A few days ago, I presented Johannes Nyholm’s trailer for Las Palmas. Having found the baby bar trashing amusing, I looked at his other work. He appears to make music videos for several Swedish bands. The one that I liked most was his video for Jenny Wilson’s “Let My Shoes Lead Me Forward.” How many hours did it take to make?

I am a sucker for labor intensive, low tech artistry. From Švankmajer’s stop-motion to Aardman’s claymation, the creativity is more accessible than computer wizardry. Industrial Light & Magic and Pixar are pretty amazing, but there is a charm to magic that does not require a computer.

Posted by Joseph on Thursday, February 24, Anno Domini 2011
Popular Music • Comments • Permalink

For those on the old calendar, have a blessed feast. For today, the second of February on the Church calendar, is the Meeting of Our Lord, also called Candlemas in the West.

Here is a beautiful rendition of the Prayer of Saint Simeon by the choir of the Moscow Sretensky Monastery.

I do not know the setting, but it is lovely. Perhaps my favorite musical piece is Rachmaninov’s version, which I have posted before: “The Prayer of Saint Simeon.” What inspiration! I venture that Cecilia, Notkar Balbulus, John Koukouzelis, and Hildegard must really enjoy Sergei Vasilievich’s company.

Posted by Joseph on Tuesday, February 15, Anno Domini 2011
Sacred Music • Comments • Permalink