Bret sings O Holy Night in this excerpt from “The Christmas Gig” (Beyond the Precipice, ch. 36):
The second verse built in intensity. “‘And in His name, all oppression shall cease.’” At the end of the next line, the organ pressed through a chord sequence, slowed dramatically, then returned to tempo with Nicole’s cello and Turner’s bass leading like a cresting wave.
Bret started the finale, feeding it, building it to its powerful finish, his soul given authenticity, tangibility. His voice carried through the room: a silent plea, a private prayer, yet a complete public offering of who he was, packaged in the medium of music.
Today’s Christmas song is Celine Dion’s rendition of O Holy Night from the album These Are Special Times (1997), posted by MrKingsRow. The powerful climax before the finale (beginning at 4 minutes) is my favourite of all the versions.
I am a multi-genre author of literary fiction and fantasy, and writer of non-fiction articles on parenting, writing, education, health, and travel. My background encompasses both the sciences and the arts. I teach at a specialized clinic for learning difficulties and mentor young authors. In addition to writing and teaching, my passions are weather, Indian food, gardening, and music. I have played eight musical instruments and spent many years immersed in taekwondo and karate. In my youth, I was an avid canoeist. I was born in Prague, Czech Republic, grew up in Ontario, Canada, and moved to Alberta in 1988, where I raised four children.
The second verse built in intensity. “‘And in His name, all oppression shall cease.’” At the end of the next line, the organ pressed through a chord sequence, slowed dramatically, then returned to tempo with Nicole’s cello and Turner’s bass leading like a cresting wave.
Lady’s got pipes, no doubt about it. My mother’s a huge fan!
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