Serafina's Promise

It is easier for me to go to a concert, listen to music, or take a trip than it is to finish reading a book!  Two years ago I was introduced to writer Ann E. Burg when she visited a local school and talked to the students there.  At that time I read All the Broken Pieces, her first novel written in verse.  Last fall her second novel, also in verse, was published.  Beyond the form of the writing, Serafina's Promise has some similarities to Broken Pieces.  Both have a tween/early adolescent protagonist (Matt and Serafina).  Both characters have cultural "baggage" specific to their place (Matt is a Vietnamese boy adopted by an American family, Serafina is from a poor family in Haiti).  Both kids explore their dreams and the stories come to a hopeful conclusion.

The story of Serafina was not as compelling to me at the start of the book.  By the end she had grown on me and I was interested in knowing how the story would end.  Serafina lives with her grandmother, parents, and baby brother in undeveloped Haiti.  Another baby brother has died and she is concerned about the health of the new baby.  Serafina's undying dream is to be a medical doctor.  In order to do this she has to go to school which costs money.  She works hard in a garden with her grandma to get the money.  The first part of the book ends with a flood coming and the family moving to higher ground in the mountains.  At the end of the second part, an earthquake rocks Port-au-Prince.  The book concludes with Serafina searching and finding her father in the rubble of the grocery store where he works, her reconnecting with a friend, and a medical doctor inspiring her to keep her dream of becoming a doctor.

The Garden of Eden

I attended a solo piano recital tonight.  It's been awhile since I have been to a piano recital as I more often go to the symphony or other ensemble performances.  The gem of tonight's program was a delightful piece by William Bolcom (b. 1938).  I'm always interested in learning about new (modern) composers and it's a treat when their music is also engaging.  This piece has 3 movements:  (I) Old Man Adam, (II) The Eternal Feminine, (III) The Serpent's Kiss.  Take a listen and see what you think!  [I can only find a 2-piano version on YouTube.  These performers make it feel a bit pesante to me.]



Other performers seem to have a lighter touch.

Carmina Burana

Carmina Burana (Carl Orff) is one of the top box office draws for symphony orchestras. Written in the 1930s and based on medieval poems, the piece features a large orchestra, mixed choir, boys'/children's choir, and vocal solists (soprano, tenor, baritone).  The opening/closing movement, O Fortuna, is often featured in commercials, movies, and other popular venues.  I have heard it performed by several orchestras/choirs and each time it is impressive due to the size of the performance group, the volume produced by said group, and the rhythmic nature of the piece.  Most recently, I heard it performed by the Carmel (IN) Symphony Orchestra.