You guys know I love this man’s music, I’ve posted it here before, and I’m thrilled they’ve done a documentary about him now, while he’s still with us. This is just a trailer for it.
Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen’ celebrates the life and music of the artist whom musicologist Nick Strimple has called ‘the only American composer in history who can be called a mystic.
You can read more about it here. They also have a Facebook page here. I wish I had known sooner, there was a screening tonight. I may have to buy the DVD.
Here’s the piece the documentary takes its name from, “Sure on This Shining Night”, sung by the University of Montevallo Chamber Singers.
I’m so delighted he’s getting this kind of recognition in his lifetime.
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This looks interesting. I’m watching the clip.
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The music is incredible. I have chills. Half hymn. half something I can’t quite define, but it’s truly something special. No wonder you love him. The footage is also very moving – the aerial view of the lone piano – the flutes without faces – just the fingers of the players. The black and white group shot. Very nice indeed. I also love yje term mystic. Thanks.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it. His music brings tears to my eyes, it’s so beautiful. If you have time, check out his Lux Aeterna.
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It is so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing, DD. And I also liked the clip from the docu, especially when he was speaking about nature.
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Yes, me too. I liked what he said about it being pantheistic. I think we’ve probably all had that experience when far away from civilization (or as far as we can get these days), away from highways and neon signs and parking lots. It’s quite overwhelming, very mystical indeed.
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Remember when I said it’s like a hymn and something else? I’ve got it…it reminds me of a Gregorian chant…forgive me for bringing her up once again but Jackie Kennedy, as she lay dying in her room in a semi conscious state, had them playing. Image going out with that…Again, thanks for sharing that.
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I love Gregorian chants. Lauridsen’s music does have something of that quality. It’s meditative, transcendant. I never knew that about Jackie. Everything you’ve mentioned about her that I didn’t know makes me respect her more and more. I’m glad to know it.
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