The Fifth Day of Christmas - The Music of Rossini

Gioachino Rossini was the King of European opera for the first third of the nineteenth century. Then in one of the great musical mysteries of all time, at the ripe old age of 37, having produced 39 operas, his last being William Tell, Rossini simply quits writing and retires to a posh and comfortable life in Paris. The Master does not compose again for almost thirty years!

On this Fifth Day of Christmas, instead of Five Golden Rings, here is the Quintet from one of Rossini's masterpieces, The Barber of Seville. The Count, posing as a singing teacher, is trying to have some 'alone time' with Rosina, aided by Figaro. All is going well until the real singing teacher arrives. Lots of madcap fun in a spirited production.

A prayer for the season of Christmas:

Good and gracious God, it can be easy to forget, in the midst of this season which has become increasingly about abundance, that part of the reason for the season is a story about marginalization, displacement and a lack of a secure life. Help us reach out to folks who find themselves in those difficult places, both physically and mentally, and remind us that we are all refugees seeking shelter in this sometimes difficult life. Teach us to reach out in love to all people and to offer shelter to each other amidst the storms of life. Amen.

Love One Another - Brian