Bach & Liturgical
In organizing my upcoming anthology book, to be published this coming month of July, by Oxford University Press, I am very interested and touched that Bach, who wrote endlessly to liturgical texts and perfected counterpoint and fugue beyond which no composer has ever been able to exceed, contributed-upon entering the musical science society, Mitzler Society-a set of canonic variations on the Christmas hymn, “Vom Himmel hoch" (From Heaven High). Bach apparently aspired to individually honoring Christmas, while exhibiting his overriding inventions. He was clearly a boy after my own heart. I love the idea of honoring Christmas in every form, shape, and size, as well!
Try, Try Again
Bertrand Russell once said, "What's the worst that can happen? You can fail! So then, you pick yourself up, rethink and regroup, and try again."
Whether in love, in business, in diet, or whatever, it is the understanding that "try, try again" has real validity. Trying a first time is just the beginning, not the ending! There is something to be said for the adage:
"Success is about how much rejection one can endure."
Translations in Poetry
"Singing translations" are, as one might guess, translations that one can sing, in rhyme. That is, the prerequisites of "singing translations" are original to translations, per se, as "singing translations" need to fit the specifics of a composer's musical format, while also complimenting-in meaning and text rhythm and rhyme-the original poet's poetry. As opposed to simple translations, "singing translations" are actually translations in poetry.
I have just completed many "singing translations," which will be listed along with the original languages in my upcoming anthology-to be published in July, by Oxford University Press. Should a singer, therefore, wish to sing in English, as opposed to the five original foreign languages offered by the diverse master poets and master composers, he or she may sing my "singing translations."
An Experience
In thinking about circumstance, I think about prayer and the expectations of it for oneself and others. I feel prayer is not necessarily meant as a route to achieve the things desired, as if turning a knob or opening a door-albeit one surely connects to a spiritual power source in thoughtful prayer. Moreover, prayer is about letting go of those things to which we are bountifully attached, including fear and, if you will, desire, in order to find a way to connect to a spiritual power source. Prayer is an "experience" and, in that, we release the "thought out" and rest in the nature and essence of the spiritual. It is about a relaxed change in ourselves, not about altering the world of circumstance. That is, prayer is not only about isolated individuality, but also a chance to belong to and to experience the amazement of a universal life force, personally as well as communally. In this, it is very possible that we open doors to ourselves, to others and to new circumstance, and can experience change through the facets of grace.
Passion
The luxury of being in touch with ones passion is surely communing with the purity of soil, from which come the fruits of the soul's fulfillment-, not the least of which is understanding trust!
A Leader
The fundament of successful leadership brings with it several ingredients, not the least of which is understanding the use of time and the ability to create and follow a vision.
Knowledge brings with it a comfortable feeling of 'oneness with the world,' surely part of a leader's tools, and it also opens doors to a feeling of tolerance with respect to responsibility, expectation, and endurance of success.
A desire and a plan for the innovatively out-of-the-ordinary is a leader's high priority, as well as simply getting the job done. But always present is a trust that the motivation of oneself and of others to achieve is a natural ally.
A true leader wields power, though not through an obtuse manipulation of others for personal gain out of a 'control or competition fanaticism,' rather through a true intention and global satisfaction in seeing success in others, always looking at the 'greater picture. This is human-quality-substance of the highest integrity!
Summer
While in Europe's land of summer, and, while 'circling the globe in flight all the night, this little ditty probed my thoughts with delight':
"Now summer is hot,
Whether you like it or not,
And summer means beaches
And that means tight breeches,
With bodies all trim,
Toned up and quite slim.
Full of smiles of esteem,
In the Sun’s happy gleam,
Each flaunts his own stuff,
Sometimes showing the buff,
But relaxed and quite free,
As it really should be,
Because less is a bummer,
Than enjoying this hummer,
And the ways and the plays
of the jolliest days
Of a 'gleeful' and meaningful summer.” JM
Expressed Vernacular in Performance
The Parma, Brescia, Milano countryside areas have a relaxed, perfumed sweetness, while one leaves focus on noble and beloved Verdi and gets down and dirty with slang in recital performance and associated master class - at the end of the week - weekend.
Being transported into the sculpted countryside, one experiences a clue into the lap of each town and its individual expression. The hues of location offer a palate of clues into the verbal vernacular, so colorfully and diversely captivated by so many of the world's great creators. Surely worth delving into in performance. What fun!
Italian Coffee
There's something about the smooth melody in Italian coffee that simply gives "ping" to a day. I have to be careful not to "stand up" like a guitar string, what with laughingly modest portions?! But, when the pressure's "on," this Italian potion simply gathers you at your center. Aint life grand!
Exemplary Aloneness
I am reminded of one's necessity to endure aloneness, as I focus on the character facets of Leonora in Verdi's opera, La Forza del Destino. In Leonora's case, her aloneness is a self-imposed prison of exile, and, if you will, a self abuse-due to the guilt she feels with familial circumstances in which she was involved, and the accidental death of her father. Never-the-less, Leonora's personal endurance, and her continual focus upon her own story, without deviation, is surely the self-imposed abuse she seeks, and it shows us all her unwavering trust in her unbeknownst strength at enduring isolation. In this way, it is an example to us all. The ability to be alone, self-imposed or not, is a major step in building a staircase to character strength. We all can learn from Leonora's story.
Additionally, the infinite vocal and spiritual heights and depths to which Verdi takes Leonora, carry her beyond earthly awareness, and at times describe her anguished soul, while also empowering it and the souls of her listeners. This work crosses boundaries. It is a sanctioned gift of lyrical genius!
Verdi's Monastery
It is not a secret that my career statement is strongly associated with Russia, and I do love the Russians and their far-reaching and innovatively creative musical and generally artistic facets. I also have a particular affinity for the Italians, particularly Verdi and Verdi's operas, including his unmatched "Requiem." Verdi's writing and understanding of the voice is medicine for the voice-even the notorious vocal demands of "Nabucco" or "Attila." It is, however, the spiritual element in his opera "La Forza del Destino" that is so present in this piece, and so addictive. The story of this opera seems far-fetched, and yet Verdi's melodic fantasy and musical savvy supercedes all ability to fathom. Verdi created a vessel striking in majesty and glorious grace. Performing this work, soon in Italy, I'm sure to be again swept up in the spiritual commitment of the experience. Quite literally like entering a monastery.
Charm of the Vernacular
My own recital performances of vocal works based on songs from Mahler's Des Knaben Wunderhorn (Youth's Magic Horn) have inspired me to construct my upcoming recital and master class theme, in Como and Brescia, on various composers who wrote to words specifically in the vernacular:
Mahler, Respighi, Tosti, Brahms, to name just a few, were inspired by text exhibiting their individual country's charm in the vernacular-creating a particular métier for these works. Sometimes it's part of the necessary tools of the trade to kneel into the cultivation of slang in performance.
Emotions & Belief
It would seem that emotions propel thoughts into reality by the intensity of belief coupled with action. When critical mass of thought and wise endeavor has been sought and reached, reality unfolds.
Giving
Honoring your time and worth in offering to other's prosperity is very different from pouring time and energy into other's need. The former has value and self-worth. The latter gives yourself away in place of others.
Healthy prosperity is a balanced exchange-scenario of give and take. One-sided benevolence has a different chime.
Voice Within
What others say to you can be a reflection of a voice within you, but it is very often a voice within those speaking. If others are critical of you, it is often a reflection of who they are and how they see the world and themselves in it. Be fair to yourself, and others, as you assess criticism.
Fear is a Paralysis of Misconception
Envy brings one to an inactive state. One feels overwhelmed. If an envious being would disregard his fears of not possessing that certain "something" he feels so imperative to his life-heroicness, and realize that another may have crossed his path to be the very mirror he needs into himself, he might abandon his fears and his misuse of necessary energy and kneel into the knowledge that he is as individually special, in his fashion, as another in his or hers.
Every child is born with the same equipment proportioned differently. We all have something of everything. Envy zaps unnecessary spiritual energy and fear is a paralysis of misconception!
Release What You Give
I feel that giving good advice, pieces of clothing, science tips...whatever...it is the total giving, without post-contemplation, that creates plenty for the parties involved. Be happy and comfortable with the success of the enlightened individual, the newly clothed party, and/or the universal wisdom imparted, and release the gift to them. This is the success, and any post-contemplation or reconsideration is hampering and hindering to energy flow. Do the contemplating before the giving, not after it...
Listening
You can open your intuition by listening to your feelings and acting upon them. When you have an urge to do something, do it. Following your intuition requires a great deal of trust and faith. Thoughts and feelings are "signs and indicators." These are not willy-nilly momentary flights of fancy. Have the courage to listen to them. When I have not followed the indications my intuition has given me, I have paid for years!
Contracts Create
"People sign contracts so that parties agree to the terms,
So that there are no snags, struggles, or hidden 'worms,'
And often this process of coming to an agreement
Generates a clarity anong people that is pertinent,
Promoting a love and a graceful harmony,
And increasing a valued and a genuine honesty." JM
Composer Gottfried von Einem's Slant
Gottfried von Einem, one of Austria's great composers, and from whom I sang three song cycles and World Premieres-with the renown accompanist Erik Werba and also the Vienna Symphony-had an interesting slant on Lieder and Lieder singing:
Einem’s thinking about songs was of interest, in that he felt that songs were the most tender of pictures-whatever their mood or color-in which the human voice would navigate the mood coloration and technical delivery of the composition. Einem felt that the centered relaxation and the guiding of a singer's breath were paramount to all great song delivery, and to that of all great recital singers. He felt an utmost hunger for word meaning and the colors of meaning were a necessity to song and to recital singers, and that an accomplished song was like a “picture with eternal grace.”
Anecdote-Testimonials to Conductor Rafael Kubelik
Anecdotes, requested by the Kubelik people, which document testimonials to conductor Rafael Kubelik, are found at this link: http://vagne.free.fr/kubelik/marsh.htm
Conductor Rafael Kubelik's magic was versatile and compassionate conducting, and colorful and passionate musical description.
Seldom have I worked with such a strong conducting leader without his offering threat to his surrounding world. This is a rarity. This man and his celebrated and great talents are missed!
Deutsche Oper vs. Bayerische Rundfunk
There’s a saying, which states that it’s “hell to be popular”. Well, I can tell you that circumstances arise where this saying really applies!
I had been asked to sing the original version (in Russian) of Stravinsky’s Les Noces, with Mo. Rafael Kubelik and the Bayerische Rundfunk in Munich, Germany. Mo. Kubelik was a superb conductor and a wonderful man, whom I honored and liked very much.
Three days before I was to be in Munich to start rehearsals for Stravinsky’s Les Noces, I received an S.O.S. call-offer to take over the title role in the Premiere of Weber’s little known opera Euryanthe in Berlin, Germany, at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. This was a very nice invitation, even if a bit life threatening time wise. They wanted me at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, because they all knew that I had previously sung Euryanthe in Dresden and at the Bruckner Festival in Linz, so they knew that this was something with which I could help them, if I were free to sing.
The Premiere of Euryanthe was in two days! I would be able to take over the Premiere of Euryanthe in Berlin and still arrive in Munich in time to start rehearsals for Les Noces with Mo. Kubelik. My only fear was that there might be problems if I were to be offered further performances of Euryanthe at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, creating conflict with the rehearsals and radio broadcast of Les Noces in Munich, at the Bayerische Rundfunk, and that contract, of course, had precedent. This concerned me, but I couldn’t think about it. I had to focus on the short time at hand, and I knew that everyone in Berlin and Munich was informed of the dates and elements involved.
Off I went to take over the Premiere of the production of Euryanthe, which was very well received and, indeed, I was immediately offered further performances of Euryanthe at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the second performance of which conflicted strongly with rehearsals and the radio broadcast of Les Noces in Munich with Mo. Kubelik. Everyone at the Deutsche Oper Berlin tried to coax Mo. Kubelik to release me from my contract with him and the radio, but he negated that emphatically: “Seldom has there been a singer I have valued as much as Frau Marsh, and for whom I wouldn’t try to be of help in every way, but I will not release her from Les Noces and her contract with me and the radio. Number one, why should I have to…Number two, I will not find a singer I value, in this short time, who knows Les Noces in Russian. Jane Marsh stays with me and Bayerische Rundfunk in Munich! End of discussion!!
The performances of Euryanthe couldn’t take place at the Deutsche Opera Berlin, because another singer couldn’t be found who knew the role of Euryanthe, and the whole production had to be postponed
Do I have to say that sometimes, “it’s Hell to be popular!
Fact of Music - Music of Fact
The tone makes the music.
Media - Gourmets
"Media announcers and gourmets have much in common,
Each informs via the senses,
Zeroing in on combinations,
And assorted ingredients,
To exhibit their personal dominions." JM
Love Transcends
One senses that love operates in, and transcends, the present. By focusing on it in the present, you send it into the future and release it to the past.
Unconditional Love
I always come back to a feeling that "unconditional love" is a transformation of fear, of learning to understand that one needs be the source of love, rather than waiting for this gift from another. It allows, even requires, personal boundaries-that is, a sense of personal worth and identity-, allowing acceptance of others as they are, without expectations, frills or snorkels.
It Comes Down to Self-Image
Because of objective proof, it seldom occurs to an individual that any trouble he may be encountering lies in his own self-image or his own evaluation of himself. He might identify with failure and become it, instead of using it as a radar-feedback, which can guide him to improvement. His core beliefs need changing, which will alter his performance and the objective proof of his own living circumstance. He needs to change his belief system, so that all of his core beliefs are in consistent harmony with each other. It's the inconsistencies that are pulling him down.
The Pigs' Smooth Dance
“Potbelly Pigs are kind and most clever,
But no one ever pays them such a mind, no never,
Cause they like to lie around in the barnyard mud,
Being of skin type recommending that they should,
And their strands of coarse and very straight hair,
Also protect from the sun’s harmful glare,
But their sachet-walk is at a tempo rather slow,
What with their bellies near the ground, down there low,
Though they can cavort incredibly quickly,
Just that fast moving makes them toxic and a bit sickly,
So they tend to lie around in the barnyard there,
Shading themselves from the sun’s potent glare,
But, oh, they yearn for compassion and half a snappy chance,
And then they'll stand right up and show you a festive dance,
While they sweep and sway, with hips like a mambo,
You see the smooth footwork of a dance like the tango.” JM
Voices
“Some voices are like the intensity of a flame,
Leaving us never ever to be the same…
Some voices make our hearts yearn to prance,
Awakening understanding like the brilliance of a dance…
Some voices are filled with a whispering wisdom,
Enchanting us with enlivened optimism...
Some voices make the sky divine as a whole,
And blanket majestic rainbows over our eager awaiting souls.” JM
Horses
“Horses are regal and quite sleek,
Loyal, but not really meek,
Though, preferring their own kind,
They’re not opposed if they find,
That they have to be ridden
By Father, Mother and children.
Loping down the wide trails,
High winds lifting their tails,
They are happy when one
With their family in fun,
Then they pause for a rest
And, if luck serves them best,
At a clear and lush lake,
Where they all can partake
In apples with pulps,
And water in gulps
And a picnic full of surprise.
Then revitalized,
And without much surprise,
They give thanks they’re alive,
Then they go for a swim,
With much splashing and vim,
Just charging the lake,
Horses also partake,
In the greatest display,
Of the greatest of days,
Then home they all go,
Horses, family in toe,
And it’s back to their digs,
House and barnyard with pigs,
Horses happy as pie,
To be able to lie
Upon piles of fresh straw,
On which sometimes they gnaw." JM
A Medication
"Laughter is a medication for the doldrums and blues,
To say nothing of its adding to life’s beautiful hues.” JM
Easter Consolation
"What He and Mary experienced,
Was it not sweet above all secrets,
That He, a little pale still from the grave,
Went to her first, wholly resurrected,
And they were unutterably united in healing...
They had no need to touch each other firmly,
As He laid his hand on the mother's shoulder,
And they began quietly, infinitely together,
Their enduring and close communion,
And eternal consolation." JM
Giraffes
"Giraffes are statuesque and very tall,
Quite the towering creatures over all,
And it’s easy for them to eat off the treetops,
As often the trees stop at their very knee tops,
Making Giraffes quite honestly more complete,
As other animals simply cannot compete,
Plus, there’s a gentleness that all Giraffes do have,
Ever protecting themselves and their very young calves,
As they lope along in the rather hot sun,
Jaunting and prancing and having such fun,
Always with a glint of when to slow down
To graze awhile, so their babies can lounge,
And, though Giraffes are aware that lions might abound,
Giraffes are so tall lions are seldom around,
And Giraffes have a coloring that is impressive too,
With lots of brown spots against a yellowish hue,
Creating interest and, in additional to their size,
Giraffes have the biggest, most extraordinary eyes,
And this makes magnificence in stunning extremes,
So quite the reason to accept that, which does seem
To be living proportions, really massive in glory,
Displaying a unique presence, which tells a unique story,
And then one notes the walk of these creatures,
Mannequin-like and majestic in their magmanimous features.” JM
Wolves
"Wolves are really dogs of the wild,
Intense and cunning, they are not very mild,
But they love the family and just to commune,
A custom to which humans should more strongly attune,
And, as Wolf babies are raised by the pack 'aunties' too,
There is always a babysitter when things are to do,
So the Wolves run the wilds, mostly in packs,
Cornering their prey before they move 'in' for attack,
And it seems to us that this is really quite cruel,
But it is their way and they must live by their rules,
Plus, it shows us how they help each other out,
Always communal effort, with a designated scout,
A designated leader, chosen by the whole group,
Who acts on its behalf and his own behalf to boot.
And when the leader cannot contribute his own stack,
He is ousted completely from the rest of the pack,
And must go it alone, making a life for himself,
Which shows his own strength, a gift in itself,
And sometimes that way he proves again his own worth,
And another pack asks him to fill out its girth,
So it proves the saying: ‘May the very best win,’
And Wolves clearly show this, with their pack rules therein." JM
Moose
“Moose are sort of large and grand deer,
And the males all wear a large headdress gear,
With antlers so huge and great in their size,
That Moose do not even think to try to disguise
Their presence or why to appear they decide,
So they trumpet a very loud announcement noise,
A cow calling of sorts, though in tone of less poise,
Informing all females of just why they are about,
For it is wives for which they are on the lookout,
And upon those large antlers grows a covering skin,
Which over time dries and becomes rather thin,
So a Moose rubs it upon the occasional tree
And it does not take long before he is completely free,
And the shredded skin drops off in big sheets,
Falling to the ground and about the Moose’ feet,
And then he feels all mature and grown up,
Appearing to the world with a puff and a strut,
Showing himself with statuesque aplomb,
Wondering which females would be ready for ‘fun,’
And meanwhile he grazes lakes of thick foliage there
Until he suddenly confronts a 'fiercely' large bear
And then he turns tail and runs for protection,
Hoping the forest will deter bear inspection,
And he can cover himself until the bear loses scent,
Unless the huge bear is on huge hunger bent,
In which case it will be a competition in running,
And those bear are fast and really most cunning,
So, with all the Moose grandeur, he does need to learn,
That a meek verses strong presence is important to discern.” JM
Mary & the Wedding
"Could she be anything other than proud of him, he who beautified the simplest of things for her?
Was not even the high, universal night beside itself with joy when he was born?
Had the wisest men not exchanged their mouths for ears, and was the House of Worship not like new with his voice?
Had she not, hundreds of times, restrained showing her pride in him by choice?
But, at that Wedding Feast in Cana, as unexpectedly there was no wine, she looked to him with request...
One wondrous gesture, she felt, and she did not understand that he seemed to protest..
And then he did it...
She understood later, how she had forced him to do it...
He was really performing wonders and his whole sacrifice was irrevocably predestined...
It stood written...
Was it already fated at that time of the wedding?
She felt she had brought it about in the blindness of her proud vanity...
At the table full of fruits and vegetables she rejoiced with the others...
She did not notice...
The drops of her joyous tears had become blood,
with this wine so wondrous." JM
Bears
"In the spring Bears want to be at their best,
So in the winter Bears like to take a long rest,
And to themselves a while they do keep,
Those Bears, then, really very, very fast asleep.
Motionless, and all steeped in high snow,
Those Bears, therefore, don’t even show
A face or nose, or the scariest pose,
But then, suddenly, and quite fast
Those Bears are all ‘slept out’ at last,
And then they come quite quickly looking
For someone’s nice and very tasty cooking.
Eager, and very much in the mood,
To get quantities and quantities of scrumptious food,
And feeling, actually, a little bit beat,
After such a long and very ‘fasting’ sleep,
Those Bears are really not mannerly at all,
Quite, in fact, rather frighteningly cruel,
As then they sniff out their newly found eats,
‘Wolfing them down, ’ like 'Easter Bunny' treats.” JM
Spring
“When the Sun’s face shows,
And there are no snows,
And the atmosphere’s clean,
And very serene,
With temperatures warmed,
To an occasional storm,
And a great transformation,
Is again in preparation,
Then Nature’s happy ring,
Welcomes in the noble spring,
And within her glory throngs,
Birds are singing budding songs.” JM
Vocal Tools, Tastes & Traditions
Opera is a form of enjoyment and expression. People used to sing opera in the streets of Italy, when the style began, as a form of communication, enjoyment and theater. Let us indulge ourselves in this.
If we talk about tools, taste and tradition for opera, we might need to realize that years ago singers of opera were trained with a foundation of "bel canto," which is a way of vocal production, not just a style of singing. This basis of "bel canto," generally enabled the singers to convincingly sing a wide gamut of vocal styles and vocal expressions and gymnastics, training them also to sing and perform a wide repertoire spectrum.
If we exemplify the Verdi Lyrico Spinto Soprano (Lyric Dramatic Soprano), we would see that Verdi expected the same soprano voice to sing all of his soprano roles- from "La Traviata" to "Aida." And, though each of these specific roles covers specific extremes of Verdi's vocal demands, the repertoire itself exemplifies the technical requirements-fortes and pianos, chest voice, spins and extroverted drama-needed and expected for this repertoire, and the training expected of the singer to be able to sing it.
Surely a singer's particular strengths and interests determined her role choices for the long-term of her chosen vocal "look," but the vocal fundaments and training tools were there to make the choices, thus giving way to a broader casting menu.
If a soprano incorporated styles and repertoire from other nationalities into her performing, additional to Verdi, the same soprano might be found singing Pamina in Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte", as well as Violetta and Aida in Verdi's "La Traviata" and "Aida", and Elizabeth in Wagner's "Tannhäuser"-all in the span of several months-, with no mincing in any of these roles. The training enabled the spin for Pamina and the fioritura and drama for Violetta, and all extremes for Aida, as well as the big thrust for Elizabeth.
If Hitler did any good, it could be said that, in forcing many Europeans to flee him and their homelands-needless-to-say, a horror for those fleeing-, it inadvertently brought the great traditions and cultures of those fleeing into other countries, among them the United States. These traditions spread like a "fan belt" far and wide, establishing a United States cultural standard and musical taste and tradition that monopolized the US and the world table, for many years.
The voice and physical stature of a singer, ideally, was once viewed and determined-for convincing "reading"-from the public's point of perspective. Now, with television having entered our lives, the emphasis has moved to "close-up" scrutiny. Television brings an intimate contact with opera, as it brings opera theater and all singers performing opera on television, into the living rooms of the general public throughout the world. This is meant to be a better than good thing.
It might be worth noting that the performances presented on television are telecasts from extremely large opera rooms (United States opera houses hold 3500 people or more, as a general rule). These performances, then, are not only performed for camera, but must carry to a "live" listening public as well. We want to be sure that the "close-ups "read" well physically, vocally and theatrically on television for the camera, just as they would be expected to read well physically, vocally and theatrically in a large opera room, from afar. We want to answer all needs well, as we are starting a magnificent, far reaching, "fan belt" tradition of our own!
Reflection
In reflecting on the potency of recital teamwork, I come back to the thinking that a singer and accompanist teamed in the rhythm of great poetry and the style and color of great musical composition can really exemplify an artistic and spiritual marriage, which can touch not only the listener, but can also open a path for the singer and the accompanist, together, to rejoice in a unique expression of love. The sung word is surely not to be underestimated in its primal impact, and for those who ponder, it is actually widely thought that,
The written word would have the continual and constant impact,
And that the spoken word would have an even greater eternal reach,
But it is the sung word, which has the strongest, most active, deepest, and far reaching vibration.
Singing touches, molecularly, the deepest soul of the universe, caresses and embraces its life.
This, combined with teamed artistry and a heavenliness of exceptional vocal beauty, can create an expression of majesty and enlightened love.
Snow Bunnies
“Snow bunnies are cute and really quite sweet,
But Snow Bunnies are not at all very neat,
And Snow Bunnies are actually miraculously cunning,
As one sees them hip pity hop running,
Through forests and fields,
Sniffing tidbits for meals,
As they’re being quite nosy,
With all the wild posies,
‘Cause Snow Bunnies, happily, do quite well match,
While happily cavorting on a snowy white patch,
Which makes them really very difficult to see,
So color protection can certainly be
Advantageous for them against predator collections
Of foxes, wolves, and hoot owl inspections,
And Snow Bunnies are high in the family sort of way,
With brothers and sisters for play every day,
As Snow Bunnies have bushels and bushels and bushels of children,
More than ever would be thought of by you in a million,
So that is why Snow Bunnies are not very neat,
‘Cause there are just too many little bunny feet
Scampering around in the small bunny hut,
Driving their mother understandably ‘nuts,’
With all of those things that little bunnies crave,
But discipline is strong, so the bunnies behave.” JM
Schubert's Cultural-Social Statement
In recently reading through the vocal works of Franz Schubert-particularly his songs-, I found continual reinforcement that, Schubert's cultural-social statement is important and clearly noteworthy, for any era.
Schubert's response to the new rising forms of social organization of his era discovered that songs could serve as a medium for reshuffling the fundamental building blocks of identity and desire, especially sexual desire. His songs project a multi-array of human types, all of whom are tangibly eligible for a sympathetic response, even the most disconcerting of these types. I find Schubert's contribution a huge statement, apropos to any historical time. Psychiatrists should have a field day with Schubert's material!
Laughter is an Attack of Life's Delights
"Releasing endorphins and raising the sights
Of life's pure enjoyment way up to its heights,
Laughter is a pleasure really very well known,
As a wonderful way to keep events as ones own." JM
Thoughts Create Miracles
Is it not true that, as one thinks, so does one receive? The emotional honesty in ones thinking is the integrity and result of ones living experience, and, if one is seeking a quantum leap and change in his living circumstance, it is surely the thinking, focus and integrity of love, which can create the miracle. A thought!
Modest Mussorgsky's Reflections
The ingredients and process of great artists do not always follow the "textbook format," and Modest Mussorgsky, who occupies a place in my upcoming anthology, soon to be published by Oxford University Press, is a prime example of this.
With an erratic musical education, Mussorgsky worked as a civil servant and wrote music only part-time, only minimally, if at all, influencing his contemporaries. His early death, due to alcoholism, left a small body of work. Yet, Modest Mussorgsky was a towering figure in nineteenth century Russian music. His toils with personal trials and tribulations were eventually somewhat relieved when he joined a choir and discovered Russian church music, leaving a profound imprint on his attitude toward his own later work:
"Art is a means of communicating with people, and not an aim in itself. This guiding principle has defined the whole of my creative activity." Modest Mussorgsky
Proceeding from the conviction that human speech is strictly controlled by musical laws, Mussorgsky considered the function of art to be the reproduction of musical sounds not merely of feelings, and this applied, first and foremost, to his feeling about human speech.
I find Mussorgsky's reflections interestingly individual and profound.
Receiving Affection
I always feel that it is a wonderful gift to receive affection. Being open to affection is a major compliment to the one offering it and to the gift itself, to say nothing of acknowledging the importance of yourself to receive it.
Walking Ones Talk
One of the great gifts we can give to each other is the example of our own lives working.
Whether this is, as example, standing up to opposition and winning people who are opposed-due to preconception or false information-or whether it is owning up to acknowledging personal failings and flaws, or completing school...Whatever the commitment, it doesn't always have to be smooth sailing or a clean slate to exemplify that things are on track. It is the forward motion of things, the professionalism and integrity behind the process that counts, and, at all cost, being true to oneself, ones talents and abilities, however big or small, and the genuine interest in truth for oneself and others...Walking ones talk is enlightening to oneself and to others.
Peter Cornelius
In my upcoming publication, due in May, one of the several composers represented is the Romantic Era's German composer, Peter Cornelius, famous for his opera "Barber of Baghdad," and famous in song, particularly, for his "Christmas Songs" (Weihnachtslieder).
What many may not know is that Peter Cornelius was really a very prolific song composer, and thought of himself as a “poet-composer.” He wrote half of the poems for his own songs, not just those for his "Christmas Songs," as is widely thought. He was respected among his colleagues, many of whom set many of Cornelius' poems to their own music. I find this sort of information enlightening.
It was thought, and quite correctly, that Cornelius had a feel for rhyme. He exemplified this, to the extreme, by often constructing his German poetry with sentences of rhyme within rhyme, so English "singing translations," for his material, mean creating rhyme within rhyme, as well. This is an extra hurdle for the translator, considering that the "singing translations" need fit the "double-whammy" rhyme of the Cornelius German and the designed rhythm of the Cornelius composition.
Great Artists
Great artists, in any field, have a rare and uncanny ability to view our lives and world anew, to experience life head on, without filtering it through beliefs, expectations, and preconceptions. They are able to capture a faded sense of wonder, and experience a life filled with uncensored riches.
Putting these "divine experiences," if you will, into words-written or spoken-allows all of us to see with newborn vision and feel with truly open heart.
Discussion Responsibility
The tone of a discussion takes on an organic quality always, and it will evolve in whatever way it needs to evolve. If you think too far ahead, you will keep yourself from communicating, and that is counterproductive.
Those people who naturally emit a strong sense of joy-if you will, effervesence-can carry a mood and conversation, and instill an attractiveness into it, and into a conversation partner, with their focused and attentively caring positivism.
Enormously winning, as well, is finding oneself in the midst of a good listener. Listening is a basic way to connect with another person. Caring attention, whether flowing or still, is the most powerful thing we can give each other. It's even possible to find the former and later qualities, and quantities, in one individual, and it's up to that individual to fine tune the energy output according to the discussion partner. A responsibility worth taking, considering the gift.
Addiction in Perfectionism
Perfectionism is an addictive idea. Getting an A on a test, for example, is so all important. Enjoyment is threatened to status. Both are possible, but one gets obscured in the addiction.
Fortunately, nobody seems to be born a perfectionist, so it is possible to recover from this addiction and still achieve goals, experience success, and thrive with enjoyment.
The perfectionist tends to see in life that which is lacking, needs correcting, is flawed, and Perfectionism threatens to break your heart, literally, if you overstress massively, to say nothing of all the hearts around you.
The beautiful essence of an act is lost to the wind, as all that appears important is the kill, the win, the high number...But the worst symptom of all is the perfectionist's lack in seeing the difference between "love" and "approval."
Could this be the "heart" of the matter?!
Mo. Aronovitch's Watch & Jane's Pants
Anecdotes are really a wonderful part of the fun, and I recount this experience, as, in creating Russian transliterations for my upcoming music anthology-to be published in May 2008-I have recently been in deep discussion about some of my Russian repertoire:
The Russian repertoire suits me and has been associated with me over the years, due to my being the first singer to win the Gold Medal in the famed International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, so I was not surprised, but still honored and challenged, at being invited to the noted Italian festival in Perugia, "Festivale di Sagra Umbra Perugia." This festival was founded by the noted Mo. Siciliani (then, Chief of the RAI Italiano-Italian Radio & Television-and Teatro alla Scala Milano, and the conceptual creator of the famed fall timed, "Festivale di Sagra Umbra Perugia").
Mo. Yuri Aronovitch (former Chief of the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra) knew me from my Russian triumph and asked Mo. Siciliani to engage me in the title part of Fevronia-in the original and antiquated Russian-in Rimsky-Korsakov’s "Invisible City of Kitish and the Maiden Fevronia," to be performed at the festival.
At a rehearsal, noticing Mo. Aronovitch’s extraordinary watch, I commented with glee and admiration, "Oh Yuri (first names are etiquette and custom in Russia), what a wonderful watch!" Whereupon, he took it off and handed it to me, saying: "In MY country when someone admires something, it means she wants it."
I said, "Yuri, we're not in YOUR country, we're in Perugia and I love your watch, but I don't want it", and I handed it back to him. He would have none of it and refused to accept this gorgeous thing back, so I gave it to the chambermaid in our hotel and asked that she put it in his room, only to find that he’d done the same, and I would find the watch back in my room.
This went on until I realized his resolve and stubbornness, so we continued intensely to work on the beautiful and massively long piece at hand (over 4 hours) and the episode was put aside for the moment.
I was, joyous to everyone, able to have the last laugh, however, when the cast decided to "dress" for a festive cast party, after the final performance at an unusually early hour for Italy-the performance having begun in very early evening.
I, then, wearing Kelly green slacks, a longish tunic and everything coordinated, entered the lobby of our hotel, where everyone was waiting, and Yuri said in a loud voice, "Oh Janetchka, what beautiful greeeeen pants!" Whereupon, I took them off, handed them to Yuri, and went to the party in my underwear and longish tunic. Everyone was screaming with laughter, having experienced the "watch" episode earlier in the rehearsal period, to say nothing of screaming at my impromptu outfit!
This story makes me laugh just recounting it. A wonderful scene and a fun resolution for all!
Process Can Determine Quality
In mulling over my thoughts recently, a phrase continually presented itself to me, and I feel this is imporant "keywording" and a reality check during the inevitable procedure toward anything:
"The process of getting there is the quality of being there."...The point being, "enjoy the process." It makes the whole gamut one experiences an adventurous party!
Extraordinary Craft & Communication
In focusing on a book, recently given me, about the great opera singing actress, Astrid Varmay, I am drawn to a thought about communication in general. The extraordinary can be communicated extraordinarily. Speaking as well as doing is a big asset.
Extraordinarily high level creative artists often speak an artistic language, off-stage, as it were, which is exclusive to few. But if you can "tune into" them and their world, you are in the midst of a gold mine of incredibly satisfying learning material. Such high-level types talk in the stratospheres and many do not communicate easily and simply to the average John Doe, and often the challenge to do so is parochial to this level of creator. Moreover, their communication "thinking-tools" are bolted high for the average guy. They speak, so to say, "doctor talk" unwittingly. Seldom can such an individual get genuinely "uncomplicated," when communicating about his craft, often leaving part of the world out. If such an extraordinary individual also has the ability to get extraordinarily simple in dialogue about himself and the tools of his craft, watch out, because an incredible glory can be born!
Self-Worth
Needing people as a validation to personal self-worth gives others the authority over you. Needing people as an expression of your affection and ability to love reinforces your belief in yourself and self-worth.
Another "kettle of fish."
Attitude is Believing
Attitude is the lever to change. If, for example, you are going for a major change in your life, you will have to deal with the attitude and beliefs that kept you from having it in the past.
Mahler's Songs
In rethinking some of my Mahler repertoire for performance and master classes later this year, I am again reminded that Mahler followed Schubert and Schumann in developing the song cycle. Mahler clearly loved a primal expression in the voice, incorporating a potpourri of marvelous themes from "high" and "low" cultures in his song cycles.
Mahler's style stretches from the Classical composers, including the Romantic world as well, with much attention to Beethoven and Wagner. These composers captivated Mahler's interest in creative "development."
Though Mahler never composed an opera, Beethoven's and Wagner's attention to thematic and harmonic originality, and clear musical "development," fascinated Mahler, grasping much of Mahler's creative thinking in regard to his own innovative world of song.
Anthology & Max Reger
Among composer data noted in my soon to be published song anthology, I have included information that I think the public will find amusing: For example, Max Reger-composer of children's songs, among many complicated and diverse instrumental music-wrote these songs, due to the then popular consensus that his music was too difficult. Interesting remedy Reger decided upon to alleviate his sticky situation.
Power of Knowledge
My wise mother often said, "knowledge is power."
I add to this, that knowledge nourishes self-esteem and a feeling of oneness with the world.
Those quick, or lengthy, glances through this magazine or that newspaper, or book, are adding fortification to the building blocks of what you know and who you are, to say nothing of those deep and involved conversations!
Changing Destructive Patterns & Ideas
Inappropriate and personally destructive patterns and ideas are changed not by Will necessarily, but by other ideas. One can assume that two powerful ingredients and levers go hand-in-hand with this concept. These are convictions held by almost everyone,
(1) the belief and feeling that one is capable of holding his own, doing his share, exercising a certain amount of independence, and,
(2) the belief that one houses something within, which should not be allowed to suffer indignities.
A Talent is a Gift
A talent is a gift and a gift is something you give.
Tone Makes Music
No matter how trivial, profound or uncomfortable the suggestion or news, it is the tone of presentation, which makes the music. There is nothing, which can't be received with positivism, if presented in an acceptable tone.
Creature & Creator
Unlike animals, man possesses "Creative Imagination." Thus man, of all creatures, is more than a creature, he is also a creator. Man surpasses self-preservation and pro-creation, and can direct his Success-Mechanism with use of his imagination.
Focus Proportion
Focus proportion is not to be underestimated. Glance at the negatives, but focus on the positives...Spend twenty percent on the problem and eighty percent on the painting of it fixed.
New Year Zest
"The launch of a New Year
Is time for utmost cheer,
A changing of the old,
A chime of things untold,
A slate of resolutions,
And devoutly new solutions,
A diet here, a promise there,
A time for passions with new found flare.
It's not a time for any less,
So gear yourself for zest of best!" JM
Winter
"In blankets of snow,
The world takes on a glow
Of a time of the seasons
With ev’ry good reason
To take out your skis
Swoop down mountains with ease,
Or find a froz’ lake
And skate ‘til you break,
From exhaustion, or freeze,
Or, God forbid, start to sneeze.
But, after your play,
There is more to the day,
‘Cause then everyone gathers
For a little thereof after.
So you take off your boots,
Settle down with the group,
Build a fire with some logs,
And drink plenty of grog.” JM
Christmas Essence
“The rejoicing of Christmas
Is majestic and spiritual,
No boundaries, no barriers,
Just caring and ritual,
And that feeling of oneness,
Which evolves from it all,
Is that of its essence up above,
O’ so tall:
Celebrate unto others,
Thy friend, family and stranger,
In brother’ hood and fellow love,
As though then by that Manger.” JM
Awards & Rewards
Awards are offered by the universe and rewards offered by the Divine.
Bet on Yourself
I have often thought that, when we have faith and act with our natural human courage and instinct, we are taking a chance on betting on ourselves and our talents. One who frustrates this natural instinct, by refusing to act courageously, and creatively bet on himself, is one who could be a candidate for fulfilling this natural need in other, less desirable ways, like gambling tables... Faith and courage are natural instincts and one feels a need to express them in one way or another. Let's bet on something, so why not ourselves!
Holiday Ingredients
"Laughing Holiday Throngs,
Loving Holiday Mirth,
Exuberant Holiday Song,
Bring Holiday Togetherness on Earth!" JM
Power
True power is the ability to motivate, love, encourage, and help people recognize who they are.
Roaring Christmas
"Lions have a mouth like a grin
And a throat like a bin,
And they let out such noise,
That you really take poise,
‘Cause at first you just think,
That the world’s ‘bout to sink,
But then you think, WOW,
What a grown up MEOW.
Then you simply realize
That all Lions take pride,
And it’s their funny way
Of putting on display.
But, aside from all that,
Lions are merely just cats,
Just standing around,
Making overgrown sounds,
Which if thought of just right,
Could be their fun delight,
At their extroverted uniqueness
Of wishing all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!” JM
Birthdays
In the course of arranging celebrations for various birthdays of loving people I know, the following has tended to cavort through my mind:
"Birthdays play music of our memory collections…
Giving chance for yearly melody inventions!”
Jane Marsh
Intuition Listening
The best way to open your intuition is to listen to it, and heed the messages! I have paid for years when I did not heed my intuition messages. It is worth the listening.
Images & Pictures
The images you hold of the past often put limits on the future you are envisioning for yourself. These past pictures hold you back from manifesting your greater potential. Let go of pictures of your past that do not support the new pictures of success and abundance you are creating.
Inspiration & Renewed Enthusiasm
Surrounding yourself with inspiration and a constant and a renewed enthusiam is a road to success. Then bond and commit to success and let it take you wherever it takes you!
Majestic Enlightenment
There is little question that the simple personal power in humming clears the palate, as it were, and opens all doors to a personal and positive energy. Listening to voices joined in chorus, whether trained voices or not, has another primal energy force. It joins the community of fellowman in a community of common values and goals. It is not to be underestimated what this does for the individual, as well as all participants, in joining each into one harmonious party. It becomes immediately clear that singing touches the deepest soul of the universe, while it also caresses and embraces its life. This singing when combined with the heavenliness of exceptional vocal beauty can often further radiate a majestic enlightenment.
Advent to Epiphany & More
As we know, the meaning of Advent is 'in preparation' and Epiphany is the day Jesus was 'revealed' and 'manifested' to the Three Wise Men and to the world. I have preoccupied myself with the theme of "Advent to Epiphany" for some time, and, in my adoration of Christmas, I have sought out delicious, often lesser known, song repertoire, which, during my world travels, I have included into some of my themed recitals. I find the international public response, whether in Vienna, Brescia, Nice or Düsseldorf..., to be enthusiastic interest in hearing wonderful works from various composers and poets, often having won fame for other creations of theirs. Some countries of our Western World observe "Advent to Epiphany" on different dates, but the love and spiritual devotion is, none-the-less, similar and a wonderful basis for lifting barriers to universal and communal celebration. I have recently put together a CD recording of the 'grace and poesy' of these various works and more, to be forthcoming soon. I like to think my themed recitals also add to bringing us all universally together.
Practice Without Pressure
The technique of "shadow boxing," or "practice without pressure" is so simple, and the results so striking, that some are inclined to associate it with a sort of magic. Needless-to-say, the performance quality result is worth the relaxed effort.
Diva Territory
"Utmost territorially and quite gloriously,
Divas command their territory quite notoriously.
With colorful leadership and confident flare,
Divas offer an exemplary debonair,
And, though not intending to annoy,
Divas emit confidence as a ploy,
Inspiring another to his personal worth,
Not to emulate some other's impersonal girth." Jane Marsh
Hope
“As a Goal for the Soul,
To motivate and to conquer,
Hope is like Dope,
To better see ourselves stronger;
It is not that we can’t,
Just that we don’t understand
That the obstacles help us
Stay on track in command;
And some lessons are learned,
Through the difficult fracas,
Most noteworthy are they,
That they really do take us
To a personal freedom
Ourselves to win steely,
To achieve our Goals cleanly,
Completely and freely." Jane Marsh
Power of the Voice
Talking brings people together, but singing touches the soul of the universe.
Mountain-Climbing Over Molehills
It has been said that, "Mountain-climbing over molehills is the greatest cause of ulcers." Not a bad concept and worth thought.
Let's Talk Geese
“Geese are noisy and most persistent.
And, in forcing their voices,
Geese are most insistent with spreading the latest in barnyard talk,
And they do it, endlessly, with a tiresome squawk!
Creating a turbulent atmosphere there,
Geese fuss around with fracas and flare.
Scurrying turbulently, the whole family in toe,
Geese are always putting on a commotion show,
And, all the while, just voicing their opinions,
As to "who'a" should do "what'a" and in "which'a" dominion?
It is surely none of their business really,
As the farmer is master in decision dealings,
But it does add spice to the quiet barnyard life,
As no other animal offers such consistent strife,
So geese are the busy bodies in the crowd
And they do make themselves heard, hefty and loud." Jane Marsh
Strauss' "Four Last Songs"
To my way of thinking, the famed Strauss "Four Last Songs" are beautiful in any order, but, what with their order always programmed after an order created by publisher Boosey & Hawkes, and-contrary to popular belief-not an order dictated by Strauss, I find more interest and vocal variety can be gathered if one sings them out of the standard order. A little innovation is welcomed by listeners, providing, naturally, one can sing them naturally!
"Autumn "
“Autumn is also known as fall,
Why, nobody really knows at all,
Except Autumn does get colder,
And the leaves do get older,
And they do fall to the ground,
Making room for a Round
Of leaves which do please,
While they are still on the trees,
In such a colored array,
Actually seen best by Day
With the Sun leaning on them
And the Wind waving to them,
Before they do fall,
When it is fall,
Also known to us all,
As Autumn." Jane Marsh
Advent Dawning
The beauty of the Advent Dawning now begins. A season filled with the blessings of treasures and the treasures of blessings. The songs of “Maria” are soon to be sung, like soft bonding blankets throughout the Lands.
Thanksgiving Essence
"A day of great thanks for long held tradition,
No Indian pranks, just harvested submissions,
And food from so many, there is plenty of plenty,
No lacking in any for so, so, so many,
So when there's good chance and in the right stance,
One quietly stays and under breath prays,
For all being together and staying in tether,
For singing glory songs prideful harvested throngs." Jane Marsh
Recent Focus on Franz Schubert
I hadn't sung Schubert in a while, but, in again "warming up" some of Schubert's greatest songs for recital, I found myself saying out loud that, "Schubert's songs were shaping forces of their Romantic Era, not just reflections of it."
Schubert had the self-esteem to respond to a variety of poets' works, which interested him, often engaging personal friends as well as famed poets for his songs.
Generally, no matter what poet or thematic content-though there are certainly exceptions to this-, Schubert didn't write well for the female voice, particularly voices of size. He wrote for men, so, in order to find the necessary 'Schubertian tone', I've always spent time focusing on "scaling down", to create the appropriate color. It hasn't been worth it to me, as other composers, though demanding, didn't require such a straight jacket. Recently, though, I've exercised the same process and it's been a journey worth all effort.
Excitement
A big excess of emotional excitement can harm rather than help performance, simply because the excess is inappropriate to the demands of the situation. A situation may not warrant so much emotional excitement. It cannot be creatively used and jams performance, resulting, likely, in the jitters.
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