Late in the short life of Franz Schubert, he composed one of his best-known works, a song cycle for voice and piano entitled “Winterreise.” Schubert was in a deeply melancholic frame of mind. As a friend described it, “life had lost its rosiness and winter was upon him.” When asked the reason for this gloom, Schubert replied, “I will play you a cycle of terrifying songs; they have affected me more than has ever been the case with any other songs.” He then, with a voice full of feeling, sang the entire Winterreise. His attending friends were dumbfounded by the somber mood, and one friend remarked that only one song had pleased him. Schubert leaped up and replied, “these songs please me more than all the rest, and in time they will please you as well.”
One of the most important friends I will have in this life killed himself a few months ago. This collection is my Winterreise. I won’t say that the songs please me, but they do move me deeply, and more, they free me. If you have known great loss, it is my hope that they will move you too.
Star People had a great show at the Nevada County Fair this year in August. Here is a clip of our “Motown Medley” from that show. This clip, along with four others from the County Fair, are now available for viewing in the Video section. Enjoy!
The title of the album,Present Moment : Wonderful Momentis a breath meditation that comes from the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist, Thich Nhat Hanh. The flow of the album explores the arc of an incarnation, from non-physical intention to non-physical return. It is the journey of a lifetime, from the exhilaration of discovery, through the many stages of experience, offering a deepening of appreciation and wisdom “for those with eyes to see.” Each song piece reflects a unique facet of the incarnation diamond, and these pieces are best heard in the context of the whole. If you can find an uninterrupted 43 minutes, get your favorite comfortable chair, some good headphones, and a nice glass of wine… and hear it in its entirety. Hey, I can dream, right? However you hear it, please know that I deeply appreciate the listen. The music does too.
Hope the arc of your incarnation is filled with joy.
Greetings, dear one who is reading this… June 23rd marked the 5 year anniversary for the Rainbowland website. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To date, there have been over 50,000 unique visitors, 64,000 listens and 32,000 downloads. It is a most gratifying thought to me that there are folks out there who are connecting to the music. Both the music and I thank you! Special thanks again to Web Master Richard Rodrigue, who makes this sharing possible.
I am just completing album #89. It is titled “Present Moment : Wonderful Moment”, and it is subtitled “A Road Trip of Heart Reflections”. I hope to have it posted to the site soon. It will be the 30th album available for free download.
Thanks again for your presence and support. Your connection with the music completes the circle, and gives the music new life.
