Language has power. Words have meaning. Then there are some words we just make up and they might mean anything. Words like "Gnossienne"...
The Insecure Writer's Support Group
The co-hosts for the May 1st posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key,Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!
From the earliest times of my life that I began to grasp language, I understood that words have power. My needs and wants were met through a persuasive use of words. Then, there were the stories I heard my mother and other adults tell. They would draw me in to leave some kind of impression. Once I learned to write there was no stopping me other than those expanses when I mostly stop myself from writing. Persisting with writing has often been a struggle for me, but if I can get going with it then it feels better.
Coming off another year of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge I'm feeling a boost in my spirit in regard to writing as well as many other things. This year I went into the month with not much advance preparation as far as posts written ahead of time, so I went through winging it. There was a lot of stream of consciousness writing which is an exercise that I enjoy.
Was what I wrote good? I liked it because I wrote it.
I'll write more about my A to Z April in the Reflections post that I'll do next Monday.
Now how about some relaxing music. Hope you'll stay and listen...
Battle of the Bands
Gnossienne No. 1 by Eric Satie
Since April was pretty frantic, I'm going to keep it slow and simple. I'll just say that Satie is a favorite Impressionistic composer of mine and I love this song series. Here is the first melody of the series as interpreted by artists from Brooklyn, Serbia, and France. Still keeping in the international theme that I've been following in the past several posts.
Chicha Libre "Gnossienne No. 1" (2008)
Quartet Cinderella "Gnossienne No 1" (2014)
Jacques Loussier Trio (Gnossienne No. 1) (1998)
Time to Vote!
Hope you can discern the differences between these--they sound very different to me I like all of them, but I'm going to pick one as a favorite. What about you? Have some fun with us. What's your favorite between these two choices? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Angel's Bark
Debbie Doglady's Den
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
A I Love Music
Winner of this Battle Announced on Wednesday May 8
I'll have an A to Z Reflections post next Monday--that's where a lot of the A to Z participants share their experiences for the 2019 event and I guess I'll do that as well. Then on Wednesday I'll be back with the ceremonial unveiling of the winner of this current Battle. See you then--or then--or both.
Do you have a difficult time motivating yourself to write, then when you start, the words pour out? Do you feel a swelling of motivation after completing something that took a lot of effort? Or would you prefer to take a vacation after completing some project?
I enjoyed "The Quartet Cinderella " version Lee.
ReplyDeleteGreat post as always.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, starting off the vote is...
DeleteCinderella
Lee
You have a way with words, my friend! I regret not doing the A-Z this year. You need to know that. :)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, maybe you can start preparing for next year now.
DeleteLee
I find starting is the hardest part. By the time I do get going, something family-related will force me to stop and then I'll be kicking myself for wasting so much time getting going.
ReplyDeleteTamara, I know that feeling just as you've described it.
DeleteLee
Howdy! I really like Jacques Loussier Trio's version more because I felt like the other version was too slow. Like this orginal was bouncy and makes you want to dance. I felt that the Jacques Loussier Trio version did justice to the original.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have moved to a new website as I now self-host. It is: https://ailovemusic.net/
Aisasami, I've visited your new site and it looks good but I couldn't comment at first. Now just went back and figured it out.
DeleteViva la vote for J L Trio.
Lee
You did very well with the Challenge this year.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely voting for the first one. I like the more traditional sound over the other two.
Alex, it was a good A to Z year with not much stress. The Team did a great job of handling things.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee
Well, I vote for the second!
ReplyDeleteThe last one is too jazzy for me, and the first one too... I don't know, but not my favorite ;)
Frederique, I thought you'd go for the French trio.
DeleteA vote for Cinderella.
Lee
What is this "vacation" you speak of? Last time I left the home front was for my brother's wedding in 2003. He is now divorced.
ReplyDeleteEven when I went on so-called vacations in eons past, I would find myself writing. I've never taken a vacation from writing. I think my head might literally explode if I didn't.
A bit of trivia: I experience a phenomenon called exploding head syndrome. It sounds much worse than it is. It's actually an inner ear issue. When it happens, it feels as if I should have seen a blinding flash of light inside my head and heard an explosion. The explosion is silent, the flash is invisible, and my head is still intact.
CIE, our vacations are almost exclusively for visiting our kids or other family. We never vacation for the mere sake of travel, but that's fine by me.
DeleteInteresting syndrome you've got there. Thankfully you've got an intact head still.
Lee
LEE ~
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all three versions - especially #1 and #3. The second one would have been good for relaxing background music while I'm doing other things (like writing), but it was, for my tastes, a little too slow 'n' sleepy to just sit 'n' listen to.
I'm definitely voting for Chicha Libre, as that bouncing beat appealed to me right from the get-go.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, I get what you're saying though I would have expected you to go more for the jazz version. The other is good too though.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee
You're a great writer, Lee and I enjoyed your posts. Ten years in a row of the A to Z Challenge is quite an accomplishment. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAs for the battle, all three were good, but, Quartet Cinderella provided the most dramatic rendition and I have to vote for them. Sounds like a Hungarian Rhapsody!
Debbie D, votes of confidence always welcomed! Thanks!
DeleteAnd a music vote for Cinderella.
Lee
I'm voting for #1.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually motivated when I finish a project, especially if it's the last version. I get a "I can do this" rush.
Lee, I like those "I can do this" rushes.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Arlee
I like it because I wrote it - LOL!
ReplyDeleteChicha Libre's version reminded me of when we lived in ABQ. I liked it.
L.Diane, if I don't like what I write then that could mean trouble.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee
It's amazing how reaching a goal can empower a person. Congrats on your success. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Anna, I'm still hoping for more success ahead.
DeleteLee
Chicha Libre gets a slight nod over Jacques Loussier Trio. Matter of fact, I am listening to Chicha Libre's version repeatedly... As for the third one, it might have been good for me, except for the tambourine, which ruined it. I would rather have heard it on a scratchy 78 rpm with skips and pops, than to have to endure jingle bells interspersed throughout.
ReplyDeleteLee, have I ever told you how badly I despise tambourines? I really do. Tambourines are No. 1 on my Hate List... No. 1 and still climbing.
Otherwise, this is a great BOB, Sir.
Michael, I've never heard of such a strong aversion to a tambourine. That can eliminate a lot of music! Maybe you were attacked by someone wielding a tambourine?
DeleteThanks for your vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee
LOL & 1/2 !!!
DeleteWoot for making it through the month and liking what you wrote!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll vote for Jacques Loussier Trio.
Loni, These Challenges are getting easier to write posts for, but more difficult to keep comments going.
DeleteA vote for J L Trio.
Lee
Can I vote for all three? No, I guess not.
ReplyDeleteI liked all three. Chicha Libre's had a Gypsy jazz feel to it, Cinderella Quartet's had a nice, feminine feel and sounded the most authentic, and Jacques Loussier's was worth going to YouTube and hearing, though not really one that stood out in my mind. I've bounced back and forth between Chicha Libre and Cinderella Quartet, but in the end the one that sticks with me the most is Cinderella Quartet. Ergo, they get my vote.
John H, thank you for putting so much thought into your vote...
DeleteCinderella.
Lee
Hi Lee -
ReplyDeleteFirst off, congratulations on TEN YEARS of A-Z!
I am also a fan of Satie. These are fun different versions, and it is really interesting to read the wide variety of opinions about this song. Sometimes these are blowouts, but this one seems to have varied admirers. I also am becoming a fan of you using THREE songs in these battles. I know you've done it before, but the last couple have featured them and I like it.
For this one, I really liked the French one, I rather liked the Serbs, and was not a huge fan of the Brooklyneers this time. "The world is wide..."
6Gun, I usually don't like using 3 songs as I fear that I might be taking too much of some blogger's time. But it does seem to distribute the votes rather nicely.
DeleteI'll call this a vote for J L Trio.
Lee
Congratulations on another successful A to Z. And here you are posting in May. You have stamina.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you've always understood how powerful words can be.
C.Lee, I'll be posting a lot less in May.
DeleteI think any kid who wants their own way learns fairly soon that carefully crafted words can achieve things better than throwing a tantrum or whining about it, though I won't discount the power of those latter annoying methods.
Lee
Hi Lee!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on A to Z!
I do get a "swell of motivation" after completing a challenging task. Chicha Libre best puts sound to that feeling for me, though they all were good.
Diedre, makes sense that if we have one victory we want to taste more.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee
Congrats on another successful year of A to Z!
ReplyDeleteYvonne, thanks--I thought this was a very nice April.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping things low key with the demands of the A2Z Challenge following DH's dental surgery yesterday, so I don't have a BoTB this time. For your battle I'm giving my vote to Chicha Libre. I liked the somewhat old-fashion western flavor to this cover. :)
Now to answer your questions...
Yes, I find it difficult to motivate myself to write. I feel like I don't have anything to offer but when I let go and just allow it to happen then the creativity happens freely.
Definitely, I am energized after doing finishing any task that require great effort. I sorta felt that way after A2Zing because I thought I wasn't going to participate and then I did. I surprised myself a little with how easy sketching free-style came to me this time which is an improved from two years ago. I'm anxious to finish up my illustrations with color now.
I'm not taking a vacation after the April event but I am taking a couple days off to regroup. Maybe, I'll step away from blogging during the summer for a short recess since traffic is about a snail's pace with everyone gone. :) Have a good day, my friend!
Cathy, I find that getting started is often the hardest part of a project.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee
When I accomplish something that is difficult, I feel motivated but tired at the same time:). I have to give myself some time to rest because I actually get sick if I jump into another big project so my body tells me to take things easy. I love the Quartet Cinderella that reminded me of gypsies. It sounded sensual and moody plus traditional. I enjoyed the first one which was different again with the Mexican/Spanish style..I guess Latin is what i am looking for...hahahaa. The last one is OK but it was a bit bothersome when the chimpanzee started hitting just the one note. That is what i picture when jazz goes off on a tangent
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I guess the continuation of the motivation can depend a lot on the amount of exertion that has been put in. Taking a rest is sometimes necessary.
DeleteWith the word "love" I'll take this as a vote for...
Cinderella.
Lee
Stream of consciousness is always fun! I'm so impressed with everyone who does the challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed it when I did it - but I just can't find enough time at this point. maybe again next year!
ReplyDeleteJemi, Someday you'll be able to join us in the Challenge. Write posts ahead of time and it might be easier!
DeleteLee
Learning cuss words as a kid is fun.
ReplyDeletePTM, my words were pretty mild when I was a kid. Even now I don't use that much offensive language.
DeleteLee
Happy IWSG. I make so many mistakes when I write stream of consciousness but I do like doing it.
ReplyDeleteJuneta, I try to catch my mistakes and correct them as I go, but they are easy to make when I'm just writing fast.
DeleteLee
Language can be both magical and powerful - as can music. I've liked Eric Satie for years so this was an amazing BOTB - and tough. The video of the last one was fun but my vote goes to Quartet Cinderella.
ReplyDeleteRoland, I've been a fan of Satie's music since back around high school I guess. I first was introduced to one of his tunes on the 2nd Blood, Sweat,and Tears album and then I started seeking out more after that.
DeleteA vote for Cinderella.
Lee
Eric Satie is one of my favorites too. I like the one I usually hear best, but of these three, I like number 3.
ReplyDeleteJacques Loussier Trio
Kristin, Satie's solo piano music can be so relaxing and dreamy.
DeleteA vote for J L Trio.
Lee
All three are excellent, in my opinion. But if I'm forced to give a vote, I think I'm going to go with Jacques Loussier Trio. I really enjoyed this.
ReplyDeleteMary B, yeah, sometimes these Battles are hard to pick just one.
DeleteA vote for J L Trio.
Lee
I gotta give it to Chicha Libre...and it was a hard choice! I could have swing Cinderella's way.
ReplyDeleteYou had a great theme, Lee...it was nice to learn more about you.
Cherdo, sometimes I think I was concealing as much as I was revealing. Thanks for staying with me throughout.
DeleteA vote for Chicha Libre.
Lee