The Pope, The Youth, The Classical Music

I'M SO SORRY. I haven't written since the 17th (yes, I've counted the days) for the simple reason that I have been staying at my grandparent's house (no computer) so I could see the pope at the youth rally in Yonkers. What an experience!!!!! To avoid rambling endlessly about the pope, I will move on to the other important aspect of the day. THE MUSIC!

Most of the music was wonderful (despite what some may assume, I DO know every word to Kelly Clarkson songs!) even though the "Ave Maria" less than thrilled me. (Was Renee Fleming out of town? Aprile Millo? Marcello Giordani? Florez? Kiri? Domingo?) The rapping brother really was a highlight, so was "Hear I Am." Okay, here's what you've been wondering... Was there any crossover? Well, I'm hear to tell you that yes, in fact, there was! The Three Graces, even though they sounded nice (I'm going to get murdered) as soon as I heard "a mix of pop, Broadway, and opera" I groaned. Here we go again. Joy was the opera singer, we were told, and she had recently performed in La Boheme. In the spirit of this holy event I will not say anything nasty. They sounded nice. All had lovely voices. =)
The singer for the mass was really good. The litany was beautiful! I almost wish she had sung the "Ave" instead of Kelly Clarkson. It comes down to star power in the end.
The pope was the real highlight, though. I just thought you'd rather hear about the music.

This all sparked a thought in my head. Two questions came into my mind.
Did the pope pick the artists that would be performing?
What sort of music does he really like?
in other words...
Does he know who Kelly Clarkson is?
Would he rather have Domingo again, or have Florez?

I think some should call Benny up and ask him. (Benny=B 16=the pope... we all have our loving nicknames. =])


Happy Listening!! =)


PS. LIVE "FILLE DU REGIMENT" TONIGHT ON THE MET WEBSITE/SIRIUS RADIO!!!!!!! EVERYONE LISTEN!!!!!!!

Placido Angelicus- Who's that guy with Domingo?

Placido Domingo sang "Panis Angelicus" for Benedict XVI during the pope's mass in Washington D.C. today.
This has officially been awarded the Score Desk Stamp of Approval. We approve of two of our favorite people being at the same place at the same time doing what they do best.

We approve of opera singers tagging along with the pope. Trust me, if an opera singer shows up to the Youth Rally on Saturday (which I am going to, in case I didn't mention it) I will pass out. Either way I'm passing out because, hey, he's the pope.



Happy Listening!!! =)

BATTLE: The Pope and the President

(I'm sorry, that colon should have been a comma.)

It's not as thrilling as it sounds. It turns out that Kathleen Battle sang for the Pope and the President today at the White House. She sang "The Lord's Prayer." I'm hearing reports that (to put it nicely) she could have sounded better.
The article also says that there was a spontaneous outburst of "Happy Birthday" in honor of the Holy Father's 81st birthday today. Aw! I'm happy to say that I will be seeing the Pope at a youth rally on Saturday! Oh, I'm so excited! =)



Happy Listening!!! =)