In celebration of Mother’s Day, I dedicate this post to my Mom who has shared with me many vibrant life soundtracks.  She is one of the most energetic music-lovers I know and her passion inspires me.

Although we share a huge list of awesome music, these pieces stand out the most.

Where else to begin than with Oscar Wilde through the character of Algernon in “The Importance of Being Earnest”?

In this opening scene from the 2002 film release, Algernon, in conversation with the butler, says of his own piano playing:

“I don’t play accurately – anyone can play accurately – but I play with wonderful expression.”

 

Sometimes when I’ve felt discouraged about my own musical performance, Mom brings up this quote and it always brings a little smile and a nudge of encouragement.

Next, we must take a little journey to the Shire.

 

Howard Shore’s “Concerning Hobbits” from Peter Jackson’s “Fellowship of the Ring” is a piece Mom and I shared through the flute and the piano.

“Concerning Hobbits” was the soundtrack for the Christmas morning on which it was given – my siblings and I all remember listening to it and even when I hear it now, I feel like I’m in my PJs and I smell Santa pancakes cooking and taste hot chocolate with whipped cream.

I loved “Concerning Hobbits” so much that I tried to figure out an accompaniment on piano and work out the melody for Mom to play on flute.  I don’t remember a particularly successful performance of our rendition, but I do remember Mom’s patience and willingness to play together.  And I remember time shared enjoying the music.  Besides, anyone can play accurately.  We played with expression.

Shostakovich was someone who knew expression.  Take, for example, his 2nd Waltz, performed here as a cello arrangement.  I dare you to listen and sit still…

For her birthday a few years ago, Mom decided she wanted to pick up the violin.  She had played the violin in an orchestra when she was in elementary school and she thought it would be fun to learn again.  You see why I admire this woman?

I learned the accompaniment on the piano and wrote out the melody for Mom on the violin.  We waltzed in the living room to Shostakovich, one expressive measure after another, and had a grand time.  I look forward to playing this waltz with her again sometime.

Finally, some of the most meaningful music Mom has shared with my sister and I (particularly) finds its origins in Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”.  In 1994, Gillian Armstrong directed a moving film adaptation of the story, featuring music by film composer Thomas Newman.

This story and its music have been so meaningful to my Mom and sister and I that we (very fortunately) visited Concord, MA last summer to see where it all took place.

When I hear the music from “Little Women”, we three little women are in Concord in the mid 1800s… and in 2014, standing in front of Orchard House.

We are celebrating Mom with a surprise performance of an arrangement of Newman’s music: my brother conducting, my sister on cello, me on clarinet.

We are playing through another arrangement for Christmas – my sister singing, my mom playing violin, me playing clarinet.

We are watching four little women and their Marmee growing up together, learning the joys and sorrows of life.

And we are celebrating with them.  I’m thankful for the amazing person who is my mother and today, listen to this music celebrating her meaningful presence in my life.

Love you, Mom!  Happy Mother’s Day!!!