Tuesday Grace Notes - Bach Cello Suite No. 1, Yo-Yo Ma

For some time now, I have had my mind and heart on something new. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it was out there – percolating; forming itself in the ether of my imagination; gathering life and shape and sound. And then two posts came together that helped me see what it was I’d been after.

I had to the opportunity to share some of my favourite things with the participants of the third round of #fmfpartysnail mail – all got to read about some of the little things I love and one lucky winner got the whole lot. This past Friday when the Five Minute Friday prompt came out, I found myself writing encouraging words to a larger audience. This was several steps outside my comfort zone – I love to encourage, but feel so much safer doing it one-on-one. This time though, I allowed the Lord to lead, and those words spoke to more than one heart.

Those two things – small treasures from my life and a desire to encourage others – are coming together in Tuesday Grace Notes.

I’ve never written of it here, so you probably don’t know that I come from a strong musical background. My mother and father both sing. She plays piano. He and my brother play guitar. Our family has sung in choirs (often led by my mother) for as long as I can remember. I played the piano from the time I was five until I graduated from high school; started playing the cello in fifth grade (through my senior year), and taught myself how to play the guitar fairly reasonably when I was in seventh grade.

Needless to say, I’ve seen some grace notes along the way.

A grace note is a music notation used to denote several kinds of musical ornaments (usually printed smaller to indicate that it is melodically and harmonically nonessential, but don’t believe that last bit). It’s sometimes referred to as a leaning note, as when the grace note is performed it sounds as though it is leaning in the direction of its associated principal or resolving note. However, the grace note offers a variety of effects and influences applicable to the melody of the composition. The grace note ornament, when placed and performed properly, increases the emotional impact of the music on the audience. In fact, the use of the grace note adds beauty and depth to the melody. 

And that is my goal for Tuesday Grace Notes – a small bit of harmony amidst the other things I write about. Shorter (if I meet my goals) than my usual pieces, and just a little something to add a touch of beauty to my life and yours. One week it might be a wonderful book I’ve read and can’t put down. Maybe it will be one of the movies I love (or its soundtrack). You might find a favourite recipe here. Or the new soap I’ve just discovered.

But since the term is born from music, I must begin my grace notes with a piece of music I love, by one of my favourite composers, played on an instrument I adore, and brought to life by an artist who renders it like no other. I hope you enjoy the grace note that is the Prelude from the Bach Cello Suite No.1 by Yo-Yo Ma.

  

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