Day 4 - 252 -- Musical Evening

I slept a very long time last night. The migraine is still with me, just subdued a bit. I did some laundry and reading while still feeling very tired. This evening was the first of the Performing Arts series in town. Ariana Nasr was performing Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel music, which I did not want to miss. I began to fade just at the end of the concert, so heard it all <smile>.  Nasr sang the first set of Piaf songs. The power of her voice filled the concert hall and the music showcased her vocal range. The second half included several notable songs by Brel, with Nasr dressed in a man's black suit and tie. She has a way of channeling these two singers that transports the audience to a past time. It was a wonderful addition to the day.

Many singers have covered the music of Piaf and Brel, some in the original French (and some Flemmish for Brel, who was born in Belgium), while others sang translated (and revised) versions. Both singer/songwriters preformed dramatic musical pieces that told a story, sometimes somewhat biographical in nature. Each of them experienced their fair share of tragedy, which likely imbued their performances with the depth of feeling for which they were known.

The selections for today show the eclectic nature of this blog by breaking with expectation. The first is a heart-wrenching song by Brel, one that has been covered in English under the title of "If you go away."  The second selection by Piaf with lyrics that speak to the incessant nature of a lyric or tune -- one that keeps reminding of things past -- as if haunting someone. Each of these was performed tonight by Ariana Nasr - and brought both smiles and goosebumps. (subtitles included in the videos). Enjoy!  

Ne me quitte pas -- Jacques Brel

Padam, Padam -- Edith Piaf