for Six Sentence Stories where the given word is Eruption.
.
One evening in 2013 I joined a vast audience to witness a performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. As soon as I returned home, I wrote a 350-word vignette which I still consider to be one of my favourite pieces of writing.
The following is a six-sentence summary of what I recall. The memory of that evening will stay with me forever. I’ve placed a recording of the final chorus below should you choose to listen whilst reading.
‘
.
Thousands fill the vast arena, expectant, excited, impatient.
As the orchestra assembles on stage the choir files to the rear.
To spontaneous applause, the leader appears violin in hand, followed by the conductor who acknowledges his welcome, turns to the musicians, taps his baton on the rostrum then raises it.
Wrapped in a lush blanket of sound, I close my eyes and everyone disappears, it’s just me and the music, rising and falling, carrying me with it, on and on.
I shudder as it reaches its magnificent climax then a moment’s silence is followed by an eruption of thunderous applause, people standing, clapping, shrieking for more.
And so ends a night of passion.
The original piece on which my Six Sentence Story is based can be found HERE
Thanks to Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge for hosting.
On such nights it is best to keep one’s eyes closed and ears open and receptive.
That’s exactly what I do Frank!
Well done Keith – sounds an amazing night … cheers Hilary
It was and I’ve had many such experiences since. Thanks, Hilary
Passionate ones ??? Or don’t you mention those ???!!!! Cheers – no answer needed, other than a laugh and some memories … H
No comment!!!
An awesomely painted scene Keith
That’s really kind of you Sadje.
👍🏼
You took me right there with your words and vivid imageries dear Keith.
If this isn’t utter bliss then what is?
Happy Summer Solstice. 🙂
My idea of heaven! Thanks so much for your kind words, Natasha.
‘Wrapped in a lush blanket of sound, I close my eyes and everyone disappears, it’s just me and the music…’
Beautiful, Keith. Some music does this to us and you describe the experience, albeit a shortened version of the original, in a way that takes us right into it. Thank you. I shall put this on my list of pieces to lexplore.
Thanks so much Jenne. Three weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a concert by the RSNO at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. If ever they have a performance of the Passion, I’ll probably be heading north again!
Well, well, old turd, maybe you do have a soul after all!
Great piece of music.
I do believe I have, but I try not to advertise the fact! It is indeed a fabulous work.
How fortunate you were to attend. Music produces sensations hard to describe. Six Sentences is/was enough for us to understand your passion.
It certainly does. I’m glad it came across, thank you So much.
Wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing your passion.
The pleasure was and is mine, Patricia!
Reminds me of a cartoon I saw recently along the lines of ‘How hard can conducting be? You pick up a stick, the music starts and when it stops, you turn and bow.’ Sounds like a great night,
A similar thought has occurred to me many times! It was Doug, thank you.
Nice to be carried away by, and in, the moment, Keith! Such moments are worth remembering.
Absolutely Tom. Thanks for dropping by.
You paint with words
That’s so kind of you Paul, thank you.
Wonderful music, excellent Six.
(I’ve never tried that, to write of the experience of listening to music. Seems to me to be quite a daunting challenge, the primary object being something that, in most of us, establishes connections and creates associations within the listener, with or without their cooperation.)
It’s a challenge worth accepting, it takes you to another place. Thanks so much.
It sounds like it was glorious!
It was indeed Mimi.
This is beyond wonderful, magnificent–thank you, thank you 🙂
Wow, what a lovely compliment. Thanks so much.
And it’s 100% sincere! You’re most welcome 🙂
I followed your suggestion, Keith and listened to the piece while reading your Six. It totally enhanced my experience. What a glorious evening it must have been!
I’m so pleased you liked it, Denise, thanks for your generous words.
You’ve so wonderfully set the scene, led us to our seats, dimmed the lights, and provided the music.
Thank you, thank you!!
Thanks so much, Liz. If I’d known I’d have bought you a drink in the interval!
Skol! Anyway… 🙂
It seems you had a MetaPhysic experience…the Aristotle way. And music can do it in such a powerful way.
(one of the things we have missed the past two aand a half years…that communion)
Hats off.