"What Child Is This?" - arr. Lindsay Goodson

My favorite arrangement of "What Child Is This?" by far....

"12 Days of Christmas" - The Muppets & John Denver

A classic!  My favorite day is the 9th day, with Beaker.  A video version (poorer sound, but priceless) is below.

"Promises to Keep" - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

A sweet song about the season...

"Shepherd's Carol" - Bob Chilcott

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs!  Enjoy!  (over and over again... :)

"O Come, Emmanuel" - arr. ThePianoGuys & Marshall McDonald

Yep, it's another post about ThePianoGuys, but I think they deserve it!  Here they are performing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

This video is the same arrangement, but with images from the life of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

"In dulci jubilo" - arr. R L de Pearsall

Our inaugural GUM-for-Christmas song: "In dulci jubilo."  You will see this in English under titles such as "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice."  I love this arrangement by R. L. de Pearsall.  Enjoy!

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!! (music time)

Hurrah!  The time of year for which, arguably, the most good music has been written : )  I'm making a new, separate playlist for the Christmas GUM.

Enjoy!

"Life in a Northern Town" - The Dream Academy

Sometimes a song will come into my head for no apparent reason and stick.  This was a welcome instance of that.  I love the energetic drums and vocals in the chorus, and how can you go wrong with a pop band that has a cello and an English horn?  Enjoy!

(Admittedly, there are a couple references that may not be "uplifting," but I think the rest of the song compensates.)

"A Thousand Years" - Christina Perri

This is such a sweet song!  I think the chorus is definitely GUM - I don't mind getting it stuck in my head, at least.... Enjoy!

(btw, not sure what the Twilight references are about.)

ThePianoGuys are making it BIG!!

ThePianoGuys were an early addition to this blog, and I am so delighted to see them hitting the big time!  You can (and should ;) pre-order their album here:

Support GUM!!

Also, you can (and should ;) watch them on Leno!
Congrats, Guys!

"Comfort, Comfort Ye My People" - Bourgeois, White, Canto Deo

One of my favorite, lesser-known hymns.  It is typically sung at Advent, but I think it is applicable year-round.  The Melody is by Louis Bourgeois, 1551; this setting is by David Ashley White (b.1944; who incidentally is at the University of Houston); this performance is by Canto Deo Chamber Choir.  Enjoy!

"Jewett" - Cantus

Another great men's vocal group, Cantus.  I heard this on Prairie Home Companion yesterday, and it reminded me of the William Billings songs I've sung/heard before (see this post).  I couldn't find it on YouTube, so click the 'play' button or the link below to hear it.  Enjoy!

Jewett
http://www.myspace.com/cantusmensinging/music/songs/jewett-79457374

"Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine" - Eric Whitacre

So far, most of the choral pieces posted here have been sacred, but here is an exception.  One of my favorites from Eric Whitacre:

"What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction - ThePianoGuys

Yay for ThePianoGuys!!  This one has over 6 MILLION views!

"The Impossible Dream" - from "Man of La Mancha" by Wasserman, Joe Darion, Mitch Leigh

Another from my favorite Broadway baritone, Brian Stokes Mitchell....

"O Gladsome Light" - Harold Darke

It was fun to talk about this song in choir ("Okay, now we'll work on the Darke."  "You mean the Light?")

"Time is Love" by Josh Turner

Well, if you've noticed a lack in GUM posts lately, I'm flattered. :)

Here is a sweet song that I started hearing recently: "Time is Love" by Josh Turner.  When I first heard it, I didn't catch the beginning, but once I heard the whole thing, I realized what a sweet message it had.  Enjoy!

"I Remember It Well" from Gigi - by several

Yesterday was a day full of GUM!  I'm stocked for a few weeks (at least of classical and operetta selections :).  Here is a funny ballad from Gigi, that always makes me laugh.  Several people were involved in making this music.  Click here for more info....

[The first ~10 sec of the video has issues, but the audio is fine :) ]

[It made me laugh more when I realized that the one line from the song I thought I knew, I remembered wrong!]

"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" - Elizabeth Poston, Stanford Scriven, Jeremiah Ingalls

As one of my Boston choir directors said, this unique, New England piece compares Jesus Christ to that most-American of trees, the apple tree.  Below are two settings of the text, one by Elizabeth Poston (the most common, it appears, and the first version I heard), and another by Stanford Scriven.

Here also is a link to the only on-line recording I could find of Jeremiah Ingalls' setting, which is my favorite because it is so energetic!
http://www.uchoir.harvard.edu/sounds/IngallsTheAppletree.mp3
(I first heard this setting, as is often the case, you've seen, at a Harvard Carols Service.)

"Do It for Love" - Hall & Oates

I remember when this song came out, and I remember really liking it : )  I ended up getting the album from my dad for my birthday!  Enjoy!

"Leaving Port" from Titanic - James Horner

[And we're back!  Sorry for the lack of postage!]

James Horner has written some excellent music for movies, including Titanic.  Here is one of my favorites from that film score.  Enjoy!

"All we, like sheep" from Handel's Messiah

I love this movement from the Messiah, and not just because I always smile at the title.*  The music and text (below) work so well together, with a simple theme for "All we, like sheep," suggesting the simpleness of mankind relative to God; and fast notes for the words "astray" and "turned," suggesting the wanderings of a lost and scattered flock.

Text:  "All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."  (Isaiah 53 : 6)

* Sometimes when we are playing "Settlers of Catan," I start singing, "All we lack sheep."

"Haec dies" - William Byrd and Giovanni da Palestrina

It's Easter time!  Time for good music about Jesus' priceless gifts to all mankind.  I first heard this song on a CD that I purchased after a gorgeous concert by the Choir of Saint Thomas Church, New York City (at Christ Church in Cambridge, MA).

A translation of the text is:
"This is the day which the Lord hath made: 
let us be glad and rejoice therein. 
Alleluia."
[More words and translation here.]

This recording - by the Choir of King's College, one of my all-time favorites - includes two settings of the same text.  Enjoy!

"Carolina in the Pines" - Michael Martin Murphy

This song takes me back to my years in North Carolina, and all the loblolly pines.  It is such a beautiful state - quite possibly my favorite in that regard.

The GUM blog hits 100!! with "New Words" - Brian Stokes Mitchell

After 2 1/2 months in existence, the Good, Uplifting Music blog playlist has reached its 100th song!

As I was deciding what song should receive this honor, I was astonished to realize I hadn't yet posted anything from the fabulous Brian Stokes Mitchell, who is quite possibly my favorite professional singer.*  He has such a rich, powerful voice, and he performs with such animation.

Please enjoy this touching song by Maury Yeston, performed by Brian Stokes Mitchell, and keep listening and recommending!

* Like so many people, I loved the soundtrack to The Prince of Egypt as soon as I heard it, especially the song, "Through Heaven's Eyes."  Later, I discovered the musical Ragtime, and loved several songs sung by the character Coalhouse Walker.  (I'll post those here sometime....)  Still later, I was watching a Christmas special with Brian Stokes Mitchell as the guest singer, and I realized that all of these were the same singer.  I looked up when and where he would be performing, and I discovered that he would be performing in Boston a few months later!  I attended the concert and it was amazing!!  He is a fantastic performer and he makes a strong connection with the audience.  I recently learned that he will be in Houston for the holiday pops concerts, too!  I am really excited....

"Waiting for a Star to Fall" - Boy Meets Girl

This song became the "theme," if you will, for one or two of my early crushes.  It's a classic, 80s one-hit-wonder-type song, complete with saxophone solo and "we-weren't-sure-how-to-end-this" fade out, but I love it nonetheless.  It brings back fun memories :)

If you need even more of an 80s kick, check out the official video!

"I Will Arise (and Go to Jesus)" - arr. John Carter

This is a hymn from the Southern Harmony, a "shape-note" songbook compiled by William Walker that contains many great early-American hymns (more info here). Enjoy!

Recommendations, Weeks 9 & 10: Neil Diamond!

Ahh, the classic upbeat tunes of Neil Diamond!  Here are "Sweet Caroline," which always brings back fond memories of Boston; and "America," which is the first song I associated with Neil Diamond (from my mom's VHS of a Neil Diamond concert :).

"Buckbeak's Flight" from Harry Potter 3 - John Williams

The Harry Potter establishment scored big when they got John Williams to compose the soundtrack!  I love this piece - I think it really captures the feeling of freedom and exploration that Harry experiences during his ride on Buckbeak.

"The Fallow Way" - Judy Collins

I love this wintertime ballad by Judy Collins.  I find the words thought-provoking, and the melody beautiful and peaceful.

(If you can find a better YouTube video of this song, please share it!!)

"Bless the Broken Road" - Rascal Flatts

This is a sweet song about finding - and recognizing - true love.  It's by the band we saw last year at the rodeo :)

"I Thought I Loved You Then" - Brad Paisley

We saw Brad Paisley in concert at the Rodeo tonight, so I am posting one of his songs!  This is a sweet song that I think encapsulates the love of happy couples.  (This is popular at weddings. :)  In concert, he did some really cool things with the guitar - sliding his fingers up and down the string to make a nice effect.  He also used several guitars during the concert, including the one pictured below!

"Homeland" and "Here I Am" from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron - Hans Zimmer

One of the things I enjoy about animated films these days is that a lot of them have really good-quality music, good enough to be played by professional classical orchestras!  The movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is one of these.  You may remember this movie as being "the animated film about animals who don't talk."  I knew the soundtrack by heart long before I saw the film.  But the movie was pretty good, too - even my dad enjoyed it :)

Here's the "original," soundtrack version, which continues to include the piece "Here I Am":

"For Good" from Wicked - Stephen Schwartz

Perhaps Stephen Schwartz' most well-known work (at least these days - Godspell was 1971), Wicked is one of my favorite musicals.  One of those that I can quote all of the music, and most of the book (having seen it three times :)  This song is one of the concluding numbers, when the "good" and "wicked" witches of Oz are saying farewell.

"Til Kingdom Come" - Coldplay

A nice, mellow love song :)  I like the guitar part during the chorus, especially.  Enjoy!

"Ubi caritas" - Maurice Durufle

A beautiful song, often sung at weddings.  The first line means "Where charity and love are, God is there."  Below is an English translation.  Enjoy!

Where charity and love are, God is there.

Christ's love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

As we are gathered into one body,

Beware, lest we be divided in mind.

Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,

And may Christ our God be in our midst.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

And may we with the saints also,

See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:

The joy that is immense and good,

Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.

Recommendations, Week 8: "Castle on a Cloud" from Les Miserables - Schonberg and Boublil

This week's recommendation comes from the musical Les Miserables.  This musical is full of powerful, beautiful music, but most of it isn't cheerful.  This sweet song, however, is sung by the young Cosette as she daydreams about a happy place.

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" - Elton John and Kiki Dee

This is such a fun, happy-in-love song.  It always makes me think of a Disney music video to this song (from time 0:51 to 2:19).

"Linus and Lucy" - Vince Guaraldi

This happy jazz tune has to bring a smile to anyone's face :)  It always makes me think of the Peanuts gang, of course, which I love.  Below is also a fun ThePianoGuys video for the song.  Enjoy!

"A Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins - Richard Sherman (1928-2012)

Richard Sherman, of the Sherman Brothers who wrote many of the Disney songs that get stuck in our heads, died today (click for news article).  To commemorate his work, here is one of his most famous songs.  Enjoy!

Kyrie from Missa Mater Patris - Josquin des Prez (performed by Chanticleer)

The Missa Mater Patris by Josquin des Prez is my favorite mass, and the Kyrie (below) is my favorite part.  To hear the entire mass, which is ~1/2 hour, check out this playlist.  This recording is by the group Chanticleer - sort of the American equivalent to the King's Singers.

(This is actually a "parody mass" - for more info, click here.)

Recommendations, Week 7: "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore

We just finished reading the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy (after reading The Hobbit), so it seemed especially appropriate to post this song on the blog this week.  I guess it is a "solicited" recommendation, since I asked which piece to include.  This is the cheerful theme from the Shire, "Concerning Hobbits."  Enjoy!

"Finlandia" - Jean Sibelius (four versions!)

"Finlandia" is one of my favorite melodies - I didn't realize it was written by Sibelius, and I also didn't realize he was Finnish until I looked up this song.  Below are four (count them, four!) versions of this beautiful music.  First is the song in Finnish - although it is not the national anthem, it is one of the most important national songs of Finland (I also found a cool flashmob of this).  Second is Sibelius' symphony.  Third is an English, a capella version of the anthem.  And last is the tune as the hymn "Be Still My Soul."  Enjoy!

"Twelve Thirty" - The Mamas and the Papas

This song always makes me smile - the rhythm and the piano give it such an upbeat feel.  For more about the song, check out these links: "Twelve Thirty," and "Laurel Canyon."

"It's a Life" from The Truman Show - Burkhard Dallwitz and Philip Glass

The Truman Show is a thought-provoking, entertaining movie about a man whose entire life is broadcast to the world - without his knowledge.  This piece is from the beginning of the movie and, although it is short, it is one of my favorite instrumentals from a soundtrack.  Enjoy!

"When You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt is one of my all-time favorite movies, in part because of the music.  The people sing this song as they realize they are free and leave the Egyptians.  The music is by Hans Zimmer and Stephen Schwartz (he seems to pop up everywhere!).

Recommendations, Week 6: "Look Around" - Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66

Keep the recommendations coming!  Thanks for your readership (or, listenership, I suppose :)!

"Look Around" - Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66

"Miracle of Miracles" from Fiddler on the Roof - Bock, Harnick, & Stein

Yesterday I was thinking about all the miracles that seem to be happening around us, and it reminded me of this joyful song from Fiddler on the Roof.  Enjoy!

"Sleep" - Eric Whitacre: traditional and virtual choir versions, and *original lyrics* version

GUM is back!  Sorry for the downtime :)

I love this piece, "Sleep," by Eric Whitacre.  I love the way it captures the many "emotions," if you will, of falling to sleep.  Sometimes if I'm having trouble falling asleep, I'll sing this in my head and it helps.

I've posted a recording from a traditional (and elite) choir, followed by a recording of Eric Whitacre conducting his "virtual choir" - a very cool use of YouTube (more info here).  Interestingly, this music was originally written to go with Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," but was not published as such due to copyright restrictions (click here for the full story).  That hasn't stopped people from singing it that way, though, and the last video for today is the song as it was originally intended (though I think you could safely argue that either version is the better :)

Enjoy, and pleasant dreams!

"Ye Shall Have a Song" - Randall Thompson

I love the way this song builds and builds, and then suddenly stops for a moment, letting the word "pipe" reverberate in the hall.  During the "goeth with a pipe" section, if you listen carefully, you'll hear the phrase repeated lower and lower through the male parts, from the first tenors to the second basses.  This piece is sometimes sung without the first part (~40 seconds), which is how I sang it with a choir in Boston.  Enjoy!

Recommendations, Week 5: "I Look to You" - Whitney Houston

A very appropriate video recommendation for the blog this week.  A beautiful song and singer, with an uplifting message.

"In the House of Stone and Light" by Martin Page - The Brown Derbies

A college friend introduced me to The Brown Derbies, a male a capella group at Brown University.  I love their arrangement of this song.  (Don't let the thumbnail image deter you....)

(The original is good, too, but I couldn't find a GUM-worthy video for it.)

"Shanghai Breezes" - John Denver

I love this sweet, long-distance-love song.  I think the flute really gives the song a soft, gentle tone, suggesting a soft pillow or gentle breeze.

"Home" - Dierks Bentley

This inspiring country song makes you proud of our country!

"Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King (Broadway) - Elton John and Tim Rice

I always think it's great when (good-quality) songs from animated films get played on the radio.  I think it demonstrates the quality of music that can go into a "children's" film.  The version of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" below is from the Broadway musical version of Disney's The Lion King.  Happy Valentine's!

"O Sole Mio" - Capurro and Capua

Nothing says Valentine's like an Italian love song, especially this classic....

"Love Is All Around" - The Troggs

A "happy-in-love" song for Valentine's!

Matthew Curtis - "Sing Joyfully" (Byrd) and "If Ye Love Me" (Tallis)

Moments ago I discovered this really awesome YouTube channel, "ChoralTracks," where one singer, Matthew Curtis, performs all of the parts for some complex choral pieces.  He shows the sheet music (when it is in the public domain), and has different videos intended for learning each part - the part may be muted, predominant, or come from the left speaker.  Here are a couple of examples, with the parts balanced - enjoy!

"Sing Joyfully" - William Byrd

"If Ye Love Me" - Thomas Tallis

"The Lord Is My Shepherd" - John Rutter

A song of faith, arranged by composer John Rutter.  I love the oboe, and the chant-like portion in the middle.

Week 4 Recommendations: Carly Simon, "Ratatouille," and a Pandora suggestion

This week's recommendations span the genres!  We have sacred, 80s pop, and a French soundtrack song...  Enjoy!

The first recommendation is not so much a song as a suggestion for a good way to get lots of good, uplifting music.  My friend said that if you go to Pandora and type "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" into the "New Station" box, you can get lots of good, uplifting music! My guess is that other names, such as "Choir of King's College" or "John Rutter," you would also bring up lots of "GUM."

The next recommendation is for a song from one of my favorite singers when I was growing up, Carly Simon!

"The Stuff that Dreams Are Made Of" - Carly Simon

The next is the last song in the Pixar film, Ratatouille...

"Le Festin" - Camille

ThePianoGuys (esp. Steven Sharp Nelson): "Beethoven's 5 Secrets" and "The Cello Song"

Okay, so I am an unabashed fan of ThePianoGuys, but I think I may have come across them in an unusual way....  I recently started a research study on back pain in cellists.  While I was preparing, I thought, "I should look at some videos to see how different cellists move the bow when they play."  I did a YouTube search for "cello," and the video below came up in the list.  The thumbnail image showed eight cellists, and I thought, "Perfect!  I can watch eight cellists at once."  Of course, it wasn't long before I realized what was happening....

Also when I was preparing for the study, I realized that the song "Secrets" by OneRepublic had a great cello part (I thought I could learn to play it ;), and I hoped that one day ThePianoGuys would do a cover of that song.  Well, today that became reality!

"Appalachian Spring" - Aaron Copland

This is my favorite movement from Aaron Copland's famous "Appalachian Spring."  I love the burst of excitement that opens the scene, and the descending line that follows.

You may be surprised to learn this about the title of the work:
"Originally, Copland did not have a title for the work, referring to it simply as Ballet for Martha. Shortly before the premiere, Graham suggested Appalachian Spring, a phrase from a Hart Crane poem, "The Dance" from a collection of poems in his book "The Bridge."...Because he composed the music without the benefit of knowing what the title was going to be, Copland was often amused when people told him he captured the beauty of the Appalachians in his music, a fact he alluded to in an interview with NPR's Fred Calland.

"La Bamba" - Ritchie Valens

I once saw a movie about Ritchie Valens (in Spanish class), that was quite interesting.  In one scene, he is recording "La Bamba," which was originally a Mexican folk song. Every time he runs through it he does it a little different - just like he's used to, but it drives the US recording studio folks nuts!

Ritchie Valens died at age 17 in the tragic plane crash, "the day the music died."

"The Burning Bush" from The Prince of Egypt - Hans Zimmer

The soundtrack to The Prince of Egypt is one of my all-time favorites.  This piece plays when Moses has his first encounter with God and decides to return to Egypt.  I love the way the music suggests the love and mercy of God with gentle choral sections, integrated with brass and percussion to suggest justice of God.

"One Good Woman" - Peter Cetera

I have to admit that Peter Cetera is one of my favorite '80s artists.  Here's a great 'happy-in-love' song from him.

"Be My Baby" - The Ronettes

When I was a baby, my dad would bounce me to this song (and others) - I love the dual meaning that gives to the song!  I think this is my favorite "oldies" song - so cheerful (as so many are) and upbeat!

"Africa" and "Jordan" - William Billings

William Billings (1746-1800) is often considered the father of American choral music, composing many four-part, a cappella pieces.  I was first introduced to Billings' work while I was in Boston, Billings' birthplace.  The harmonies you hear in these songs may sound odd and unfamiliar at first, and if I ever learn enough music theory to describe why, I will tell you.  (Or, if some of you music folks out there know, please do share!)

This first song, "Africa," is a joyful tune, applied to Isaac Watts' hymn about the saving power of God (click for more info about this song).

The second song, "Jordan," - also with text by Isaac Watts - compares death to crossing the Jordan River and describes the delights of the next life, not unlike "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" from last week's Sunday post.

Recommendations, Week 3! ("Cantate Domino" and "Every Season")

Keep the recommendations coming!  It is great to be introduced to more GUM :)

This recording is of a group called "Salt Lake Vocal Artists."  I love the energy of this setting by Josu Elberdin of the text "Cantate Domino," which I hadn't heard before.

A grateful, faithful song for any time of year....

"Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman

"You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" - Josh Groban

When this song came out, it always made me feel better when times were hard.  I love the inspiring message that you aren't alone, and that everyone has tough times, but you can make it!

(Click here for the official video, which can't be embedded.)

Theme from "Chariots of Fire"

You have probably heard this music in some parody or another, but here is the actual scene from the movie for which it was written....  This movie is an inspiring story about two British runners who competed in the 1924 Olympics.  I recommend it!  (Wikipedia: Chariots of Fire)

"Julie-O" by Mark Summer/Kevin Olusola

Hip-hop + cello!  What a fun combination : )  I guess this is what happens when good cellists get bored....

(Arrangement by Kevin Olusola, who is a member of the "Sing-Off"-winning a cappella group, the Pentatonix.)

Here is the original....

(this video makes me dizzy....)

"Haven't Met You Yet" - Michael Buble

I love the optimism in this song....  It's as though any day - maybe tomorrow - you could meet the love of your life!
[click here for the Official video (embedding not allowed)]
An unofficial video....

"The Girl I Mean to Be" from The Secret Garden - Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon

On the one occasion where I auditioned for a school musical, this is the song I sang.  I love the simplicity of the lyrics and how they convey a young girl's wish for a place of her own.

"Just a Kiss" - Lady Antebellum

A sweet pop-country song.  The group Lady Antebellum has such a warm, real sound that gives a feeling of sincerity to their music.

"African Alphabet" - Sesame Street

Another favorite from Sesame Street - amazing how these stick with you for so long!

"Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" - Alice Parker

This energetic sacred hymn is one of many traditional American hymns that anticipate the next life with joy.

(My recording is from BYU Singers, and is slightly different.)

"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" - text Isaac Watts

This hymn has such comforting and faith-filled words, it's no wonder that there are multiple beautiful arrangements of it.  This first (Virgil Thomson) uses consistent harmonies across the verses, yet the moving parts give momentum throughout.  The second (Mack Wilberg) is a beautiful arrangement that adds harp and oboe, and varied harmonies that build until the climax in the final verse.  And, I was going to put a third, but I can't find a recording of it - maybe on a future post....

the GUM YouTube playlist

Hello fellow GUM lovers - just in case you haven't noticed previously, there is a YouTube playlist on this page (upper right :)

One of the great things about this playlist is that you can play it on your own computer by clicking the "YouTube" icon on that frame.  You can also bookmark that page when you get there.  Right now the playlist has almost 3 hours of GUM!

My cousin also suggested I look into Spotify, so I'll check that out, too!  (I'd been planning to make this post today, it just happened to coincide with your suggestion!  Thanks :)

As always, enjoy!

Recommendations: Week 2 ("Song for a Winter's Night" and "Reach")

Thanks for the recommendations, everyone!  (sorry for not posting yesterday!)
This week we have a sweet romantic song and another "I can do it" song.  Enjoy!

"Song for a Winter's Night" - Gordon Lightfoot

"Reach" - Gloria Estefan (from the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games)

After a week of cello... ("Roman Carnival" and "Cello Wars")

It's been a busy week with a lot of cello!  Here are two light-hearted pieces, one that I've heard a lot of this week, and another, just for fun!  Enjoy!

Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture - Stokowski/Philadelphia

Cello Wars (Star Wars Parody) Lightsaber Duel - Steven Sharp Nelson

"It Takes Two" from "Into the Woods" - Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine

After struggling to find the ingredients to reverse a witch's curse, a baker realizes he needs his wife's help.  And Sondheim's clever lyrics and Lapine's mixed ballad-patter melody take it from there!

"I Have a Dream" - ABBA

A classic "I-can-do-it" song, with that characteristic ABBA sound.  I suppose the guitar is meant to hint at harps?  You can decide that one....

(Bonus!  Pictures of polar bears!  ...and a seal.)

"Downtown" - Petula Clark

This upbeat song never fails to bring a smile to my face.  A few years ago I sang it as I walked to Downtown Disney, which Miss Petula Clark would really think is the happiest place on earth!

"I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" - Sesame Street

This is my all-time favorite Sesame Street song!  It has such a sweet sentiment, and the simple melody adds a feeling of innocence.  Here are two versions, the original, and the duet with Aaron Neville (both are official).