“Now, where was I? Your education…Frederic Chopin.” Ulrich cleared his throat and poised his hands over the keys. “He was one of the world’s greatest composers. His life was short but his influence great. Nocturne in C-sharp Minor was my Valerica’s favorite. Her life was also short. She said this piece took her to far off places. Close your eyes and see where it takes you.”
From the first resounding chords a flood of emotion flowed through Havah like a river current. In a moment she was both callow child, alive with anticipation, and wizened matron, bone weary and full of years. Her mother’s voice lulled and comforted her with a song about raisins and almonds. She saw her father’s face, half illuminated by candle flame as he poured over volume after volume of Talmud. Arel approached from the shadows, tall and thin. His gray eyes devoured her. His tender lips kissed her.
~~From Please Say Kaddish for Me
Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne in C Sharp Minor soothed Havah’s jangled nerves. The ivory keys were smooth and comforting under her fingertips. Although she would never be a pianist of Ulrich’s caliber she played well enough to entertain an audience of one. Closing her eyes, she relished a soft breeze carrying the scents of daffodil and hyacinth through the open window.
~~From From Silt and Ashes
Letting the strains of Chopin’s Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor waft over her, Shayndel sat in the rocking chair beside the piano with Tikvah asleep on her lap. While Shayndel did not know many musical pieces by name like her sister-in-law she could always recognize this one. When Havah was sad or in pain this would be the piece she chose to play.
~~From As One Must, One Can (2016)
Published by Argus Publishing
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency
While not a person or an animal, a piece of classical music becomes something of a friend and companion to Havah. Chopin’s Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor comforts her when reality becomes too much to handle.
I fell in love with this piece and Chopin’s music when I saw the movie The Pianist. It’s haunting, ethereal beauty transports this author to other places so it seemed only natural it would do the same for Havah.
Unlike the author, Havah has latent musical talent that Ulrich is only too happy to nurture. While he tries to steer her to something simpler for a beginner, she is determined to learn how to play the nocturne.
I hope you’ll take the time to not only read my excerpts but also to enjoy the music.
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A truly beautiful piece of music. And so fitting for the influence on the characters in this series of inspiring stories.
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I love this piece of music, too! 🙂 listening to it while reading the story was really the tops. Thanks, Rochelle, for such a wonderful experience today.
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Thanks so much for commenting, Jelli. It took three hours to write tht first excerpt and I listened to the music the whole time imagining what was going on in Havah’s mind.
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You’re hard work shows… It’s beautifully written.
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Thoroughly enjoyable, Rochelle, not just the music and the wonderful excerpt, but also the thought of you sitting listening and imagining the mind of Havah. Delightful!
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Dear Carolyn,
I’m so pleased that you found this enjoyable. I adore this piece of music and can and do listen to it repeatedly. It’s importance of it in Havah’s life and mind has grown since the inception of this series.
Thank you for taking the time to listen, read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great character study, Rochelle. Like all those before it, this combination of your original artwork and writing brings these characters alive. Well done as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
It’s so sweet of you to always comment on my character studies. This really has become an important piece of music in my life since it is in Havah. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m still only in the first book, but I’m so glad that music continues to have a place in Havah’s life. Love the Chopin.
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Dear Hilary,
It’s pretty amazing to me that someone on the other side of the ocean is actually reading my words. I, too, love Chopin. His music had an ethereal quality to it that evokes emotion.
Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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