October 05, 2003
L'Allegro
Jest and youthful Jollity
Quips, and cranks, and wanton wiles
Nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles
Such as hang on Hebe's cheek
And love to live in dimple sleek;
Sport, that wrinkled Care derides,
And Laughter, holding both his sides.
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato is a lovely oratorio by Handel, based on poems by Milton, which I only came to know courtesy of the even lovelier piece made of it by Mark Morris, one of the great masterworks of contemporary dance. God only knows why it isn't available on DVD. I've seen it twice and it really is one of the most delightful experiences ever, the sort of thing that you go into thinking "ho hum, whatever" and emerge from filled with utter joy. Morris has choreographed quite a lot of undistinguished tat lately, but after L'Allegro I'm prepared to forgive him pretty much anything.
Anyway. I've been listening to the music a lot over the past week, for no reason that I can identify except that it's beautiful, and I thought I'd share a couple of verses with y'all. On account of having nothing interesting of my own to say, obviously.
In a desperate and ill-fated swipe at relevance, I will note that all the comments on the last entry really did provide Sport, that wrinkled Care derides, and Laughter holding both his sides. So, thanks :)
Mirth, admit me of thy crew!
