Dragonetti Identity

History tells us that Domenico Dragonetti was an Italian double bass virtuoso, a composer, and an acquaintance of Joseph Haydn, the great symphonist.

Recent research, however, indicates that the traditional story about Dragonetti should not be taken at face value.

In all likelihood, Dragonetti was not Italian, but Russian. It is true that Dragonetti was a composer and a bass player, but he may not have been the virtuoso he was described to be.

There is no doubt that he knew Haydn but it has become apparent that Dragonetti was hidin’ something.

Acting on suspicions, forensic musicologists have exhumed the body of Dragonetti and performed DNA tests on his remains. It has been revealed that Dragonetti was not even human! Examination of his bones indicated the presence of tail bones.

The best speculation is that Dragonetti was born in Russia and moved to Italy but feared that he would encounter anti-Russian sentiment so he Italianized his name. Also, in an attempt to avoid prejudice, he adopted “Dragonetti” to obscure the fact that he was not human.

While Dragonetti had a strong interest in music he was not particularly talented so he chose the double bass because he thought he would only need to play a few slow notes. Also, standing at the back of the orchestra with the other bass players enabled him to hide his rather obvious tail.

The inescapable conclusion is that “Dragonetti” was a pseudonym used by Dragon Eddy in an attempt to hide the fact that he was in truth a Russian Dragon.

The following contemporaneous account seems to verify the revisionist viewpoint on the true nature of “Dragonetti”:

A bassist named Eddy (both Russian and dragon):
His timing was off when he drank from the flagon.
At first he was fast,
Then he slowed at the last.
His band was thrown off by his rushin’ and draggin’.


Copyright August 7, 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Misunderstanding

Classical musicians have a custom of talking about a piece of music by referring to the composer of the piece. If they are talking about a particular symphony by Beethoven, they might refer to it as “the Beethoven”. If they are talking about a particular overture by Mozart, they might refer to it as “the Mozart. They would say, “We’re playing the Mozart tonight”.

There once was a composer named Dragonetti. He is mainly known for only one piece. It is a composition for string bass. It is a popular audition piece for symphony orchestra positions. Every bass player should know how to play “the Dragonetti”.

A few years ago a newspaper reporter interviewed someone who plays bass in a symphony orchestra. The reporter asked the player how he got started with the orchestra. The player responded that for his audition he played “the Dragonetti”.

The reporter did not know about the practice of referring to a piece by its composer and did not know about Dragonetti. It did not occur to the bass player to explain. In the printed newspaper article the bass player was quoted as saying he played “the Dragon Eddy”!

I began to think there might be an actual Dragon named Eddy. Here are some results of my research:

There once was a dragon named Teddy.
He met a young sweetheart named Betty.
They married when ready.
Their marriage was steady.
Their twins were named Freddy and Eddy.

There once was a dragon named Betty.
Her sons were named Freddy and Eddy.
Their stomachs were needy.
Their appetites greedy.
Their mother cooked tons of her meatball spaghetti!

There once was a dragon named Eddy.
He had a twin brother named Freddy.
They had a wild party.
It was hale. It was hearty.
They had champagne, and chocolate, and sparkle confetti!



Copyright July 19, 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

On Hearing Maynard Ferguson Play the Trumpet

He took a deep breathe and he blew into his trumpet:

Spontaneous combustion!

Flaming lava poured from the bell of his horn!

Plasma Jazzma!

Power and Passion fused!

Good God Almighty could that man play!


Copyright August 10, 2010
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Christ is Alive!

(Sing to long meter tunes such as DUKE STREET,
Evangelical Lutheran Worship 619)

Christ is alive! Alleluia!
He gave his life so we may live.
He rose from death and now he lives.
Christ is alive! Alleluia!


Copyright 2007
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!

(Sing to CAMEROON PRAISE, Evangelical Lutheran Worship 875)
(The final line of each verse is sung four more times.)

Praise, praise, God the Father!
Praise God’s holy name. Alleluia!
Praise, praise, God the Father!
Praise God’s holy name. Alleluia!

Praise, praise, praise the Son!
Praise his holy name. Alleluia!
Praise, praise, praise the Son!
Praise his holy name. Alleluia!

Praise the Holy Spirit!
We give thanks for life. Alleluia!
Praise the Holy Spirit!
We give thanks for life. Alleluia!

Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
Praise God’s holy name. Alleluia!
Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
Praise God’s holy name. Alleluia!


Verses 1, 2, and 3:
Copyright 2008 eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Verse 4:
Copyright 1994 earthsongs

Create in Me

(Sing to any long meter hymn tune)

Create in me a pure, clean heart.
Renew my spirit, make it right.
Return me to your presence, God.
Restore to me salvation’s joy.

Console my grief, God heal my pain.
Fulfill my need, Lord hear my plea.
Renew my faith and comfort me.
Create in me abundant life.

Create in me a loving heart.
Restore my soul to wholesome life.
Awake my mind to saving grace.
Renew concern for neighbor’s need.

Transform me through your Holy Word.
Instill in me a love for truth.
Create in me desire to grow.
Inspire in me the will to serve.

Restore to me a vision clear.
Instill in me a fresh, new way.
Remind me of your wondrous love.
Increase my sense of gratitude.

Instill in me a life with hope.
Inspire my soul to live in peace.
Increase in me the will to love.
Create in me a heart with joy.

Instill in me your Spirit’s breath.
Create in me a glad new song.
Inspire my voice to sing your praise.
Surround me with your sounding joy.

Uphold my spirit in your love.
Enfold me in your gentle arms.
Redeem me with your tender grace.
Encircle me with awesome peace.

Create in me a morning bright.
Enliven me throughout the day.
Protect me through the long, cold night.
Refresh my soul with hope at dawn.


This hymn was inspired by Psalm 51: 10-12. It is written in iambic tetrameter, a form commonly used by St. Ambrose. He was Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397. He used a standard structure of eight four line stanzas in iambic tetrameter rather than the nine found here.

Emerald


Copyright 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Jesus, Redeemer

(For the melody by Charles Gounod adapted to the
first prelude of the Well-tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach)

Jesus, Redeemer,
You are called Emmanuel,
God is with us.
Blessed, blessed is your name,
Your name above all names.
O, Divine Redeemer,
Blessed is the Son,
The Son of God, the Lord most high!
Jesus, Redeemer!
Jesus, Redeemer! Redeemer!
Lamb of God, have mercy,
Lamb of God, we call to you.
Jesus, our Redeemer, most high,
In the glory of God the Father.
Amen.


Copyright 1997
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

We Call to You

(Sing to PEASANT SONG by Felix Mendelssohn)
[rhythmically modified]

We call to you.
O hear us, Lord.
Have mercy, save us from our sin.
Lord Jesus Christ.
Emmanuel.

You send your Holy Comforter to give us hope in our distress.
Our Savior, Lord.
Redeemer Divine.

Your love, O Lord, is awesome power.
You sacrificed so we might live.

How then shall we respond to you who gave your life on Calvary?
We praise your name.
We pledge our souls.
We give you our all.


Copyright 2007
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

God our Refuge

(Sing to SONG TUNE by Henry Purcell)
[transposed to the key of F major]

God our refuge. God our rock.
God is our strength and our help in time of need.
We will not fear though the mountains shake.
God hears our cry and we shall be redeemed.

All you people clap your hands.
Play on the harp. Sound the trumpet to the Lord.
Let us thank him with a joyful noise.
Lift up your voice. Sing to God, all you lands.

Tender mercies. Wondrous love.
Praise to the Lord for the marvel he has done.
Sing with gladness for a God who saves.
It gives delight to obey his will.

Sing Hosanna. Save us, Lord.
We will be fed by the gift of finest wheat.
Sing a new song. All the earth rejoice.
Great is the Lord. Alleluia!


Copyright 2008
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

O God, Great Creator

(Sing to O SEIGNEUR, Lutheran Book of Worship 545)
[rhythmically modified]

O God, Great Creator.

You live in ecstasy.

Your name is holy.

Your way will be our way.

You provide our daily need.

You forgive when we are wrong.

We forgive what others do.

Lead us in your sacred way.

Protect us from evil.

Your rule is without end.

All power comes from you.

Your glory shines forever.

Amen.


copyright 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Spoken Like Poetry
(2 of 4)

Spoken by Pam:

Speaking as a person in education,
Recently in the news they’ve been putting out all these reports that the counties
Richest in coal are the
Poorest counties in the state.

We should have every piece of technology in the world in this school.
Our school should not do without anything.
We didn’t even have enough money to pay for a music teacher this year.
That’s not progress.
I had a music teacher when I went to school forty years ago.

These kids shouldn’t have to do without anything.
They’re hauling all that coal out of here,
And the kids are suffering these consequences,
And they can’t play on their roads;
They have no sidewalks.
Our schools should be state-of-the-art,
And we don’t have a music teacher.


This material originally appeared in Plundering Appalachia: The Tragedy of Mountaintop-Removal Coal Mining. The book was edited by Tom Butler and George Wuerther and it was published by Earth Aware Editions in 2009. The material was printed as a transcript of a spoken interview. I copied the transcript verbatim then I edited it by simply changing the sentences in paragraphs to lines in a “poem”.

Emerald

Wood Thrushes at Night Fall

Thrushes are the last singers of the day

They sing the woods to sleep

Mysteriously, melodiously they call into the dusk


At times one will sing a liquid tune

Then others join in overlapping duets and trios

The near ones seem to stop and listen

And others are heard in the velvet distance


Stillness overtakes the woods

Thrushes are the last birds to fall silent

Going quiet here and there

One by one they cease singing

Like the gentle blinking out of fireflies



Copyright July 2003
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

A Concert of Thrushes


Exploding in song

Like gentle fireworks

Each perfectly individual

Each perfectly integrated with others

A polyphony of sweet questioning tones




Copyright 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Like a Thrush

Take a breath of ordinary air.

Warm it with your extra-ordinary spirit.

Sing like there’s no tomorrow.

Repeat relentlessly.


Copyright 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

I wish that all the world would hush
And listen to the thoughtful thrush...


Copyright August 2, 2010
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

God Loved the World
(Sing to LONESOME ROAD, folk song)

God loved the world.
He gave us Jesus, not to condemn, but save.
Our Lord was born to bring redemption, if we believe in him.

And on the Cross our Lord was lifted, he sacrificed his life.
He bore our grief; he bore our sadness, hung on the Cross to die.

“My God”, he cried, “Why did you leave me?”
He suffered and he died.
And then he rose, to life eternal.
From sin he made us free.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
He died and rose for us.
By faith through grace, we have salvation.
Alleluia! Amen.


Copyright (c) 2008
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Redheaded Sasquatch for Jesus

People don’t believe in Jesus like they could.
People don’t respect God as they should.
God blessed America, He made it free.
The Lord gave this country to you and to me!

I’m just a redheaded Sasquatch for Jesus,
Livin’ on this guilty sod.
I’m goin’ to heaven (just not Yeti)
I’m just a Bigfoot for God!

People don’t believe I exist.
They wonder how I could subsist.
They claim that I’m just a hoax.
They make abominable jokes!

I’m just a redheaded Sasquatch for Jesus,
Livin’ on this guilty sod.
I’m goin’ to heaven (just not Yeti)
I’m just a Bigfoot for God!

People don’t believe that we’re real.
So Jesus, we’ll both make a deal.
You believe in me and I’ll believe in You.
Together we’ll both do God’s Will!

I’m just a redheaded Sasquatch for Jesus,
Livin’ on this guilty sod.
I’m goin’ to heaven (just not Yeti)
I’m just a Bigfoot for God!

Nine feet of Bigfoot for God!
Another foot soldier for God!
Livin’ my whole life for God!



Words and Music
Copyright (c) 2008
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

The Donut Connection
(sing to The Rainbow Connection)

You said that we could meet
And talk and have coffee
And munch on a donut (or two).

I picked the time and place
And gave you directions,
But you’re late
And I wonder why.

Now I’m just sitting here
Fretting and fuming…
It seems like a lifetime to me,

But someday you’ll find it,
The Donut Connection,
The coffee, the creamer, and me.

Donuts with chocolate cream?
I think that I’ll likely have three!


Words only
Copyright (c) December 5, 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

Abide in Me

(“Words” of Jesus sung to EVENTIDE*)
[Evangelical Lutheran Worship, # 629]

Abide in me as I abide in you.
Dwell in my light as my light dwells in you.
Live in my truth as my truth lives in you.
Live in my Word as my Word lives in you.

Children of God, his seed abides in you.
God grows the vine and I am that true vine.
I am the vine and you are but one branch.
Give forth your fruit as you are called to bear.

God is my Father. He and I are one.
As Father loved me so have I loved you.
Father will love you; make his home with you.
Abide in love as love abides in you.

Love one another. God has first loved you.
Keep his commandments. Show your love for him.
Follow his way and you will walk in truth.
Ask and receive. God makes your joy complete.


Copyright (c) 2009
eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises

*This hymn may be sung to any melody
with ten syllables in each line
and four lines in each stanza.

Don’t You Dawdle

You say that you’re just killin’ time,
Or is it time that’s killin’ you?
It’s not too late; it’s not past time,
To start to find a fun pastime.

Don’t you dawdle and don’t delay.
Try to find a better way.
The sun is shinin’, so let’s make hay!
It’s time to start a brand new day!

Me-o-my-o! Don’t time fly?
I’m havin’ fun, that’s not a lie.
I’m so plucky…you wonder why?
I’m not lucky, it’s ‘cause I try!

Don’t you dawdle and don’t delay.
Try to find a better way.
The sun is shinin’, so let’s make hay!
It’s time to start a brand new day!

Another day in paradise!
Another day in ecstasy!
Life is ducky, can’t you see?
It’s just like this eternally!

Don’t you dawdle and don’t delay.
Try to find a better way.
The sun is shinin’, so let’s make hay!
It’s time to start a brand new day!

Words and Music

Copyright (c) 2008

eMeRaLD Effect Enterprises