Grateful

Saint Cecilia

On top of being overstuffed with turkey, there is much to celebrate today in addition to American Thanksgiving. Today is also in celebration of two of the things for which I am most grateful: Music and Benjamin Britten.

I love that Britten was born on St. Cecilia's Day, 1913 - it seems like his extraordinary life in music was destined from the moment of his birth.

A very young Mr. Britten

So, Happy 99th, Mr. Britten and Happy St. Cecilia's Day to all.

A stunningly beautiful performance of my favorite part from Handel's 'Ode for St. Cecilia's Day' sung by Lucy Crowe with Les Musiciens du Louvre.

...But O! what art can teach,
What human voice can reach,
The sacred Organ's praise?
Notes inspiring holy love,
Notes that wing their heav'nly ways
To mend the choirs above...

     - from A Song for St. Cecilia's Day, by John Dryden