Arts 100 - the Performing Arts and Inspiration: Mixtape

The Performing Arts and Inspiration:  Mixtape

Candice Deeds

Arts/100

January 26, 2016

The Performing Arts and Inspiration:  Mixtape

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin wrote and performed a number one hit on the billboard top 100 chart.  (Brainpicking, 2011) “ Don’t Worry Be Happy” is a composition that promotes a happy mood in a person, which in turns provides a contagious attitude in others. The Lyrics are catchy and they imply that even on the worst of days things can always turn around.

My personal favorite song at the moment is written and performed by Mercy Me, “ I Can Only Imagine” is a tribute to God and explains what it is a person might feel could happen when their day comes. Any time I hear the song play I instantly feel a deep connection. The lyrics are straightforward and I find myself singing along to the words. I get an innate feeling to put my hand in the air and praise him while I sing. This particular musical form is one method people use for worship.

Honestly, I have never listened to opera prior to this class.  While I was listening to a few songs on YouTube in order to this assignment I found “Habanera From Carmen” by Georges Bizet. To me it was difficult to hear what exactly was said because of how high the pitch was. However, watching the performance that went along with it was entertaining, the performers are extremely talented. I would say that opera is probably my least favorite works of music.

Gregorian chants were very common during the medieval times. These musical textures were considered monophonic, which means that they had a single melodic line. These chants were used in catholic churches during worship.  While listening I found two chants in particular that drew my attention; “Chant Of The Templars” and “Hail Holy Queen”

Both songs are by salve Regina I believe, with the language barrier and how old the songs are it was difficult to understand who performed the songs.  Salve Regina was first recorded in 1959 and performed by the Benedictine Monts of the Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maur. ( Kamien, Roger, 2014) These are regarded as holy and spiritual chants. When I first heard the songs I could not understand what they were trying to convey however, I enjoyed the melody and harmonic flow. Later I found another version of “Hail Holy Queen” that contained translation of the words. After seeing the translation it coincided with what I initially felt, a rather warm feeling and at times I felt a little chill.