Many congregational choirs consider Easter as the "big deal" occasion for music. At least they once did because choirs have fallen on hard times in many traditional faith communities while contemporary worship is often focussed on praise group leadership.
I was fortunate to serve several larger congregations with budgets for music which allowed us to bring in brass and timpani players to augment Easter morning music. These instruments along with the pipe organ and guests to fill out choir sections really were fitting for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.
These days I'm partial to the choirs of the wetlands with a heavenly host of frogs and toads giving voice to the Creator. Okay, their songs are more horny than heavenly but they are a wonderful declaration of abundant life. It's estimated that 70% of Ontario's wetlands have disappeared to development so hearing these all but invisible reptiles really is hopeful. This year their songs are happily coinciding with Easter. I heard an expert this morning describe the decibel level in the midst of a marsh full of frogs and toads as the equivalent of a heavy metal concert rather than a church service.
You might remember that it was April of last year when lots us were seeking out good viewing spots for the path of totality to view for the solar eclipse. We made our way to a large field in Prince Edward County bordering on an extensive marsh. When the darkness swept across the area the Spring peepers yelled their tiny heads off and then quieted down in a wave as light returned. It was an experience I'll never forget.
I don't think I've ever seen a Spring peeper but they can't be more elusive than a tenor for most choirs these days.
I appreciate that readers farther to the north are still waiting for these harbingers of Spring but they are coming! Here is a link to a video with various Ontario frog and toad songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=FFtkIRWbNeE
3 comments:
I love the sounds of toads and frogs and virtually any other wildlife(it's a close call for crows). I enjoy hearing the loons on the lake, the eeriness of coyotes in the distance(and close by!) and the woodpeckers doing their thing on our property. I have the Merlin bird ID app and it's great to pick up the sounds of a bird I hadn't heard before.
Thanks for the image of Kermit, probably the world's most famous and lovable amphibian. He's pictured with his banjo in the backdrop where he sang "Rainbow Connection." His signature song "It's Not Easy Being Green" is a very poignant ode to self-acceptance. KB
The Merlin app is a gem, Roger. I heard a Wilson's snipe at a marsh a few days ago and the app identified it. I had no idea there was such a snipe. Whenever possible I include Kermit, Kathy. The world is a better place because of this particular frog. Thanks to both of you!
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