for a Time of Solitude), which I recorded a few years ago with pianist Andrew Earle Simpson. You can find all the previous posts here at UpTowardTheSky.com. Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think!
