Morning Open Thread is a daily, copyrighted post, from a host of editors and guest writers. We support our community, invite and share ideas, and encourage thoughtful, respectful dialogue in an open forum.
This series was conceived as a haven where folks can drop in to share conversation, ideas, weather reports, and music. Feel free to leave a note, comment, picture, or tune. As always the diarist gets to sleep in, and may show up long after the post is published. So you know, it's a feature, not a bug.
Pull up a chair, get your cup of tea, coffee, or other favorite morning beverage and join us for a neighborly start to the day ahead.
It’s Sunday again. Another week has gone by with (mostly) bad news. Sunday is supposed to be the most spiritual day of the week for most, but most of us are having trouble connecting to that side of ourselves. I know I am.
The reasoning behind my musical offerings this morning, is because shut-ins need a bit of joyful music for another pandemic morning. Hope everyone is staying safe, observing distancing recommendations, and wearing masks and gloves where appropriate.
Here in the Blue Ridge, we love our ancient mountains. Most folks I know have a coffee cup or t-shirt with the famous quote by naturalist John Muir: “The Mountains are calling and I must go.”
Sadly, I have never seen the Andes nor the Himalayas. At this point in my life, there is little or no chance I will get to go to those magical places. However, the music comes to us if we listen. This is a kind of spiritual trip to the Andes, with sounds hinting of the ancient Inca culture that thrived once in Peru.
El Condor Pasa (“The Condor Passes”) was written by famed Peruvian composer Daniel Alomía Robles. He composed it in 1913, basing it on traditional Andean folk music of Peru. The song is a source of great national pride in Peru, and is now considered an integral part of their cultural heritage.
In 1970, Simon and Garfunkel heard the melody played in Paris by the the Andean folk group Los Incas. They asked if they could use the melody. The group gave permission, and it was recorded by Simon & Garfunkel as El Condor Pasa (If I Could).
There was only one catch. Los Incas did not own the rights to the music. It ended up in a lawsuit against Simon & Garfunkel, which they lost. It is said there was an amicable settlement between the American duo and the Peruvian copyright owners.
This is the El Dorado Orchestra, made up of some of the best musicians in Peru, both native indigenous artists, as well as artists of European descent.
This tune is often mistitled as, “Last of the Mohicans.” The correct name for the tune is The Gael, composed by Scottish fiddler Dougie MacLean. The Gael was used as part of the main theme background music for the movie, Last of the Mohicans.
Lagniappe:
Episode One of the QUARANTINE SESSIONS;
Louisiana Zydeco Blues by Wartao da Sanfona:
This is an open thread. We have stories, tall tales, weather reports, critter reports, music, and companionship to spare.
Grab your favorite morning cup of cheer and join the discussion.