Natural Spirituality

Szia! 

(This means, "Hello" or "Goodbye" in Hungarian, for either males or females, and regardless of plural-singular).

I am very happy to be here. Since we had an extra week in Sárospatak, to prepare Don Giovanni, we are at the beginning of Week 3. 

This past Saturday was wonderful and definitely worth sharing. Teaching was as the usual schedule (Schumann "Frauenlieben und Leben" in the morning, and Ady-Dalok following), lunch, more teaching individuals. 

"Creative Church" is one of my favorite events at Crescendo. The Institute moves into the Reform Church in the center of town, and we combine the two things the institute does best (worship and music). I got to share the podium with Timothy Bentch (tenor) and Ellen Rose (viola) on Vaughn Williams' "FOUR HYMNS." I felt that the piano was a little difficult to control, but many people thought the performance was especially moving, from their feedback. Because of the unfamiliar instrument and acoustic to me, I felt like I was hanging on for dear life, even though I knew the piece and the text extremely well. But so many people remarked about the "color" of the instrument. 

At the conclusion of the music, we were free to walk around the church and write, go to the wailing wall and leave our prayers for God, write thank-you notes to people in the Institute, or walk around and greet our colleagues and "brothers and sisters." I was relatively calm throughout the whole event, but did get teary at some sights or even some greetings that I shared with people. 

I have been pondering for a while the differences between organized religion(s), denominations, and different ways that people are "spiritual." I believe that we are all created spiritual beings (much akin to Dr. Shinichi Suzuki's belief about "every child being musical.") For many of us, we can be easily drawn away from this spirituality by life events, an experience within a particular community or congregation, or from a lack of curiosity. 

Creative Church is unique because of its multi-dimensions of scripture, message, music, and the ability to be in community in prayer and thanksgiving. Every year has been different and every year has been beautiful. 

PHOTO: Sárospatak gives a lot of stunning views by both sunset and sunrise. (I've seen both). This is by sunset, on the way to Creative Church.