Music Heals
 
Inspired from our friends in the Johnstown Symphony in Western Pennsylvania, we offer playlists of music that have proved meaningful to LGSO musicians and audience during this challenging time. There are two ways to participate:

Listen: playlists will arrive in LGSO emails. You can also follow us on Facebook.

Submit: click here to let us know what pieces have inspired you during this time.

Playlist #1, from Music Director, David Anderson
We were one week away from performing this piece when orchestras across the country were forced to cancel concerts. LGSO players had already connected with this music in a profound way, and we plan to perform the work at some point in the near future. In the meantime, this music remains fresh on our minds, in our fingers, and on pause. Mahler himself says “A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.” As I continue to dive into this piece, I’m observing all of the many ways the 3 rd movement can reflect the state of our world. There are moments of absolute stillness, places where the music cries out in agony, a triumphant fanfare, and a gentle rising motive of hope that Mahler borrowed from his own “Resurrection” Symphony.
My wife and I were late-comers to being Hamilton fans. It was only last summer when we saw our first production, and instantly loved it. The music, story, acting, set design, choreography – everything about the production is truly astounding. This selection is the break-up song between King George and the colonies, and provides music in a much lighter mood.
This classic is a song about looking forward with hope. Everyone knows the Beatles, and people are beginning to discover one of the unique, bright, young musical minds in Jacob Collier. If you don’t know him yet, it’s definitely worth a YouTube search for both his arrangements and original tunes.
When thinking of music that can heal, chances are that many of us will be drawn to melodies from our own religious traditions. For Orthodox Christians, the day before Palm Sunday is Lazarus Saturday. We have a special Divine Liturgy in the morning where we remember the story of Jesus and Lazarus, and this hymn is sung at the end. The style is Byzantine chant, and you’ll hear two voices: a main melody over an ison, or drone.