Enamored

Barbara Cook was the Broadway soprano ingenue from 1951-1971. Her voice was considered flawless, her stage presence charming. She retired from the Broadway scene in the early 70's to begin a multi-decade career in the cabaret/concert arena. Her success has been astounding. So much so that she received an unusual honor.

In 2006 the Metropolitan Opera Theater hosted her in a solo concert -- it was only the second time they had done a solo evening. Decades before, they had hosted one for the illustrious Vladimir Horowitz.

What an amazing honor! Adding to the specialness was this: she would sing the first ever non-classical program on their stage. A double honor!

I recently purchased the CD of this performance and I was dazzled. Enamored by the stories she tells, moved by her pianissimo tones that float into nothingness, entertained by the jokes and twinkling eyes that can actually be heard, and enthralled by the fabulous quintet backing her, this is a CD that I will reach for again and again.

I think, for me, learning that this woman -- who performed so wonderfully for two hours straight with velvet tone and well crafted phrasing -- was 78 at the time, was exhilarating! I was much more than merely impressed.

People are impressed all the time. They make note of the exceptional; they talk about it, write about it, record it and compare it. But they may remain personally passive. It does not mean they have been moved to hope again, dream bigger, and even scheme a little.

As I have dared to sing along I have been inspired to do all of that, and maybe even a little more. But if I don't accomplish all I imagine (because trust me, I have been known to imagine much) I have been moved to hope, dream, and scheme a little once again.

My husband recently shared about Caleb taking that mountain, having requested that mountain after waiting with focus and determination. He did not lose heart, he did not give up, he did not let his vision die or dim.

I want to live with clarity of purpose, with dreams and intentions, stretching and growing, experiencing new adventures. I want to accomplish God-sized things, even when I am 78.

Epithets:

Caleb takes his mountain.

Barbara Cook sings at the Met.

Darlene Sinclair ???

Only the Lord knows how that one will read, but I'm confident in Him that it'll be good.