The sound of winter…
Imagine looking out the window into the black freezing night. A streetlamp stands outside illuminating a cone of the road and sidewalks. A little speck of white briefly crosses the yellow light. Then another. Then two followed by five little white fluffs. What do you hear? Certainly quiet and silence are options. But what else might the first flakes of snowfall sound like? Perhaps a bit like starlight: twinkling chimes or tiny bells. A crystal sound. High notes on the piano might tinkle a mysterious slightly dissonant tune. Or perhaps one low note on the cello drones just prior to the first flake coming into view, and as the snow picks up two notes initiating a melody follow.
For me, winter is full of music in the actual staccato of rain, the whistle and howl of wind, the percussive splash and crunch and stamp of feet on pavement carrying further and farther in the winter cold. There are occasional “sleighbells” (or rather bells on harnesses) of horse drawn carriages in the city where I live, carolers, church bells, Salvation Army bells, and of course stores and radios blasting Christmas songs all throughout December abound in the winter environment. And all this sound punctuated by bars and bars of rest notes during long winter nights and snowed-in interludes.
Literal sound, though, is not the only winter music I hear. Somehow the look and movement of winter things composes songs and atmospheric phrases around me. I watch steam rise from the ventilation systems of apartment buildings and smoke from the woodfire bakery a block away and hear long vibrations of a bass. The trees sway and a violin (or if I’m in a livelier mood a fiddle) picks up the tune. Rain or snow or hail add bits of jazzy piano, or a sunnier day harmonizes with the warmer sounds of acoustic guitar. The flight of birds away from the feed I put out for them brings in more violins playing high and fast ending their parts with a long draw that fades gently away. Drums beat mostly distantly (or not at all), it’s the bass that keeps the time. Depending on weather or activity the percussion may grow and recede with the sounds of things approaching and things leaving or being left behind. And there are bells and chimes and synth and a little electric guitar that usually step in for the piano and create mystery and aliveness, an almost spiritual layer. Christmas and New Years bring in the brass. Trumpets. Trumpets and drums sound on Christmas. And New Years is filled with trumpet, trombone, sax, and really any instrument that shines. New Years is metal.
Live music…
Whether or not the winter is filled with music for you like it is for me, it is definitely filled with live performances. Especially around Christmas and New Years the people around you who may secretly have musical experience or who are accomplished professionals gear up for local concerts and performances. Venues book and bring in guest musicians and groups. I’ve been to local grocery stores that mic a singer with a guitar to play live music through the speakers for customers. There’s hardly a better time of year to find opportunities for listening to live music. Much of it is Christmas music, but not all of it. People are looking for places to be warm inside during the winter. They are looking for entertainment, and the musicians are there to provide. Take a look at posters and websites of local theatres, concert venues, restaurants, bars, pubs, churches, schools, etc. to find performances in or near your local area. I can think of no better way to enhance the winter experience than attending live music concerts.
Christmas music…
It’s impossible to think about winter music without thinking about Christmas music. The tradition of Christmas music persists for good reason. It’s happy music: it’s jazzy, it’s often written in a major key, and it’s singalong music. I have met many people of non-Christian faiths who love Christmas music, and for the secularists there’s plenty in the genre for you as well. Yeah, it’s over played, and it starts getting played way too early, I agree. But, come on, it’s fun. Christmas music often has a kind of simplicity that makes it very accessible and also makes it infinitely adaptable to varying genres, instruments, medleys, etc. Personally, I like the classics: Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Ray Conniff’s We Wish You a Merry Christmas album. If you prefer an alternative take on the classics try searching YouTube for “Christmas Songs” prefaced by one of the following: “Bossa Nova”, “Studio Ghibli”, “Bluegrass”, “Lofi”, “Metal”, “Big Band”, “Pan Flute”, “Hurdy Gurdy”, …pretty much any style or instrument you can think of has a Christmas music version. Carol of the Bells is probably my favorite Christmas song. Check out this YouTube video for an extended version coupled with stunning winter ambience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvQYq_pqU0s
Playing music…
Winter is the best season for indoor activities and pursuits with reading, arts and crafts, and music among them. You can learn some Christmas songs, which have beginner to advanced arrangements. Maybe you’ve wanted to play an instrument or resume learning or playing an instrument. Pick up your instrument! Sign up for lessons in the near year! Ask Santa to bring you a harp (or a guitar, whatever). There are hours and hours of cold and dark ahead of us. Stay in, make good use of the time, play some music. It’s incredibly rewarding to play music. Yes, if you’re new, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get past it you have a hobby that will enrich your life and that feels good to do. I’ve been learning guitar since June of this year. I don’t get to practice as much as I’d like, but I’m looking forward to some time off around Christmas and New Years to play more. Currently I’m learning beginner arrangements of Good King Wenceslas and Go Tell it on the Mountain. I can say this much for playing music, I’m never bored.
Wishing you a music filled winter!
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