Pascale's THE GENTLE VISITOR/Broken Cup

[YesterdayOnceMore]

This is the first selection on The Broken Cup. The first 6 measures (bars) are the introduction, and they immediately grab the attention of the listener because of the beautiful, gentle method in which the intro is played. This 6-bar melody concludes with a luscious chord suspension in the final measure.

These 6 measures are, in and of themselves, a prayer. This intro gave me a visual of a glorious day at sunrise, and I pictured the Lord, clearly standing in silhouette at the edge of a beautiful meadow and, as the sun rises, His arms become outstretched and lifted up towards that beautiful sun.

The music is so lovely that this visual was just automatic! It's as if the song were written for the opening credits of a movie. The intro, alone, has that "chill factor" for me, and I immediately knew what a wonderful listen was in store.

The lyrics tell such a true story and it is thoughtfully penned. Palma sings the beginning of this song softly ~ meditatively ~ as if she is quietly explaining the how and what of the story. Many times words are whispered to add exactly the correct emotion ~ to make it prayerful, and powerful.

The message itself is one we so often take for granted, and ofttimes need to be reminded of: He is THERE for us, ALWAYS ~ we only need to ask and when we do, our needs are met without question and without the need to do anything except ask.

The orchestration chosen for this opening number is simply outstanding. The melody is so incredibly moving, and when embellished by the graceful movement of the strings, becomes quite stirring.

I love hearing suspended chords....just moves me if they are used correctly......there is one in a particular spot within this song that just knocks me over each time I hear it. The spot is actually a replica of the intro, yet adding the lyrics - well....I find it a bit "haunting" for me because I relate to them so well. They say "Jesus, I left you standing: I apologize to You." The suspension and resolution occur on the word "you" where, dynamically, we hear a bit of a swell leading up to and including the word "you"~ and as the chord resolves, so too does the swell - it's truly just lovely!!!

This song is relatively short in length, yet it is fraught with meaning and it sets the tone for this incredible compilation of praise.

Kudos Palma. Well done!
Tim

[palmapascale]

Your words are like a celestial mirror for me, Tim. You allow me to stand aside and see my thoughts and efforts reflected back to me, giving me a view of the art anew. I thank you for all the time, care, and deep thought on your part, to describe a song with sweep of your heart, now allowing the composer to be touched. You truly get it, don't you? Friends and visitors who read what Tim writes here, try to understand what a tribute this man offers. You can imagine how uplifting this is , for a writer often toils alone, unappreciated. I've never seen anything like this. Thank you ALL who read what is written here, and absorb it. I hope to bless everyone who may come to hear THE BROKEN CUP. I have Tim to thank, a man I have never met. Oh, and I LOVED the angel "repeat bars!" Palma

[ps11932]

Excellent review of a truly moving song! I am not a musician or very knowledgable about music so many of the fine and technical points are going to "get by me", but this number sure is appealing and offers much assurance from the message of the lyrics. It's realy great to be reminded, and know, that the Lord is always there for us, not only ready to receive us but eager for fellowship with us, and that with confidence we can recommend Him to others. One of the experiences that links this song with Carpenters songs, and other great music, is that it is a gift that can best be appreciated by putting some effort and concentrated time into absorbing it. I've probably listened to "Gentle Visitor" about 12 times now and just last night for the first time noticed the cymbals. It's a great song instrumentally, vocally and in message and I'm sure I'll be learning much more about and from it in months to come. Thanks! O.E.