Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

Music Monday – A Winter’s Solstice

October 20, 2010

Okay, I know it’s Tuesday and also that I haven’t done a Music Monday in awhile, but I hope this will make up for that. This is a classic album that I think anyone would enjoy for fall or the holiday season.

I bought this album at least 15 years ago (possibly longer) and it is a treasured favorite of mine – and the family’s. I start listening to it when the first cold day of fall arrives. It evokes images of bright fall leaves swirling in an autumn breeze. Crisp white snow gently falling on a cold December day. It sings of Christmas trees and lights on houses and all kinds of yummy things baking in anticipation of the most blessed day of the year. Here’s a listing of the songs and a few thoughts of my own to add.

1. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – This is a lovely acoustic version of a really beautiful song. Very relaxing and soothing to the soul.

2. Engravings II – It’s a cool, crisp fall evening and the sun is slowly setting. Smoke rises from chimneys of beautiful quaint houses in a small village. All is calm and quiet, folks are warm and cozy in their homes. a mug of warm tea or coffee in their hands.

3. New England Morning- The cello is almost sad, but maybe it just mourns the passing of the seasons. Days are shorter, the air is cooler, leaves fall as trees and crunch beneath your feet on a walk through a wood.

4. High Plains – The beginning of this one sounds like a hymn we sing at church, but I’ve never been able to think of which one. Then, a joyful melody that makes you want to dance. It sounds like an icy river flowing through a forest as snow falls softly. It also starts bringing the joy of the holidays to life.

5. Nollaig – Pumpkin pie, chilly winds, Christmas, friends and family around a glowing fire. The flute and violin dance together so well in this song.

6. Greensleeves – An acoustic piano version of a timeless Christmas song. It has always been one of my favorite songs and this is a beautiful rendition.

7. Bach Bouree – I can honestly say this is the one song I do not like on this album and I always skip it. You however, might enjoy it more than I do. Maybe I’d feel different if I was hearing it in the 16th century on a cold winter’s night.

8. Northumbrian Lullaby – Watching snow fall outside while I hold my baby girl in my arms and rock her to sleep.

9. Petite Aubade – My favorite song on the whole album! It is just guitar and recorders and evokes images of an age long gone but still remembered. A thatched roof house, a woman cooking over an open fireplace, a baby sleeps in the wood cradle while children play games around the room.

10. A Tale of Two Cities – This is a song for Christmas Day – bold, grand, and a true celebration of the Christ Child. Truly, the end of Christmas Day isn’t the end of Christmas – the season has just begun!!

Unfortunately this album is not in print anymore, but you can still buy it used on Amazon. Matt even found the record in a used game store! So, have a listen and see how it speaks to you.

2 comments
Comments

On October 21, 2010 at 3:38 AM, dxprog said:

See, even they call it Greensleeves. Best frakkin' Christmas song.... EVAR! Though, I myself am more partial to Mannheim Steamroller's rendition. Still, Winter's Solstice is indeed an awesome album over all.

On October 21, 2010 at 1:35 PM, java_queen said:

Ooohhh - that gives me an idea - CHRISTMAS Music Mondays and you know what albums will be reviewed ;-). You know, I don't think I have an absolute favorite Christmas song. Too many to choose from. I was listening to WS this morning taking Chris to work. The window was down part way ('cause it won't roll back up) and it was chilly, fog coming off that little pond, and the trees all colors of orange, red, and yellow. It was just perfect - the music and the scenery went perfect together.

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