Villanelle for Our Time

Leonard Cohen's recent albums - share your views with others!
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lizzytysh
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Villanelle for Our Time

Post by lizzytysh »

My experiencing of chills throughout this album is not uncommon. They come in waves almost every time I listen to Villanelle. It's Leonard's voice, the words, and Anjani's voice and harmonies in layers of silver-thread beauty.

Anjani has learned her lessons well from her teacher. Every time I've thought of her since reading the article, I cannot think of her without smiling, remembering how Leonard had to teach her how to slow down and not feel compelled to fill in all the silences with voice. Now, she handles the ultimate in slow singing, as ease-ily as Leonard. With each song she's a part of, I appreciate how well she learned.
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jarkko
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Post by jarkko »

For those who want to know all the details:

"Villanelle" was recorded much earlier than the other tracks
on the album (except "Tennessee Waltz" of course, it's from 1985).

Leonard and Anjani made "Villanelle" in 1999, shortly after
Leonard had come down from Mt Baldy. I met him in early June 1999
in Los Angeles, and the track was completed a little before that.

He kindly gave me the songs on CDR, and we have been playing the
song (with his permission of course) at the Montreal 2000 and
Hydra 2002 Events).
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Ahhhh, thanks, Jarkko, for that tidbit of history. So, Anjani's lessons were already internalized as far back as then. With regard to the song, I'm certain you've not tired of it, yet.....and never will :D .
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