Yup, you got it. I’m asking for your money. But pour MOI? Perish forbid!
As I write, I’m listening to one of the most gorgeous vocal CD’s I’ve heard lately … and no wonder; it’s done by Courtenay Budd – of the lovely soprano voice that’s graced Charles Wadsworth’s Dock Street Chamber programs off and on in recent years.
Ms. Budd – herself a young mother – came up with the idea of producing an album of lullabies, in conspiracy with many of her regular Dock Street colleagues. So not only do we get Ms. Budd’s dulcet singing, but the tuneful and accomplished work of many of the instrumental wizards I’ve been blogging about all this festival (and last): Folks like Todd Palmer (clarinet), Tara Helen O’Connor (flute), Corey Cerovsek and Daniel Philips (violins), plus Alisa Weilerstein (cello). There’s also another famous soprano taking part: Sylvia McNair. You’ll hear quite a few other musicians, too – but you don’t need the whole laundry list here.
Thing is, this idea occurred to Courtenay in the wake of hurricane Katrina, which taught so many of us to think of natural disasters in a whole new way. Thus the entire project is done in the name of disaster relief: every penny of the profits will support exactly that, both domestic and international.
If you love beautiful lullabies, lushly and lovingly sung, this is for you. You’ll get 25 of ‘em in all; sources range from folk material to film (Disney), art song and opera – and they hail from many different corners of the globe.
Hey, this is a win-win proposition: you get gorgeous music that’ll last you forever, and desperate people all over the world get a little bit of help and encouragement when times are tough. I wonder how many of them are little ones who still need lullabies? So GO for it. To get yours, click here.
