From Darkness to Light Program Notes - December 3 and 4, 2011

December 2011: HEALING
From Darkness to Light

Program Notes
Dr. Deborah Simpkin King
Artistic Director and Founder

I: Human Condition

Myths, liturgies, traditions--those we individually embrace, along with those recognized but external to our experience--contain truths basic to the human condition. Through these basic elements of life all are united.

Who is the carol’s traditional ‘poor youngling’ if not ourselves? A position of weakness? No, indeed; for the ‘real deal’ of humanity writhes and lives in vulnerability, the only weakness within which is its lack of acknowledgment. The ultimate prize is won by those who dare to ‘become like little children.’ To mourn for parts of ourselves that have been abused, neglected, misunderstood? . . . the first step on the journey of internal emancipation! . . . By by, lully lullay

In responding to disaster—‘natural,’ such as the 2004 Asian tsunami which inspired Gilkyson’s ‘Requiem;’ or pain in any form--human nature is to seek rebound through belief in, or with the assistance of . . . something—symbolized here by Mother Mary. Can broken hearts be made whole? Do we know the ‘dark night of the soul,’ times of protection even from the pain of feeling, when to feel would endanger survival? Blessed walls, keep me safe enough, long enough to survive . . . and lead us to a higher place . . .

Still in darkness . . . in mirrors dimly . . . Pierce our darkness, Light of light . . . break the gloom of our dark night!

II: Suite Noël

Out of gloom and darkness . . . A promise of healing—through the paradox of a universe-creating god in an infant's most vulnerable form. A promise of fragrant beauty—paradoxically, in places not known to bloom. Dare we seek within ourselves such nest for our own hatching? . . . with joy your joy embrace!

With healing done, the poet speaks, 3b: ‘The just-healed former cripple asks God to make sure Jesus has good, strong legs. Otherwise, how can he dance? Surely no one of sound leg would ever pass up the chance to dance! (Lame of leg, lame of heart?) In a bit of foreshadowing, the man realizes Jesus will dance on to Calvary, dancing until his earthly legs have danced their last. Perhaps there are some who do not understand what it means to give up dancing (paying no mind to his sacrifice); nonetheless, Jesus "minds" the inevitability of the cross. In that dance, he does not fail and carries all along with him in the new dance of Salvation. “ . . . dance with me!

Eyes, ears, legs, tongues, . . . is it safe for us to abandon our wounded state? Dare we emerge from behind our protective walls? He has tested the thin garment of our days. Incarceration, cease! Sing all alleluia!

III: Human Potential

The ‘poor youngling’ has dared to feel, chosen to heal, learned to dance. The challenge now: to leave all concerns and darkness behind; to focus our intent on following the star . . . Look! It is Love—the Guest, the Rose, the Star . . .

Paradoxes again, and mysteries: God becoming like us, that we might become his temple? Such mysteries are beyond human grasp. Only animals and children are simple enough for such truth.

To dance! To live fully into who we are!! To dance--wherever we find ourselves, whatever our circumstances; dance, and expect to be lead. We and the Lord of the Dance are one. That dance, that life will never, never die.

On this, and every shining night, all is healed, all is health. Hearts are whole.

Of the Father’s love begotten . . . We will attain freedom within . . . Evermore and evermore.

May the healing power of warmth and love be yours
to give and to receive in this holiday season.

With love,
The singing family of
Schola Cantorum on Hudson