(WARNING: The following is a “trick” essay, and may be hazardous to preconceptions.)
President Obama has so much to say on so many fronts, I thought I’d go political for one post. For instance, on congressional salaries: “If you work for me/You shall eat splendidly/But no work, no pay.”
On the difficulty of being President: “The case goes on in people’s minds/Then charges that no court has made/Will be shouted at my head.”
On his predecessor’s foreign policy: “It is an axiom among kings, to use/A foreign threat to hide a local evil.”
On the economy: “Strong measures are essential now!”
On vetting his cabinet members: “Much good has been shown me and much evil, and the good has never been perfect.”
On John McCain: “Our quarrel over, I engage/Myself to be his friend.”
More on the economy: “Be brave, be brave/We’re nearly there.”
How he achieves that seemingly superhuman poise: “From earthborn passions set me free,/And make me pure within.” “Then let us teach our trial patience.” (and give me) “The strength to stand/Against the burning,/Murderous world!”
On community service initiatives: “This is our home/Where each needs all,/And all needs each of us.”
On war: “Violence, violence,/how you all rejoice in violence!/(What is the enemy for but to be routed and killed?)/You forget, you are the enemy too.”
On his rise to the presidency: “Successful, honoured,/self-discipline my strength,/routine the order of my days,/imagination servant of my will.”
And lastly, the media: “Ugh, rumours, rumours. They should be silent.”
Have any of you guessed the secret? All the quotes above are taken from the libretti of operas by British composer Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), one of the twentieth century’s most original composers. His output is vast, including all the genres: songs, choral music, church music, opera, and chamber music. His musical style is modern, but not “disorienting,” and the orchestration is very beautiful. Have a listen!
© 2009 by Frank Daykin, for Innovative Music Programs
very cool, didnt see it coming, despite the title. Very timely and timeless comments