Topics

Mar

Travel Inspiration from the Sounds of the Sea

by Meredith Mullins on March 28, 2016

The sea organ in Zadar, Croatia, travel inspiration for music and nature lovers. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The sea organ (Morske Orgulje) in Zadar, Croatia
© Meredith Mullins

The Haunting Sea Organ of Zadar, Croatia

Travel inspiration is born from many different sources. The power of nature. Layers of history. Beauty of land and sea. Discovery of new cultures. Freedom to wander. A feeling of community, wherever you are in the world.

The allure is irresistable.

And, if you are able to put all of those inspirations together, a truly memorable experience emerges. Such was the case for me with the sea organ in Zadar, Croatia. A convergence of “Oh, I See” moments. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

Croatia/The World's Music

May

Connecting Through the Universal Language of Music

by Meredith Mullins on May 4, 2015

Two dancers in white at the rue Mouffetard in Paris, showing that music is the universal language of connection. (Image © Meredith Mullins)

Sunday morning dancing on the rue Mouffetard in Paris
© Meredith Mullins

A Reminder of Old Paris: Singing and Dancing on the Rue Mouffetard

I want to make people cry, even when they don’t understand my words. —Edith Piaf

It’s Sunday morning in the Square St Médard in Paris. I am singing in the warm sun . . . belting out the words “Tant que l’amour inondera mes matins” from Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’Amour” (The Hymn to Love).

With my limited French, I don’t quite understand what the words mean; but the song swells up inside and puts a little lump of emotion in my throat. I feel an unexplainable nostalgia. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 4 Comments

Cultural Encounters/France (Paris)/The World's Music

May

The Star-Spangled Banner Rides a Creative Wave

by Sheron Long on May 19, 2014

If video does not display, watch it here.

Minor Key, Major Creative Thinking

Just before the “Play ball” call goes out in baseball stadiums across America, fans pause to honor an American tradition. Hand over heart, many sing along with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

It’s a warm day, a happy time, and the music is in feel-good major key.

Then along comes Chase Holfelder who, honoring the tradition of creative thinking that built America, decides to experiment. He sings the song in minor key and delivers a performance described by many as “hauntingly beautiful.” Read more...

Sheron Long Comments

The World's Music/USA

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