Ted Kennedy

[retiredhappy]

I've been a little teary today, which actually kinda surprised me. I was pregnant with my daughter when Jack Kennedy was shot. I was working for the Bobby Kennedy campaign when Bobby was shot right after a big win for us. I was never a huge fan of Teddy and I remember that a lot of people were looking to Ted to continue the dream. He rightly decided not to run for president because, I'm sure, he was the last of the Kennedy men and it was his responsibility to care for the remaining children. I was actually surprised that his dying would be sad for me because it was the end of an era. I'm remembering the dream of Camelot and how young people were interested in politics again. Maybe, I'm just feeling old today.

[avalen]

I've never been a big political nut but I do believe Ted Kennedy was a great man
and indeed it is the end of an era.

[Cedar518]

I have been a tourist in Hyannis and watched the "compound" with binocs. I could see a man and people out on the docks, and often wondered if it was Teddy. He did a lot of good things in the senate. And I'll always remember his taking charge in the family during all the funerals. Especially John Jr's. I think I would have liked to visit with him.

[Nasoosie]

I, too, was very surprised at my feelings about his death today. I never thought very much about him, but have been watching reruns of his doings in the Senate, and he certainly was a very loyal, dependable, turthful and vigorous member who roared to get things done. The Lion was a good name for him, and, as so many senators have expressed, from both parties, he will be sorely missed. The Kennedys have been a part of my life since I ever realized there was such a thing as government---or at least took notice of it. What a crew the old man Kennedy raised----he would be very proud.

And all day the words to that song, "And another one bites the dust" have been running through my mind. We have had so many people biting that dust lately that it's making me feel very old.

[carold]

It certainly is the end of an era. I remember sitting in the basement coffee shop at Florida State when the news came over the TV about JFK. I was stunned and so saddened and could hardly believe when I heard other students standing up and cheering. That family has certainly put it's mark on this country. I'll miss his fiery dialogues and impassioned speeches. carold

[Nasoosie]

Teary-eyed again now, as I just heard a replay of Teddy Kennedy Jr.'s speech about his father he gave in Boston this morning. What a wonderful tribute to his dad was that....he is an amazing man himself. Ted would be very proud.

I wish I knew what sad music they have been playing, just pieces of it, each time anything about Ted Kennedy comes on TV. I would like to hear the entire piece.

[mitch5252]

Teary-eyed again now, as I just heard a replay of Teddy Kennedy Jr.'s speech about his father he gave in Boston this morning. What a wonderful tribute to his dad was that....he is an amazing man himself. Ted would be very proud.

I wish I knew what sad music they have been playing, just pieces of it, each time anything about Ted Kennedy comes on TV. I would like to hear the entire piece.

Placido Domingo, Susan Graham, Yo-Yo Ma perform eloquently at Kennedy funeral

I didn't figure on watching the entire funeral Mass for Sen. Edward Kennedy, but I'm glad I got drawn in, for, in addition to all the fine oratory (especially by Ted Kennedy, Jr.) , there was music-making of great eloquence by three of the finest artists in today's classical world. The senator, a hearty music lover, would have loved every note of it.

During the Offertory, Yo-Yo Ma played the Sarabande from Bach's Suite No. 6 for Unaccompanied Cello, a piece of elegant, comforting beauty, with a hint of sadness in the descending melodic motive that recurs. Intonation could not have been easy to maintain in the un-airconditioned church, but Ma came through, as always, with his deeply poetic phrasing.

The cellist returned at Communion to accompany Placido Domingo in the Cesar Franck hymn, "Panis Angelicus," a work of great warmth that was much loved in the days of pre-guitar Catholicism. It was intriguing to hear just a tenor and a solo cello perform this music, and I found the result quite touching, a very personal performance. Domingo sang with considerable expressive power to the counterpoint of Ma's eloquent counterpoint.

After Communion, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham offered a sublime account of another work long a favorite at Catholic services, Schubert's "Ave Maria," accompanied by organ. Graham possesses one of the most intrinsically beautiful voices of our time, not to mention exceptional interpretive instincts, and this solemn occasion benefitted greatly from her art.

[Nasoosie]

I knew I could count on you, Mitch!

However, I know the music I am hearing intermittently on CNN is not Panis Angelicus, (I love this piece) nor is it a cello solo, and I am certain it's not a yowling woman singer singing Ave Maria. Perhaps it is the Sarabande by Bach, but with more than just a cello playing it? I will try to find that online to check it out.

It is just a phrase of something they are playing over and over each time the news addresses something more about Ted. Perhaps that's all there is to it? Maybe just a sad phrase somebody wrote especially for this news station. I suppose I could go to CNN.com and see if I can read anything about it.

Up to this point, Faure's Requiem has been my favorite funeral music. And perhaps it still is my favorite.

I listened to Bach's Sarabande, and then Handel's Sarabande---I love Handel's.