Giving Thanks
"Morning Edition's series One-Hit Wonders / Second-Best Songs focuses on musicians or bands whose careers are defined by a single monster hit, and explains why their catalogs have much more to offer."
I had no idea that this One-Hit Wonders / Second-Best Songs series was a thing on Morning Edition until I caught it on my drive into work this morning. I wasn't even clear on what it was as it began. Once upon a time, I KNEW composers - I knew their dates (roughly), could recognize their music, could speak intelligently(ish) about them. I'm pretty rusty these day. But the opening sounds of Holst's "Mars, the Bringer or War" are unmistakable. That is how the program started, followed by a brief discussion of the life and work of Holst that has been overshadowed by the popularity of The Planets. And then a recomendation to listen to his St. Paul's Suite, the "Second-Best Song" selected for this composer who for many is a bit of a one-hit-wonder, with a bit of the Suite played of course.
It was a wonderful little program! But what struck me most, what that I not only knew, but have also performed, much of the music of Holst that was discussed. What an incredible thing to hear a story of the well know and less known music of this composer and to be able to remember exactly which music educator in my life introduced me to those lesser known pieces. Holst's setting of the Rig Veda text is haunting to sing, the St. Paul's Suite lovely to hear your fellow students play, and Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity incredible to play, even for a reluctant teenage violist.
I am giving thanks for so many amazing music educators in my life.