“Life is a song, love is the music.” ~unknown
The month of February is the undisputed month of romance and love. Just prior to Valentine’s Day on February 14th, many people, especially men, are seen scurrying around trying to find the perfect gift for their sweetheart. These gifts usually take the form of candy, flowers – especially red roses – perfume, jewelry and chocolates – preferably in red heart shaped boxes. But what is more romantic than holding your loved-one close at a quiet evening at home, or at a Valentine’s Day dance or party, dancing to the music of romance and love?
Music of Romance
There is nothing more endearing to lovers and sweethearts than songs of love and romance. For lovers music can be one of the most fascinating ways to express their love and affection for one another. What can be a better gift to lovers than romantic songs which have the power to express deep feelings and tell your beloved that you are there for them forever! Music has the power to inspire so many feelings and emotions, especially feelings for a special person in your life. Songs can often say what is in your heart and say it with words that may not be your own but help express what you really mean.
Popular love songs: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, How Sweet it is to be Loved by You, and I’m in the Mood for Love, are tunes that have endured for years. Many romantic tunes come and go but Unchained Melody, You Belong to Me, And I Love Her, by the Beatles, and Can’t help Falling in Love, by Elvis, will be staples for generations to come. Love songs are always popular but on Valentine’s Day they are the choice of listeners everywhere.
A Brief History of Valentine’s Day
Saint Valentine, an early Christian saint, died more than a thousand years ago. Pope Gelasias in 496 A.D .proclaimed Feb 14th as a feast day in honor of St. Valentine, a Roman martyr. Chaucer, in the Middle Ages, and later Shakespeare both romanticized Valentine’s Day in their writings. As early as the 15th century young romantics were expressing their love by giving gifts, such as flowers and candy, and sending greeting cards known as valentines. Saint Valentine signed a letter to a young girl with, “from your Valentine” an expression that is widely used today.
In 1797, “The Young Man’s Valentine Writer,” a British publication, was aimed at young lovers who were not prone to, or sometimes unable, to write their own sentimental verses. Apparently it was a great help-mate to many young men. Valentine cards that were already written made it much easier to send sentiments of caring and love. These cards were much more convenient but of course, less personal. In England the cards became so popular in the early 19th century that they were mass produced and assembled in factories. Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts produced and sold Valentine cards before 1847 in the United States. Hallmark Cards Inc. began mass producing Valentine cards in 1913.
Valentine’s Day has become a major holiday in the United States, although it is a working day, not a legal non-working holiday. It has become a fabulous commercial success for businesses –25% of all cards sent in the United States are Valentine’s Day cards. Interestingly, teachers receive the most cards followed by children, mothers, wives and sweethearts.
Music can lift the hearts and spirits of lovers throughout the world, and not just on Valentine’s Day. The music of romance will help enhance The Power of Love, Change the World, (Eric Clapton) and Because You Loved Me, (Celine Dion) I will always Love You, (Whitney Houston.) and, Save the last Dance for Me.
Have a lovely Valentine’s Day and here’s a good way to celebrate this year: What I Did for Love, the Danville Community Band’s Annual Dinner Concert, Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 5:30, No Host Bar. 6:30, Dinner. Call the Blackhawk Country Club for reservations 925-736-6500.
Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.
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