Tomas

” Kindness is to use one’s will to guard one’s speech and conduct so as not to injure anyone.” —Oral Tradition, Omaha

I don't recall anyone posting any of Aaron Copeland's (1900-1990) works. Billy the Kid, Rodeo, Appalachian Spring and his most well known work written for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 1942... "Fanfare for the Common Man". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Zt4q1Xa8w

It is now April 25th in Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC DAY. A day Of remembrance for Aussie and Kiwi soldiers who fought and died in various wars. ANZAC - Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Originally referred only to Gallipoli campaigners, then to all World War I soldiers, and later extended to any Aussie or Kiwi soldiers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK6rZ--DhZM

"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus

Washington Post: "ELLENTON, Fla. - After 146 years, the curtain is coming down on “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus told The Associated Press that the show will close forever in May." Sad!! I can remember being taken to the circus when I was just a kid, so very long ago. The elephants and other animals, the clowns, the acrobats, the bearded lady and other sideshow attractions.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

What another would have done as well as you, do not do it. What another would have said as well as you, do not say it; what another would have written as well, do not write it. Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself- and thus make yourself indispensable. Andre Gide l

Gene Wilder has passed away, reportedly of complications from Alzheimer's. He was 83. The Boston Globe notes Wilder died "late Sunday in Stamford, Connecticut," where he had lived for many years.

Liturgical music of the Renaissance, Tallis Scholars GREGORIO ALLEGRI ( 1582-1652 ) THOMAS TALLIS ( 1505-1585 ) WILLIAM BYRD ( 1539-40-1623 ) JOSQUIN DES PREZ ( 1440-1521 ) ALONSO LOBO ( 1555-1617 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEQPwGulk_s&t=751s [00:00] Gregorio Allegri, Miserere [12:31] Thomas Tallis, Spem in alium William Byrd, Mass for 5 Voices [22:20] Kyrie [23:47] Gloria [28:42] Credo [37:23] Sanctus - Benedictus [41:11] Agnus Dei Josquin Desprez, Missa Pange lingua [00:44:37] Kyrie [00:47:31] Gloria [00:51:52] Credo [00:58:55] Santus - Benedictus [01:06:53] Agnus Dei I, II, III [01:14:06] Alonso Lobo, Versa est in luctum

Jean-Philippe Rameau (French: 25 September 1683 – 12 September 1764) was one of the most important French composers and music theorists of the Baroque era. He replaced Jean-Baptiste Lully as the dominant composer of French opera and is also considered the leading French composer for the harpsichord of his time, alongside François Couperin. The Following was used in the 2004 French film “Les Choristes”. Hymn to the night (La Nuit) Choir: Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc Soloist: Jean-Baptiste Manieur https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMwLt-HlI0E Lyrics [English Translation] The Night O night, come and bring the earth The calm spell of your mistery Its ushering shadow is so sweet So sweet is the concert of your fingers singing hope So great is your power changing everything into a happy dream O night, leave the earth a little longer The calm spell of your mistery Your ushering shadow is so sweet Is there a beauty as beautiful as dream? Is there a truth sweeter than hope?

Composers over the years have written a huge variety of compositions. Some to tell a story... for example: Mozart, Rossini, Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini. These composers and others also composed music in an attempt to describe places and things... Sibelius: "Finlandia", Debussy: "La Mer", Handel: Water Music, Respighi: "Pines and Fountains of Rome". For events... Handel: "Royal Fireworks" and several coronation anthems: "Zadok the Priest" for one. There are symphonies sonatas, concertos. Music to express joy. Music in praise of a deity, from the plainchant of monks to great choral works. Music featuring every type of instument including the voice. Before this gets too very long, there is also music that was composed to be light hearted and fun. Meant to provoke laughter and amusement. The following is of that kind. It is usually performed as an encore after a concert. It is attributed to Rossini, but there is some disagreement to that attribution. Here it is being performed by Les Petits Chanteurs a la Croix de Bois (PCCB). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMdn0ezJxUE

We have had violins, organs, accordions, vocal music and composers. I thought I'd throw in at least one guitar piece. Concierto de Aranjuez (1939) - Joaquín Rodrigo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye-FvKCZp3s

More Organ and some Bach together. Enjoy!! Bach Trumpet & Organ Concerto D major BWV 972 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUYVvwaH_qM

There have been a few posts about accordions vs organs, I am surprised that there doesn't seem to be any organ performance posts. When I was young, (more years ago than I like to remember) I had a friend who had a Hammond organ and he was willing to teach me, but having no place to practice and my family living on the poor side of town purchasing one was way out of the question, it never happened. But, I enjoy listing. Toccata (from 5th Symphony) by Charles-Marie Widor Cavaillé-Coll Organ at Saint-Ouen, Rouen, France! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZDp8hw7xUE

If its choral music whether religious or secular I usually prefer boy choirs. One of my favorite pieces is "Going Home". William Arms Fisher, a pupil of the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak, wrote the lyrics to and adapted the music to the theme of Dvorak's 2nd Movement (Largo) to the New World Symphony. The version that I like is by the Czech Boys Choir. Unfortunately, it isn't available on line (AT least that I have been able to find). The only place that I have found it is on their 2003 album "Boni Pueri" (Good Boys). There is a YouTube video of a Libera version which isn't bad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzeLIoIveuA&feature=youtu.be

I've never been overly fond of violin music, but there is one exception... Max Bruch Violin Concerto op26 #1 in g minor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l38LBIHGyrs

Hmmm! I like so many works of classical composers I really don't think that I can honestly pick only one or any one of their works, but I can at least provide a list of some of the composers. I do think that I tend more toward the Russian composers than some of the others. Partial list: Prokofiev Rimsky-Korsakov Tchaikovsky Stravinsky Shostakovich Rachmaninov Sibelius Dvorak Grieg Vivaldi Smetana Vaughan Williams

For our Aussie and Kiwi friends it’s ANZAC Day. ANZAC Day is observed in Australia and New Zealand each April 25th. It started after World War One, “The Great War”, “The war to end all wars”, as a day of remembrance to honor the Australian and New Zealand veterans and their fallen comrades victims of that war. I’m not sure, but I think that it may have since been expanded to include all wars and peacekeeping operations. The following is basically an Aussie song, but it does tell the story of ANZAC Day fairly well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK6rZ--DhZM

Looks like the type of paintings that were done by Jackson Pollock, but there have been many abstract artists and it could have been painted by any one of them.

One of the reasons that I left Minnesota about 32 years ago. I don't mind precipitation as long as it is in liquid form and doesn't change into anything frozen.

Casting Alan Rickman as Snape in the Harry Potter film series showed at least a touch of genius. I doubt there was another actor who could have portrayed Snape with as much finese, power and yes compassion as Alan. The world is made a little less bright with his passing. Rest in peace, Alan Rickman. You will be missed.

I'll be looking forward to it.

"Ashes of Fate" was the first story that I read, and it was what lead me to read "Rumors of War" and the "Logan and Seth Series". Then on to "The Navigator" and now "Return With Honor". Of course I have been reading them on that other site and it is the first place I go when I start browsing on Wednesday's. Never been much of a fan of short stories. I was unaware that any had been posted here on GA. I guess as I've aged I've become a creature of routine. HaHa! Oh well... in any case know that I enjoy your writing and have not been disappointed yet. Take care.

Interesting article about the stone, but this is about "Return With Honor." After reading Chapter 5, I think I have sorted the characters: Elder Hadley [Jason] A 'died in the wool', 'straight-laced' creation of the Church. He is putting his time in so that he can return an continue his life as a faithful adult of the Church. Elder Knight [Chris] The outsider. A convert who brings in his experiences from other than the 'Church' and is the foil to Jason's orthodoxy. Elder Phillips [Luke] The rebel. He knows and accepts who and what he is and is looking to get away from the strictures of the Church for a time. Elder Dumont [Gary] In denial of his true self. He is using the mission to try and resolve the conflict between what he feels and the teachings of the Church. Of course, it is likely that I am way off base about characters but the one thing I learned in reading Cynus's other novels and the "Logan and Seth Series", expect the unexpected. Oh well... on to the next chapter.

I don't believe anyone here, myself included, is suggesting an author of on line free stories owes a reader anything. But a short note, if the author is still among the living, saying, "I am unable to continue this story.' would be nothing more than a courtesy.