Del Rosario, Maria Arielle Johnna Veronica G.

Professor Falgui
English 10
12 May 2014
A song is only as good as the way it is interpreted. This is the code that I live by
every time I sing and listen to music. It is not just about the right notes and rhythm.
It is also about how you touch the hearts of the people who listen. I have had the
privilege of training with the UP Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) and this is what Sir Ed
Manguiat, our conductor and founder, almost always emphasizes. In a video of the
different performances of the UPSA in 2012 of the song O Magnum Mysterium by
Kevin Memley, I can consistently see, feel, and hear what the song and the singers
want to say, even if the song is in Latin. It is almost as if I can understand Latin too!
As the song starts and as Sir Eds hand raises to signal it, the camera captures the
full length of the choir; there is an eagerness to their stances, an eagerness that
seem to say Listen to me. I have a story to tell.
The song starts in an intense yet sweet pianissimo, which tells me something great
is about to happen no, something great is already happening. They are singing,
here, at home in the Philippines. Then suddenly they are in Alsace, France. As the
camera pans to focus on each of the singers faces, there is only one emotion that I
can see; utter bliss. I realize I too am I utter bliss. I was sold.
In Rimini, Italy, we see them again, steadily plowing through the song. It reminds
me of a salmon plowing through the current of a river as they struggle to reach the
top to give birth. There is a mastery in the way they restrain themselves; they
themselves and the conductor are the current. What makes it great is the subtlety
of the delivery of this part. It perfectly sets up the gradual climb to the climax of the
song. As Italy fades out of view the song fades out to signal the end of their
restraint. They are now back home and the song resumes. They are gradually
singing louder and louder; a perfect example of a well executed crescendo. Finally
they can sing their hearts out. As they sing Alleluia the discord rings throughout the
theater. They have reached the top of the river.
It is a glorious feeling to be able to hear the greatest mystery of life, the mystery of
faith, accompanied by a glorious melodic line, an amazing interpretation, and an
overwhelming sense of pride of being able to sing for your country, that they
exhude.
Then finally we see them in Belgium as the song suddenly has a dramatic pause,
just after the climax. The song comes to a close and they are singing again in that
same sweet and intense pianissimo that they began with. It is bitter sweet that the

song is slowly ending, but there s a sense of satisfaction and calm that is left with
the audience, and with me.