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Black Piano Keys
My brother, John, who lives in Ottawa, sent me this piece, entitled Black Piano Keys. I watched it, in awe at its message and its beauty. It immediately led me to think about the discussion taking place in New Westminster regarding the celebrations and origins of the Dutch traditions of Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet. The celebration, and it's origins, appear to be an emotional issue for some, and one that causes offense to others. Surely, as people of goodwill, we can all listen to each other and find resolve to this issue. I hope you enjoy Black Piano Keys as much as I did. The words of introduction are not mine, they came with the item. BLACK PIANO KEYSAt Carnegie Hall, gospel singer Wintley Phipps delivers perhaps the most powerful rendition of Amazing Grace ever recorded. He says, "A lot of people don't realize that just about all Negro spirituals are written on the black notes of the piano. Probably the most famous on this slave scale was written by John Newton, who used to be the captain of a slave ship, and many believe he heard this melody that sounds very much like a West African sorrow chant. And it has a haunting, haunting plaintive quality to it that reaches past your arrogance, past your pride, and it speaks to that part of you that's in bondage. And we feel it. We feel it. It's just one of the most amazing melodies in all of human history." After sharing the noteworthy history of the song, Mr. Phipps delivers a stirring performance that brings the audience to its feet! |
