My son, David, has been having trouble commenting here. He messaged me about yesterday blog, commending me for reading Rogers, someone he has read and whose techniques he is versed in and has used. If you have trouble commenting please email me or message me.

On Tuesday I relented a bit and chose upcoming organ music that will require some (but not too much) prep. This Sunday is Transfiguration. I didn’t see that coming when I sketched in some easier organ music to play. I had to reevaluate. So, instead I am playing two pieces by Emma Lou Diemer: “Psalm 117” and a chorale prelude based on the tune Wareham to which we are singing Transfiguration words.

Then for the following Sunday, I simply scheduled what I played three years ago when these readings came up. They are trios by David Harris based on two hymns in the service. Trio playing is not something challenges me in and of itself. And I think they are nice settings. And like so much of the music I have played in the past they become transformed on the Pasi.

The postlude is a calm beautiful setting of the closing hymn. This Sunday the prelude (Psalm 117 by Diemer) is actually quite loud and fast. I like to schedule organ music I think is appropriate. This means that I don’t always play a soft prelude and a loud postlude.

I have also been hired to play at the Holland Symphony’s outdoor concert next Saturday. The lineup includes some lively Latin music. I have been working on the piano parts so that I can do a good job. This is the second time they have hired me for this concert. It’s nice to be asked back. I think their usual keyboard player is unavailable.

Eileen and I were hoping to get some more beach time in today, but it’s looking like rain. I thought I heard thunder earlier. Maybe it’s not to be.

Finding Common Ground, Despite Ideological Divides – The New York Times

An article by Linda Greenhouse always interests and informs me as does this one. Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein say that one way to dilute the extremism and asymetrical stymieing of our government is to make sure more people vote.  More people voting would enhance the possibility of centrality in candidates. They even go so far as to endorse mandatory voting which would lessen the need to fire up the voters with extreme rhetoric and positions designed to get them to the poles.

One commenter reposts a comment that recommends increasing the number of seats in the House of Representatives. She believes that would go a long way to clearing up some of the grid lock.