One More for Susan Falkenrath
We had a lovely memorial yesterday for Susan with her mother and aunt, her young students, new and old friends all in attendance. As was fitting, there was a lot of music throughout the afternoon.
The problem with priestessing memorials is that afterwards you go through not only the familiar post-ritual letdown, but you are faced with the weight of knowledge that she is now well and truly gone. This is made all the more poignant for me by how palpably her spirit was evoked through all the music we sang. The silence left in her absence is deafening.
So here is one last song for Susan, and it is one where her voice figures prominently. She carries the melody line through the whole song (after the opening solo, which is mine). We are singing with Max Ventura, who sang with us yesterday, and Brook Schoenfield. In love may she return again.
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February 4th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I didn’t think there could be more tears, but here they are. Thank you. Anne, posting that song is a gift. Thank you.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:53 am
I didn’t know Susan, but thank you Anne. Both the post and the song are just beautiful.
February 5th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I’d like to echo Moonroot’s comment. These songs bring happy tears to my eyes.
February 9th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I’m so disappointed that I didn’t make it to the memorial. I was sick with a cold and didn’t leave the house for three days. Susan’s voice deeply inspired me, and her songs were beautiful. We have indeed lost a wonderful contribution to our community. Thanks for everything you posted about her.