"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Pamela's Diner, Adam's Organ Concert, and Annual Building Picnic
Maureen and I went early to a branch of Pamela’s Diner for breakfast. I had the Lincoln Special—two eggs, meat, Lyonnaise potatoes, and two hotcakes. MMM good! We discussed a book I have been assigned to read by one of my friends, which explains why he doesn’t want to take photographs any more. (It’s a novel / roman). I am about half way through the novel, and it is slow going, as it is stream of consciousness, with no paragraph breaks.
I prepared for class tomorrow and I attended Adam J. Brakel’s organ concert, the close of the summer concert series at Saint Paul Cathedral.
He opened with an impressive piece by Max Reger, Fanasia and Fuge in d minor, opus 135b (double fugue), followed by
Komm, Heileger Geist, Herre Gott (Franz Tunder)
Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend (J.S. Bach) from Leipzig chorales
St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves (Franz Lizst) translated to organ by Lionel Rogg
Scherzo from Symphony VI (Louis Vierne)
Hamburger Totentanz (Guy Bovet)
Adam chose, as usual, pieces that showcased his virtuosity, especially the Lizst and Vierne pieces, with rushing cascading notes from the stiff-keyed von Beckerath instrument. I had a chance to chat with various others from the congregation space after the concert, including with Adam.
The annual building picnic was great fun, I sat with Margery and Cheryl from my floor, Nancy from the floor above, and Roger, Richard, and his wife as well. The food was delicious, as usual.
I am tired, and will retire early this evening in preparation to teach tomorrow.
Labels: dining, friends, music, neighbors, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Pentecost 2010
Today I arose ~5:30 and then took some photos of the foggy morning afterwards.
The Pentecost Mass included singing with a guest, Gabe's brother Carlo. I told Judi that Regina could not attend Mass today, and I met up with Mom, Dad, and Regina's parents after Mass during the voluntary. Fr. Steve from the Oratory celebrated the Mass.
Mom, Dad, and I went for lunch at Whole Foods. We then went to return an item at TJ Maxx, and I got li'l tan ped things for my feet this summer. I picked up Mom and Dad at the stores, then we headed home. I put my items away, and took a nap.
Jennifer H and I had tentatively decided to go to the performance of John Rutter's Requiem Mass at St. Maurice Church in Pittsburgh. We talked via phone, and decided I would drive, picking her up on the way. Brent, of Choireland fame, is the music director there. Don accompanied the group on their organ. The choir was particularly well-balanced, and the soloists were wonderful. Jennifer H noted that the second movement, "Out of the Deep," had an extended lunga by the altos. The sixth movement, "The Lord is my Shepard," is the same as that which our choir sings, except this organ was electronic and accompanied by cello, flute, harp, oboe, and percussion.
We spoke with Brent, and with Don, Judy afterwards. Don noted that Fr. John, the pastor, is Ed's brother. Ed plays brass with our music ministry at various holidays.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, music, organ, photos, Pittsburgh, shoes, shopping, singing
Feast of Christ the King 2009 (B)
Yesterday was the Feast of Christ the King. A grand day in the Church, the beginning of the last week in the Liturgical year. I wore a white sparkly cotton top with my sunny monstrance-looking pendant.
After Mass Jennifer H, Diana, and I went to lunch at the Orient Express. I tried the shrimp with tomato, which was pretty good. We all carried out our leftovers.
I took a two-hour nap, taking my sleep time up to thirteen hours.
I attended the last concert in the Saint Paul Cathedral re-inaugural concert series, given by Ken Danchik, our Associate Organist. He opened and closed with pieces by Vierne and Langlais (both blind organists); he played the Carmelite suite by Jean Francaix, Prelude and Fugue in D Major by J.S. Bach, Venus (transcribed for organ by Arthur Wills) by Holst, and the Suite Francaise (including dances, fanfares, and street scenes) by Poulenc.
After the concert we had a chance to chat with Ken. I took a photo of his family for them, and then Nancy C and I went out to Ali Baba for a snack.
~~~
This morning Fr. Daniele concelebrated with another priest the Mass. John was the altar server. Some of us ladies chatted after Mass about Fr. Andrew's send-off party. Karina called about getting a ride to the station for her trip East.
Labels: automobile, celebration, Choir, Church, dining, friends, Mass, music, organ, photos, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
Last Day, September 2009
This morning I got some grading done as well as attended Fr. Drew's Sunday Scriptural Study (for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B). Clare and I walked back together, then I took a short nap and headed in to work to set up for the microbial practical quiz.
~~~
21.10
Just returned from the organ recital by Dame Gillian Weir. Absolutely amazing! Her playing was fantastic, and she performed a repertoire that spanned centuries as well as geographic space. I sat with Joe and Tina, and Maureen sat near us, too.
I'm nervous that all the equipment for the lab will be in place for tomorrow....
Labels: biology, Church, Faith, music, organ, read, work
Leading Up to G-20 Pittsburgh
Monday night after work and physical therapy I attended the Pittsburgh Summit Interfaith Prayer Service at Saint Paul Cathedral. There was an organ prelude and postlude by Don, hymns, a welcome by Bishop David Zubic, a sounding of the Shofar, Scriptural readings, sung psalms by the Compline Choir, intercessions, musical interludes, a sign of peace, the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, and tag team blessings and benediction.
Maureen and I found out F had been mugged, in a safe neighborhood. Karina went to visit her Monday.
~~~
Wednesday (yesterday) Maureen and I brought a salmon and quiche dinner and snacks to F, who was visiting with her beau, J. We spent the visit talking about various things, enjoyed soft drinks, and all prayed together before we departed for our favorite jazz place. (No jazz tonight.) There were lots of filming tents and trailers in the neighborhood...they're filming a movie in that neighborhood, I saw posters for extras up this week. We enjoyed milkshakes, and saw A out on a stroll, too.
~~~
Today, we were planning on brunch with William's family. I checked out the G20 website for road closures and permits for demonstrations. I heard through the grapevine that there may be protests (non-permitted) in our neighborhood. I called the police special events committee, and they indicated that any additional protests would be without a permit, as no new permits were being issued. I thanked her, and noted that I saw guys in fatigues in my building at work yesterday, ensuring our safety.
Needless to say, our brunch is postponed.
Labels: biology, international culture, music, organ, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, work, Zubik
Joan Lippincott at the von Beckerath
Joan Lippincott performed a program of Mathias, J.S. Bach, Mozart, Copeland, Messiaen, and Widor this evening at St. Paul Cathedral. She masterfully showed off the instrument through flawless, seamless runs and selection of pieces that highlighted various stops/voices of the organ.
Karina and I spoke with Fred, Judi, Jessica, and Nancy at intermission. After the concert, Nancy, Karina, and I met Ms. Lippincott. We were thrilled by her music and Nancy purchased the latest J.S. Bach CD for her to sign. I expressed to her that I had heard her practicing yesterday mid-afternoon and about half a dozen to ten people had entered the church to pray when they were struck---held rapt---by her organ playing. We showed her our appreciation for her playing.
We circled around back to the narthex exit to talk to Doug, Judi, and Don. I made the joke William had made to me, "I'm able, so no cane!" and jockeyed around behind Don's back (because I could).
We walked Nancy to her car, and Karina and I were happy to get a ride home, too.
We had a chance to talk to Ken about their experiences sending Emily off to school.
Labels: Bach, Choir, Church, friends, games Superbowl, Mozart, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, talent
New Wireless Mouse, New Eyeglasses, Smoothies and Tea
Today before physical therapy I picked up a wireless mouse. After physical therapy I found parking (!) and picked up my new eyeglasses from the optical shop. I checked my email, then met Fannie and Don for smoothies and tea at a pan-Asian restaurant.
This evening I'll go to Joan Lippincott's organ recital at St. Paul Cathedral.
Labels: computer, email, exercise, glass, ice cream, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, water exercise
Laboratory Meeting, Fall 2009
Today will be our first laboratory meeting of the school year. The beginning of the end of summer...
~~~
Thursday, 8.15am
The meeting went well; the veteran instructors met the new instructors, we all ate together while taking care of paperwork such as the office hours and substitute lists, and we prepared/inoculated the "ill" potatoes for the first lab. I spent the rest of the time in the computer lab printing out my first-day documents.
I stopped in St. Paul Cathedral for a brief respite on the way home, and the mighty von Beckerath was being played. Perhaps it was Joan Lippincott practicing before her concert Thursday (today). Many of the stops were out---the music was mighty, mighty.
Labels: biology, music, organ, Pittsburgh, school, St. Paul Cathedral, walking, work
Thriller
Two summers ago, I linked one of my blog posts to a video of Cebu inmates dancing a routine to Thriller. Yesterday morning, while at Tito Larry and Tita Tina's place, all of us watched the inmates dancing and being interviewed (some with make-up, which is most likely expensive in an incarcerated environment) about Michael Jackson. One of the wardens said the dancing and choreography is good for keeping gangs and violence down at the prison, and they've kept adding more songs to their repertoire.
~~~
It never ceases to amaze me how peaceful large groups of Filipinos can be. During the People Power revolution, there were never any of the violent encounters that there were at Tiananmen Square. Sure, there were tanks, but there were also nuns placing flowers in the barrels of soldiers' guns, too. And here, again, 1500+ Cebuano inmates dancing in unison to recent radio hits. I think it says quite a bit about the soul of the Filipino/a.
~~~~~
7.00, 2 July 2009
Here, a short from ITN news on the MJ tribute, and a short from CBS on the MJ Cebu tribute, as well as a short by the Associated Press.
~~~~~
14.00, 2 July 2009
Here, an organ tribute to MJ Ken shared with me.
~~~~~
13.30, 11 July 2009
Here, "Beat It" being performed impromptu by a crowd in Stockholm.
Here, "Thriller" performed by William & Mary students in Virginia.
Labels: dance, dreams, Faith, farewell, international culture, music, organ, Philippines, philosophical, Pilipino culture, politics, TV
Margie, my Home Outpatient Physical Therapist
Today Margie, my outpatient home physical therapist came to visit. She and mom changed my dressing, she watched me with my exercises (and helped me to do my straight leg lifts), and we practiced going up and going down ~7 steps, with a railing on the right, ascending. We joked, and had fun throughout. I played my Vivaldi CD, to soothe me as I did the exercises.
Lunch was green salad with Vidalia onions and shredded cheddar, egg torta, rice, and little sausages.
After lunch, a loong rest (which led me to forget, temporarily, my blood-thinning shot), then, after, I took my oral medication at the appropriate times.
~~~
~5.00m
Chatted that night with Jennifer H. from choir. We talked about physical therapy, music, her two concerts she attended yesterday (Cathedral Organ Concert, Indigo Girls), etc.
Labels: dine, exercise, health, music, organ, phone, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral
Transfiguration Sunday 2009
This Sunday was Transfiguration Sunday. We had sung the hymn
Transform Us
Kyrie Eleison (Lotti) (which Mom liked)
Lenten Gospel Processional (Chepponis)
Jesus So Lowly (Friedell) ---after introduction of the 25 catechumens and elect,
Holy, Holy, Holy / Sanctus from the Vatican Mass XVIII
Acclamations from the Danish Mass
Lamb of God / Agnus Dei from L. Deiss
Grant to Us (L. Deiss)
Hide Not Thou Thy Face From Us (Farrant)
Lenten Prayer verse (Passion Chorale, H. Hassler)
Don directed and played the organ (in Ken's absence), Linda cantored, and Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass.
~~~~
Mom, Dad, and I went to Bloomfield for Chinese food. Dee-lish (with jasmine tea).
Mom and I have been working on Dad's inauguration this afternoon (the continuing saga). I also took a much-needed nap.
Labels: Choir, dining, medical mission, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Nifty Gullifty's Friday the 13th of February 2009
Went to Gullifty's last night after Don's concert to enjoy food, fellowship, and jazz. Karina, Maureen, Nancy, and I had a great time. Maureen and I split an order of Pulled Pork nachos. I had a drink which was, to put it mildly, "weak." I explained the problem to the waitress, and she righted the problem. The jazz was played by a different group than our last visit.
Stopped in to Eat N Park for cookies--smiley Valentines cookies for Beata and Solomon. "Ask and you shall receive," Nancy intoned, when I asked about the cookie coupon usage.
Nancy reminded me of my "Lucky Friday the 13th" day so far: My Scrunchi at physical therapy, my pina colada drink, and my current cookie question. And yes, three times were a charm!
Labels: Beatrice, dining, ice cream, music, niece and nephew, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, surprise
Don @ the (Newly Restored) Organ
After teaching yesterday morning, and administrative work with Mayte, and after physical therapy with Cara, I met up with Karina, Maureen, and Christina for Friday fellowship at the Newman Center. We met Dorothy, Karina's friend from the Pathology department at UPMC. After many announcements, I drove the crowd (sans Dorothy) to St. Paul Cathedral...We spotted Don in the parking lot, too, and chatted ever-so-briefly.
As part of the Cathedral Concert Series, Don Fellows presented A Recital Demonstrating the Newly Restored Cathedral Organ last night. Because we were one of the last loft-bound seating groups, we sat in the westernmost part of the loft. I took some photos during the lecture/demo, which included the specifications of the 1962 Rudolf von Beckerath Organ. It is restored as close to the original intentions of the organ builder: "This organ is, musically speaking, in completely original condition," as George Taylor, of Taylor & Boody, the restoring firm, wrote.
Don spoke about the capabilities and restoration of the organ before the pieces in the program, and spoke about the organ after the program:
Petite Suite ~ Introduction, Intermezzo, Finale (Gerald Bales, 1919-2002)
Chaconne in E minor (Dietrich Buxtehude, 1637-1707)
Variations on a Dance Theme ~ Balletto del granduca (J.P. Sweelinck 1562-1621)
Vivace, from Trio Sonata VI for Organ, BWV #530 (J.S. Bach, 1685-1750)
Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV #543 (J.S. Bach)
Chorale #3 in A Minor (Cesar Franck, 1822-1890)
Cantilena from Sonata #11, Opus 148 (J. Rheinberger, 1839-1901)
Finale from Symphony I for Organ (Louis Vierne, 1870-1937)
~~~~~
Don introduced us to the various pipes in the organ, by describing them verbally, visually with a laser pointer, and aurally by hearing the sets of pipes. He talked about the eight-foot pipes when describing what we would hear during the first Bach piece:
Great - Principal 8 foot
Ruckpositiv -
Quintadena 8 foot
Rohrflote 8 foot
Blockflote 8 foot
Pedal - Octave 8 foot
~~~
He described the Principal pipes, which "are like the strings, [the backbone of the orchestra,] the meat and potatoes" of the orchestra; before he played the second Bach piece.
~~~
Before my favorite piece of the evening (the Rheinberger), he spoke of using the two quietest sets of pipes:
Great - Koppelqedackt 8 foot
and
Pedal - Subbasse 16 foot
Don spoke of the desire of Paul Koch (a previous music director) to include the Koppelqedackt in the design of the organ.
~~~~~
Don spoke of how some of the original mostly-zinc pipes were replaced with more tin-bearing pipes, and how the foot of many pipes were enforced with copper. The rest of the pipes were cleaned, grind, washed, and lacquered to prevent oxidation. He also spoke about the how some of the cases bearing the organ pipes were reinforced with a thick layer of plywood at the back to enhance the original intentions about voicing that von Beckerath had---to improve the overall tone of the instrument. Some of the pipes (up to 600 pounds of metal each) were causing undue vibrations in the organ case during play.
All in all, a wonderfully informative concert, brilliantly, emotively played pieces. The evening at the Cathedral concluded with saying hello to Linda O, a cantor, Charles and Susan (who has a new cat, Moses's sis/friend), Dan, Fred, (both formerly of choir), and other choristers. Also saw Joe and Tina there.
Four of us headed to Gullifty's for a snack and jazz after the performance: Maureen, Karina, Nancy, and I...I drove.
Labels: cat, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, voice
"Dress" Rehearsal, Lean on Me
After noon Mass (during which Lisa P. had her family and parents there), Jennifer H. and I went for lunch paninis at Camille's Restaurant. I stopped by at Mom & Dad's home before rehearsal, which started in the choir loft.
Lisa had brought those delicious chocolate raspberry bars...we practiced upstairs the parts of the program for Wednesday's concert that did not require the portative organ, namely, all but the Louis Vierne pieces. James W. organized us spatially upstairs. I brought my chair/cane for use downstairs when Russell played the portative organ.
Clarified with Doug and with Don the presence of the required materials for tomorrow's coat check work that Jay and I will do. Briefed Jay on the logistics of the matter.
I'm excited about starting work tomorrow and with volunteering for the cloak room.
~~~~~
Mom and I watched the end of "The Children's Hour" with Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, and James Garner. Then, we watched Lean On Me, with Morgan Freeman as the principal, Mr. Clark. Quite inspiring, similar to Jaime Escalante's story in Los Angeles.
Labels: cinema, excited, family, Mass, organ, school, St. Paul Cathedral, volunteering, work
Prepare for work, concert...Toto le héros
Today I ran some errands on campus, in Squirrel Hill, and napped soundly before watching Once with Mom. I also prepared for work on Monday, listened to the sound files for the concert Wednesday (we have a dress rehearsal tomorrow after lunch after noon Mass), and napped again.
Tonight Karina, Jeff, and I will watch the movie Toto le héros. It was recommended to me by a former coworker at the Carnegie, Tim, who claims it is his favorite film. There may be others who join us...Jeff's last day here is Sunday (tomorrow) night, and it'll be nice to see him again before he heads back to Maine.
~~~~~
Jose and Fabiola joined us...we got veggie and sausage pizzas, too.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Choir, Church, cinema, dining, library, music, organ, sleep, Songs, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Re-Inaugurating the Organ; Preparing to be Coat Check Chick, Me
The re-inauguration of the St. Paul Cathedral von Beckerath organ after renovations will be through a series of concerts next week. The concerts will coincide with the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians XXVI. I have been assigned, with Jay, to the coat check.
After morning Mass Don and I inspected the cloak room for potential organization for use as a coat check room on Monday night. The door locks, and all that are missing are a doorstop and a system for the coat check, which we discussed. There is also a long rack with tri-hangers for Tuesday night ("for self-service").
~~~~~
I saw Brian F., a former coworker, as I was exiting St. Paul Cathedral. We wished each other holiday and new year greetings.
Labels: celebration, Choir, Church, cleaning, music, organ, repair, St. Paul Cathedral
Feast of the Holy Family 2008
Dad noted that today would be the Mass for the Holy Innocents in the Philippines. The choir sang from the choir loft again...with Christina cantoring from the altar
Angels we have heard on high
Proulx's Community Mass Gloria
Psalm 128 Chepponis/DKF
Christmastime Alleluia by Chepponis
Coventry Carol arranged by Shaw
Proulx's Eucharistic Adorations
Isele's Lamb of God
What Child is This? and
Noel We Sing by Daquin/KD
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
Most all of the organ pipes were in place and we were pleased with the sounds which were directed over and past us in the loft to the receptive congregation below.
~~~~~
After Mass we found our way to the Waterfront, and decided against the breakfast bar at Eat N Park and for the sandwiches at Steak N Shake.
Upon arrival at home, I napped heavily.
We watched Girl, Interrupted, a movie starring and produced in part by Winona Ryder. Quite dramatic, based on the adventures of a young woman on a hospital ward in the 1960s.
~~~~~
~9PM
Dad and I are watching The Sound of Music, a family favorite.
Labels: Boston area, cat, Choir, Christmas, Church, cinema, citizenship, dining, family, ice cream, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Hello Kitty (Snowball); and Lisa's Celebration
Stopped by to visit Snowball today. He was so glad to see me, he ran up to me and rubbed up against me. I told Mom that I think he suffers from a jealousy of the children, as well as a dearth of patting.
Today it was well over 65 degrees Fahrenheit--the car's outside thermometer showed it at 72 degrees Fahrenheit this afternoon! The radio this morning mentioned that we may get close to record temperatures today...unseasonably warm temperatures.
Mom and I did some shopping this afternoon, and I'll be going to Lisa's celebration this evening.
~~~
10 AM Sunday
Lisa's celebration was fun! Don drove, while his GPS directed slightly posthandedly to me (who had directions from Ken). Quite the scene, with the GPS with an accent! ("That's rihght!") We arrived after Doug, Judi, and Mary Pat, as well as some of their neighbors. A bevy of friends from the local parish and neighbors arrived. We shared a plethora of appetizers, we "OOoo-ed and Aah-ed" about the tree and train set (as well as the action-figure Jesus), then progressed to the desserts. I tried almost all, and I particularly enjoyed the homemade raspberry-chocolate bars. After a chat with Fred, who arrived from Virginia despite a failed differential, we retired to the living room with birthday songs, carols (from a booklet copyright 1948), and a "march" entitled "Christ the King." I saw part of an organ pipe from the restoration (which Ken had someone mount upright on a plate). Quite the conversation piece.
We travelled back to my house (quite uneventful, as I had a Shirley Temple to preserve my wits as the backseat driver), and agreed I would check out the coat racks (for my coat check girl duty for the conference NEXT week) for possible organization later.
Labels: Birthday, cat, celebration, Choir, family, friends, love, organ, seasons, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, weather
St. Paul Cathedral Choir--Wreaths 2008
Last night Doug, Judi, and I handed out wreaths for the annual fundraiser for St. Paul Cathedral Choir, as I did for the choir fundraiser two years ago. Don and Rocco were at Mass as we handed out wreaths and I sliced up pumpkin pie and salabat tea for the troop. Meanwhile, Doug quizzed me on how I would be the head "hat/coat check girl" for the conference in January, and my duties...I replied with a description of the organization of the racks, tickets, coats/hats/bags/umbrellas etc. We agreed that I should check out purchasing claim tickets at a store in the Strip District. We also talked about his parents' kitchen (!)
After exchanging fond goodbyes and hugs, we all departed for our homes...Me in Judi's car, safe and sound to say goodnight to Mom and Dad at their home.
Labels: Choir, family, friends, music, organ, organizing, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, tradition, volunteering, weather
