Menoizikul; Midweek Musicalisms

Etiam ante legere; I prepared this post some three weeks ago. At that time, there was a hint that there might be a truce for the day between Ukraine and Russia. Ten days ago, Putin declared there would be no such truce. What is more, there seemed to be an upsurge of action from his troops towards Ukraine. And no doubt there will have been further developments even after this addition prior to text; but I leave the remainder as I originally wrote it, for it's intention remains valid.

Christmas is gone, and we are approaching the new year. For many in different areas worldwide, such days pass almost unnoticed due to more prevailing circumstances. One would wish and hope that at least a few hours of respite might have been found in these areas of conflict and disaster. I think especially of those in Ukraine. When searching for different Christmas musical offerings, I had not expected this one. I am going to beg your indulgence to watch this one through, and here is why.

Swedish heavy metal band, Sabaton, appeared on my search list, and I very nearly passed it by, thinking, 'what could that offer by way of expansion?' However, it caught my attention by being about one brief moment in December 1914 when in some parts of the trenches, all the warring parties laid down their guns and raised, instead, candles and song. Gifts were exchanged, and games were played. I discovered that Sabaton has an excellent website. You see, nearly all their songs are inspired by persons or events of various historical conflicts. They present a full history and context... In addition, they have a dedicated history channel on youtube! (On that, the history is presented by a very entertaining Indy Neidell, as well as some discussion about the context of the song in focus.) 

I love the opening piano here - and experienced ears among you will recognise, I hope, a variation on the riff from Carol Of The Bells; Joakim has inverted it somehow, perhaps playing in reverse? I have listened to this so many times in the past few weeks. And many more of their works - and have decided they will form a thread through the year here, so again, I invite you to open your ears and hearts and minds to the possibilities. There is something operatic and definitely filmic about this band - musically, they are very strong. The poignancy of this event which took place even as the awful noise of war continued all around, is well represented in these symphonic sounds. I do hope you will watch this through. The imagery at the end should be noticed. (Also, there is a beautiful soprano operatic voice for the credits: Floor Jansen. She is Dutch, classically trained, sings for Finnish symphonic metal band, Nightwish... and is married to Hannes, the drummer of Sabaton.)

Joakim's diction is clear, but if you prefer, the lyrics are HERE. As we head into 2023, I pray for peace to fall. It is an eternal prayer and, I fear, will ever remain so...

YEAR-END BONUS!!!

The musical reference to the Carol Of The Bells got me wondering... here is a short film about the history of the music and its original purpose. Very pertinent to the theme building here...

PS - in case you did not see it, or as a reminder, I put out a call to action on the 

Christmas Eve Post. I am going to keep placing the link. Please spread the word, and quickly. The Collection Pot is only open until January 13th. Thank you.