2. Modern History (Music & Culture)
- Apr 27, 2023
- 2 min read
Sergei Rachmaninoff (Prelude in C Sharp Minor)/ Songo/ Bird Singing.
He is one of my favorite composers of his time. The composition above is so intense, as in most pieces written and performed in minor keys. Although repetitive. I like the repetition because it keeps me from needing to rewind on a favorite part.
My son is not a huge fan of classical, but, he is exposed to it because I believe it is important. We tend to appreciate the things we did not care for much in our youth, as we age. He will remember his exposure to these sounds, and eventually be grateful for them. He begins 9th grade next fall, and one of the things he is most looking forward to, are drum lessons. His father was a talented drummer, playing mainly "songo". He inherited his Dad's rhythm and ear. I don't mind that. When I was a kid, I use to take my Mother's CD's and go into the basement, for hours, listening to classical music. I was given the nickname: "Radio Raheem", which was fine with me. I liked how he channeled his silent rage into music, and he only spoke when he needed to. In fact, his radio and music, said more to me about the culture and climate of New York, during that era. The racial and economical infrastructures, police brutality, the clashing and conjoining of communities; where the only literal spaces that they had, were prejudices.
I digress.
One of the most impassioned lessons with music at home, is when he hears bird singers from our tribe. I feel a sense of fulfillment, when he is watching and hearing Native people. I feel connected to my heritage in those moments, and I want the same for my son. We do not live around Indian people, but immediate family. There is often a feeling that I have, that something is missing; like feeling homesick and like having a longing to be with and around Native people. I keep telling my Mom, how I am moving to the Rez. I never really place deep thought into it....but lately I have been. Until then, there is traditional music to keep us present, grounded and connected to our blood line.
This wraps up our music lesson for today. As we come to the close of our school year. These lessons are by far, my favorite.
Raven
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