Ritardando

“Ritardando” is a musical term that simply means “to slow the tempo gradually”.  It is often found at the end of a phrase of music and often found at the very end of a piece.  It is a conductor’s way of lingering a little longer with a particular passage.

Ritard (the shortened version) is a good thing in life sometimes.  There are moments when we should savor the experience – like our wedding day, or an incredibly delicious dessert.

When Carolyn and I visit Hawaii I plan to have a bunch of “Ritardando” moments.  We are going to suck the very marrow out of every moment of our Hawaiian experience.

Have you ever had a “Ritardando” conversation, one in which you wanted it to never end?  Then you know the value of going slowly, savoring and sapping up every moment of life.

Oh yes.  It is a good idea to “Ritardando” at busy intersections and traffic lights.  Just a bit of free advice there.

P Michael Biggs

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The Grand Pause

Have you ever had a grand pause?  In musical terminology, a grand pause looks like this.

It simply indicates that all the music stops when this appears in the music, and it will last as long as the conductor wishes it to last.

In life, a grand pause is as simple as …

A longed-awaited vacation

A three-day weekend

A visit from a favorite relative or college friend

A two-hour nap

Grand pauses are good for us - in music and in life.  They add to the anticipation of what is to happen next.

P Michael Biggs

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Piano

“Piano” is a musical term meaning “played or sung softly”. “Pianissimo” is its first cousin and that means “play even softer”.

Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven begins at the dynamic level of “piano”.

When I use music to help fall asleep, it generally needs to be “piano” in volume. 

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl this year.  Seattle is being touted as one of the noisiest crowds at a sporting event.  Don’t go to a game expecting to be soothed and calmed.  You won’t hear “piano” at a Seahawks game.

Ah, but after the game, when you get back home, put on your happy pants, slip into your favorite chair or sofa, and play whatever music brings a “piano” moment for you.  Just before dozing off, be sure and change to some “pianissimo” so you are not awakened from your dreams.

P Michael Biggs

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Embellish

The Baroque era would be a fine example of the ‘embellishment period.”  They were famous in architecture for lots of curly-cues and adornments in an effort to make a building more attractive for the day. 

In Baroque music, you will hear lots of embellishments.  These include trills, a series of a few notes as a before thought when the main passage is sung or played.  Some famous Baroque composers include:  Handel, Bach and Vivaldi.

I embellished my wardrobe once by purchasing a pocket watch.  I also have a fine collection of neckties that act as embellishments.

I love it when Carolyn embellishes herself for our special date nights.  She looks stunning.

Resumes are sometimes embellished, as are facts in the newspaper. 

And with that I’ll stop.  You mean we can’t believe everything we read these days?

Shocking!

P Michael Biggs

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Diminuendo

Diminuendo in music means “a gradual decrease in loudness”.  A diminuendo adds color, interest, and beauty to a musical passage. 

I've had a few diminuendo moments in my life.  Once, I arrived early for a church music job while the other music guy was still there.  He was scheduled to direct the choir in one more presentation and then he would be gone.

I found myself having to play a diminuendo passage for that weekend.  He was in charge and it was his last moment to shine.  My role was to step aside and allow him his final moment in the spotlight.

Sometimes we live out loud – sometimes we diminuendo. 

Ah - knowing which is needed – that is the art of living a successful life.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

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One Moment at a Time