Tuesday Times

Phytoliths

Phytoliths: Minute particles of silica derived from the cells of plants, able to survive after the organism has decomposed or been burned. They are common in ash layers, pottery, and even on stone tools and teeth. They are helpful for understanding the fluctuations in vegetation over time in very ancient times. 

(Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice, 5th ed. Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn.)

Birthday Flowers in the new year's light

Snow Falling

Kyrie Eleison

Kyrie Eleison: "The first acclamation in the Ordinary of the Latin Mass, sung directly after the introit. The basic text, which is Greek, consists of ‘Kyrie eleison’ (three times), ‘Christe eleison’ (three times), ‘Kyrie eleison’ (three times): ‘Lord, have mercy ... Christ, have mercy ... Lord, have mercy’. The phrase ‘Kyrie eleison’ was used in Eastern and Western litanies from at least the 4th and 5th centuries, and St Gregory the Great (pope 590-604) is credited with establishing its use together with ‘Christe eleison’ in the Roman Mass. By the 10th century the ninefold shape was established" (Taken from the Music Encyclopedia).

To hear Puccini's Kyrie, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj7ZmevJgbw.

Artsy Dabblings (In Dark Conditions)

Rallentando

Rallentando or rall.: Broadening of music tempo (indistinguishable from ritardando or progressive slowing of tempo).

"Rallentando!" was cried to the masses last Tuesday evening by Irene, director of Gonzaga's chorale and owner of Micah, the poodle.