Transformation

Today, I heard "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella" playing in a store and was instantly transported. It is my favorite Madrigal and perhaps one of the only ones that can get me as emotional as "Silent Night" (if you went to my high school and were in any way, shape or form acquainted with the vocal department, you will know that any mention of "Silent Night" will elicit hysterical tears from even the most stoic of Madrigal Singers).

It was really weird. I have been away from all that for so long that it took me a while to figure out the name of the song, and yet, I can remember the way it felt to sing it distinctly.

When I think about it, it really shouldn't surprise me. To my high school self, being a Madrigal Singer was one of the most important things in my life. It was a childhood dream fulfilled; a validation that I deserved to be where I was, that I was a part of something real and valuable. "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella" was the song that I, for some reason, associated with being a Madrigal Singer and thus, singing it for the first time was when I realized that I truly was one.

Author's Note: At this point, I had written an explanation of the whole Madrigals phenomenon, but then realized that it was long and dull. Here's a shortened version: 16th century-style dinner, pretty costumes, pretty music, not so pretty-tasting (though trying to be historically accurate) food, group of 16 singers at the Head Table, top vocal ensemble, bonding, tears, unforgettableness. If you want to know more, just ask.

Being a Madrigal Singer is magic. There really is no way to describe it other than that 'Madrigal Season Feeling' we'd all get once December rolled around. My high school self never felt more important than when I was walking around in a Renaissance dress with a hoop skirt and two crinolines, escorted by a man in tights, singing as if every song was a treasure that had been given to me (because it was)and feeling a unity between me and my fellow singers as if we were made of one breath, one heart.

It is amazing how music can transform us. It was able to transform a tacky cafetorium into a castle, an awkward teen into a lady and 16 singers into something truly special.