Who Caught and Sang the Sun in Flight
November 11, 2021 6:20 AM Subscribe
Larry Gordon, founder of Vermont-based folk-chorus group Village Harmony has died.
For over 35 years, Gordon taught American Shape-Note singing traditions to generations of teen and adult singers and their audiences through intensive world-music summer camps. The music is known particularly for the "hard-edged, unselfconscious singing style" he encouraged, that allowed most anyone with a voice to sing along.
Listen to the music on Village Harmony's Bandcamp page, tune in to a three-hour appreciation of Gordon this coming Saturday on Vermont Public Radio, or just hear the only shape note composition that he personally wrote, setting Dylan Thomas's poem Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night to music.
Listen to the music on Village Harmony's Bandcamp page, tune in to a three-hour appreciation of Gordon this coming Saturday on Vermont Public Radio, or just hear the only shape note composition that he personally wrote, setting Dylan Thomas's poem Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night to music.
The Shape Note community is relatively small. I'm in the Midwest, and didn't know Larry Gordon, but I feel very sure that I am one degree removed from him by way of a number of singers, because it's just that kind of thing. I'm sure he'll be deeply missed.
posted by Orlop at 7:05 AM on November 11, 2021
posted by Orlop at 7:05 AM on November 11, 2021
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A friend sent me a video clip from his wake, and it was every bit as amazing as you would expect.
There's just nothing like a whole pile of people singing loud together.
Thanks Larry, you'll be missed.
posted by TheCoug at 7:10 AM on November 11, 2021
A friend sent me a video clip from his wake, and it was every bit as amazing as you would expect.
There's just nothing like a whole pile of people singing loud together.
Thanks Larry, you'll be missed.
posted by TheCoug at 7:10 AM on November 11, 2021
One of my ancestors was an itinerant Sacred Harp singing-master. It's glorious music. A great loss to the community.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:11 AM on November 11, 2021
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:11 AM on November 11, 2021
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A delightful man and a great teacher. I didn't know about his Do Not Go Gentle composition, but I'll definitely put it into my audio rotation now. He will be missed.
posted by All hands bury the dead at 10:31 AM on November 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
A delightful man and a great teacher. I didn't know about his Do Not Go Gentle composition, but I'll definitely put it into my audio rotation now. He will be missed.
posted by All hands bury the dead at 10:31 AM on November 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
I had the joy of catching one of their concerts a couple years ago, at the end of one of the teen summer sessions. Truly wonderful music: they had been exploring Ukrainian and Bulgarian folk music, and the program was largely dedicated to folk songs from those traditions. It was a delightful performance and a fascinating musicological exploration. My niece was even inspired enough to have her HS a cappella group practice a Bulgarian folk song for their own performances.
One thing that stood out was how enthusiastic and dedicated were the adults who ran the program. I can't recall Mr. Gordon directly, but I was simply struck by the passion the organizers showed in teaching high school kids about singing traditions that they otherwise likely would not have encountered. I haven't had the pleasure of attending one of their concerts since, but I'm sure the group will carry on their wonderful mission as before.
Rest in harmony indeed, Mr. Gordon, and in the assurance that what you started will continue for years and generations to come.
posted by The Nutmeg of Consolation at 11:28 AM on November 11, 2021
One thing that stood out was how enthusiastic and dedicated were the adults who ran the program. I can't recall Mr. Gordon directly, but I was simply struck by the passion the organizers showed in teaching high school kids about singing traditions that they otherwise likely would not have encountered. I haven't had the pleasure of attending one of their concerts since, but I'm sure the group will carry on their wonderful mission as before.
Rest in harmony indeed, Mr. Gordon, and in the assurance that what you started will continue for years and generations to come.
posted by The Nutmeg of Consolation at 11:28 AM on November 11, 2021
I never went to a concert, but Village Harmony would sometimes practice at the community center next door, so I could hear them without leaving the house.
I know a few people in the Onion River Chorus as well, and everyone who knew him is pretty sad.
posted by MtDewd at 1:09 PM on November 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
I know a few people in the Onion River Chorus as well, and everyone who knew him is pretty sad.
posted by MtDewd at 1:09 PM on November 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
I heard Village Harmony groups in concert and went to workshops at NEFFA. Larry was also a folk dancer. He will be greatly missed. Thanks so much for posting this.
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posted by theora55 at 4:43 PM on November 11, 2021
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posted by theora55 at 4:43 PM on November 11, 2021
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Rest in harmony.
posted by Silvery Fish at 7:04 AM on November 11, 2021 [2 favorites]