Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
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Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
What a great job Renee Fleming did with this! Regards, Len
Why McCain asked Renée Fleming to sing "Danny Boy" at his funeral
(CNN)As he fought the brain cancer that would take his life, John McCain would often sit in his favorite spot on the porch of his Arizona cabin on the Oak Creek, and listen to the famous ancient Irish song "Danny Boy."
One day, when his friend and former campaign manager Rick Davis was there with him, McCain said he wanted "Danny Boy" sung at his funeral.
Davis suggested that award-winning opera singer Renee Fleming be the one to sing it, and McCain teared up.
Several weeks ago, Davis formally requested that Fleming sing at Saturday's service at the National Cathedral.
"I'm so incredibly touched that he asked for this and that he asked for me to sing it. I'm very moved by that," Fleming told CNN in an interview.
Fleming is starring in "Carousel" on Broadway, and missing a performance is no small thing. She had to get permission from the producer, Scott Rudin.
"It is a big deal, actually, and typically it would be denied for almost anything, because our commitment is to the Broadway theater and to the audience in NY. But Scott Rudin immediately said, 'Yes, of course you must go,' " Fleming said.
To be sure, Fleming has sung at many a big event, from a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Olympics. She even sang "Danny Boy" at the Kennedy Center in 2013.
But she says singing it at a sendoff for McCain, at his behest, is an unparalleled honor.
"He stood so much for the American values that I certainly treasured growing up; for independent thinking, for collaboration and that extraordinary work ethic. He actually came back and said, 'You know what, we're not getting anything done.' I think that resonated with so many people. He also, you know -- because you disagree with somebody, you're not their enemy. There were so many things that he stood for, I think, that we -- many of us -- care about," said Fleming.
She said she met McCain only once, when she sang for him and Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign, at the Al Smith dinner. Appropriately, that is traditionally the one time during a presidential campaign that the two sides come together for a roast and some entertainment.
As for the song, "Danny Boy," Fleming has said it reminds her of her own father.
" 'Danny Boy' is like other great folk songs, something universally loved. And whether it's 'Amazing Grace' or 'Ave Maria,' there are certain songs that affect everyone all over the world in a similar kind of way. Music is the international language. It's the language without words, and we speak it naturally. We don't have to be taught to appreciate music when we're infants, toddlers, etc.," she said.
The lyrics, of course, so poignant:
"Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so
But when you come, and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an 'Ave' there for me."
"It's so beautiful," remarked Fleming, "and 'my dreams will warm and sweeter be.' It's an incredibly beautiful lyric. And there's a lot of people who say it's their favorite song and it never fails to make them weep."
https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/31/politics ... index.html
Why McCain asked Renée Fleming to sing "Danny Boy" at his funeral
(CNN)As he fought the brain cancer that would take his life, John McCain would often sit in his favorite spot on the porch of his Arizona cabin on the Oak Creek, and listen to the famous ancient Irish song "Danny Boy."
One day, when his friend and former campaign manager Rick Davis was there with him, McCain said he wanted "Danny Boy" sung at his funeral.
Davis suggested that award-winning opera singer Renee Fleming be the one to sing it, and McCain teared up.
Several weeks ago, Davis formally requested that Fleming sing at Saturday's service at the National Cathedral.
"I'm so incredibly touched that he asked for this and that he asked for me to sing it. I'm very moved by that," Fleming told CNN in an interview.
Fleming is starring in "Carousel" on Broadway, and missing a performance is no small thing. She had to get permission from the producer, Scott Rudin.
"It is a big deal, actually, and typically it would be denied for almost anything, because our commitment is to the Broadway theater and to the audience in NY. But Scott Rudin immediately said, 'Yes, of course you must go,' " Fleming said.
To be sure, Fleming has sung at many a big event, from a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Olympics. She even sang "Danny Boy" at the Kennedy Center in 2013.
But she says singing it at a sendoff for McCain, at his behest, is an unparalleled honor.
"He stood so much for the American values that I certainly treasured growing up; for independent thinking, for collaboration and that extraordinary work ethic. He actually came back and said, 'You know what, we're not getting anything done.' I think that resonated with so many people. He also, you know -- because you disagree with somebody, you're not their enemy. There were so many things that he stood for, I think, that we -- many of us -- care about," said Fleming.
She said she met McCain only once, when she sang for him and Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign, at the Al Smith dinner. Appropriately, that is traditionally the one time during a presidential campaign that the two sides come together for a roast and some entertainment.
As for the song, "Danny Boy," Fleming has said it reminds her of her own father.
" 'Danny Boy' is like other great folk songs, something universally loved. And whether it's 'Amazing Grace' or 'Ave Maria,' there are certain songs that affect everyone all over the world in a similar kind of way. Music is the international language. It's the language without words, and we speak it naturally. We don't have to be taught to appreciate music when we're infants, toddlers, etc.," she said.
The lyrics, of course, so poignant:
"Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so
But when you come, and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an 'Ave' there for me."
"It's so beautiful," remarked Fleming, "and 'my dreams will warm and sweeter be.' It's an incredibly beautiful lyric. And there's a lot of people who say it's their favorite song and it never fails to make them weep."
https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/31/politics ... index.html
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
My wife, an Irish girl, loved the performance. Best ever.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Those who have never been to the National Cathedral as I have been may not know that while it is not St. Peter's, it is the largest true Gothic cathedral in the world and presents numerous acoustic difficulties. I suppose it would be niggardly of me to deny McCain his wish to have a secular song performed by Renee Fleming at his funeral. It at least shows more taste than Ronald or Nancy Reagan requesting Ave Maria when they did not know the difference between the Virgin Birth and the Immaculate Conception if such were even in their vocabulary. Nevertheless, only music written for the church belongs at church services. Stick out your tongue to me if you wish, but for my funeral I would only request the following. My harp is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep. Spare me, O Lord, for few are my days.
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
I paid tribute to John McCain, also an avid NFL fan, by watching a recording of the Browns taming the Lions last Thu nite. The Steelers had better not look past this 0-16 doormat club next Sunday. They are a vastly improved team.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
We opera people still have things to offer the world! Loved the way trump was isolated-what a great ceremony-Meghan, Obama, Bush-they told it like it was-so refreshing if only for a day or 2. Regards, Lenjserraglio wrote: ↑Sat Sep 01, 2018 12:49 pmMy wife, an Irish girl, loved the performance. Best ever.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
My wife watched the entire ceremony. I watched NFL football, which also shunned Trump. The Donald washed his balls (golf).
Last edited by jserraglio on Sat Sep 01, 2018 3:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Same for me. Sue was out weeding and I sat back and watched the events. Regards, Len
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
From Australia, he seems a real loss - a man of integrity, who never lost his sense of perspective. I'm sure his years in captivity had much to do with that.
One of my heroes growing up was Keith Miller, an Australian cricketer who had been a WWII fighter pilot. Someone once asked him about the pressure he was facing in an international match. Miller replied: "Pressure? That's not pressure. Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse." Arse, forgive my French, is Australian for ass, for those who might not know.
I always felt with McCain that the real tribulations of Washington paled, allowing him to retain his decency.
One of my heroes growing up was Keith Miller, an Australian cricketer who had been a WWII fighter pilot. Someone once asked him about the pressure he was facing in an international match. Miller replied: "Pressure? That's not pressure. Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse." Arse, forgive my French, is Australian for ass, for those who might not know.
I always felt with McCain that the real tribulations of Washington paled, allowing him to retain his decency.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Here is the entire ceremony on tape. The Queen of England will not have so fine a ceremony when she goes. As our local expert on such matters I could explain everything, but choose not to bore you with that unless someone has a specific question. My only question is why Bill Clinton is chewing gum during church.
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
-- Johann Sebastian Bach
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Absolutely agree and they played again this week that excerpt from a presidential debate where McCain stood up for Obama saying he was a decent family man. Whatever happened to him that he ran alongside the execrable Sarah Palin? Something sure went wrong, didn't it. Was amazed to see his mother still going strong at 106 years of age; this loss of a child may tip her over the edge.barney wrote: ↑Sat Sep 01, 2018 5:47 pmFrom Australia, he seems a real loss - a man of integrity, who never lost his sense of perspective. I'm sure his years in captivity had much to do with that.
One of my heroes growing up was Keith Miller, an Australian cricketer who had been a WWII fighter pilot. Someone once asked him about the pressure he was facing in an international match. Miller replied: "Pressure? That's not pressure. Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse." Arse, forgive my French, is Australian for ass, for those who might not know.
I always felt with McCain that the real tribulations of Washington paled, allowing him to retain his decency.
Loved the anecdote about the Messerschmidt; that's something we can tell Generation Snowflake when they complain about feeling 'offended'.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
I can think of a slew of benign explanations:
= Chewing gum is known to reduce jaw tremor in those w/ Parkinson's. IIRC, Clinton suffers from Essential Tremors, not Parkinson's: nevertheless, gum chewing might help him mask any tremors.
= Medicated chewing gum can be used as a delivery system for a prescription drug.
= Chewing gum as a nicotine replacement.
= Chewing gum can reduce anxiety and stress.
= Chewing gum can boost concentration and alertness. (Isn't this the real reason why schools ban it?)
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Another use for chewing gum is that it increases the production of saliva which then reduces dental plaque - a problem for the elderly. But one would be utterly discreet about it when being broadcast internationally. Discretion isn't one of his characteristics.
I thought Clinton looked shocking and frail and feel he's not long for this world.
I thought Clinton looked shocking and frail and feel he's not long for this world.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
When I told my wife about the Clinton chewing gum caper, she pointed out that that GOP rascal, G.W. Bush was handing out mints to Michelle that he had got from Laura. My wife, you see, doesn't like Republicans one single bit. She votes a straight Democratic ticket and she always votes twice (once for me, and once for herself).
http://time.com/5384902/george-bush-mic ... n-funeral/
I have only one question about these ungodly antics: intoning Danny Boy, a fiendishly popular secular folksong (singing an Irish song in an Episcopal cathedral only compounds the offense), and chewing gum in church are bad enough; but, seriously folks, born-again Christians passing out mint candies during divine service??? What's the world coming to!
One might be forgiven for thinking they were fulfilling His Satanic Majesty's request.
http://time.com/5384902/george-bush-mic ... n-funeral/
I have only one question about these ungodly antics: intoning Danny Boy, a fiendishly popular secular folksong (singing an Irish song in an Episcopal cathedral only compounds the offense), and chewing gum in church are bad enough; but, seriously folks, born-again Christians passing out mint candies during divine service??? What's the world coming to!
One might be forgiven for thinking they were fulfilling His Satanic Majesty's request.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Until and unless one stacks Clinton's lack of discretion up against the raging hormones of the reigning POTUS. You know, the cad who was cordially not invited to a ceremony of national import. In whose presence, any woman (and, who knows, any man too) runs the risk of sexual assault, and a public assault at that. The guy who just last week humiliated his wife in public by admitting on air that he both knew about and authorized payment of $130k of of hush money to a porn queen. THAT guy.
Last edited by jserraglio on Sun Sep 02, 2018 1:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
In the first place, though no one is certain who wrote Londonderry Air, it is not a folk song. It has far too modern a character for that. In the second place, we know who wrote the words to Danny Boy (I refer you to the Wikipedia article). In the third place, Londonderry is in Northern Ireland which is at least half Anglican, and yes, I know I am differing from the interpretation mentioned in the article I just recommended.jserraglio wrote: ↑Sun Sep 02, 2018 9:50 amWhen I told my wife about the Clinton chewing gum caper, she pointed out that that GOP rascal, G.W. Bush was handing out mints to Michelle that he had got from Laura. My wife, you see, doesn't like Republicans one single bit. She votes a straight Democratic ticket and she always votes twice (once for me, and once for herself).
http://time.com/5384902/george-bush-mic ... n-funeral/
I have only one question about these ungodly antics: intoning Danny Boy, a fiendishly popular secular folksong (singing an Irish song in an Episcopal cathedral only compounds the offense), and chewing gum in church are bad enough; but, seriously folks, born-again Christians passing out mint candies during divine service??? What's the world coming to!
One might be forgiven for thinking they were fulfilling His Satanic Majesty's request.
Although I recognized Henry Kissinger, I wonder how he got an invitation. Did anybody notice the Carters in the congregation? I did not, which doesn't mean they weren't there. What shocked me most was the elegant presentation by George W. Bush. He has all but retired from public life, and the only other time I ever saw him humanized this way was after the earthquake in Haiti, when he and Clinton headed the relief effort. It was obvious that this was an unwelcome strain on him, but at least he did it.
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
On Carter he wasn't there-probably because of his health?--Ivanka and Jared took the Carter's place [fleeing]. Cheney was there. Regards, Len
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Moral relativism.jserraglio wrote: ↑Sun Sep 02, 2018 10:24 amUntil and unless one stacks Clinton's lack of discretion up against the raging hormones of the reigning POTUS. You know, the cad who was cordially not invited to a ceremony of national import. In whose presence, any woman (and, who knows, any man too) runs the risk of sexual assault, and a public assault at that. The guy who just last week humiliated his wife in public by admitting on air that he both knew about and authorized payment of $130k of of hush money to a porn queen. THAT guy.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Jordan Petersonism
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Won't fly, sorry. If only either of them was more like Dr. Peterson (same wife for 30 plus years; no lies, no affairs) things might be better.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
On that we can agree. I'm a big fan of marriage me own self.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Oh really? Does your wife always let you have the last word?jserraglio wrote: ↑Sun Sep 02, 2018 5:22 pmOn that we can agree. I'm a big fan of marriage me own self.
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
-- Johann Sebastian Bach
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
I cannot recall off the top of my head, but did Fleming ever make a recording of "Danny Boy?"
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Who like myself has only one living sister to name as proper family.jserraglio wrote: ↑Mon Sep 03, 2018 11:09 am“With people. . . who seek only division . . . even within the family — silence, prayer” is the path to take. —mi compadre, Jorge Mario Bergoglio
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Back on topic. The Irish folk song Danny Boy apparently is in Fleming's repertoire.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VXYdp_MwaLg
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VXYdp_MwaLg
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
I think this is much the superior (Scottish) song than the cliched (Irish) "Danny Boy" - in this case, sung magnificently by James Dunn as part of a devastating performance in " A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". A remarkable film. Ergo, I can't understand why Renee Fleming would bother with "Danny Boy"!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n660xoYQc0Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n660xoYQc0Q
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
I agree with most of that, Belle, but I do remember a recording by of all people Elisabeth Schwarzkopf singing O Danny Boy in which she proved her own contention that people should only sing in their native language. Of course, Annie Laurie is also not a folk song, and its history has been well researched. The best performance of it that I ever heard was on an old Nonesuch recording featuring the then Soviet Army (all-men's) Choir.Belle wrote: ↑Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:47 pmI think this is much the superior (Scottish) song than the cliched (Irish) "Danny Boy" - in this case, sung magnificently by James Dunn as part of a devastating performance in " A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". A remarkable film. Ergo, I can't understand why Renee Fleming would bother with "Danny Boy"!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n660xoYQc0Q
Here is another work assayed by Schwarzkopf whose melody has no known origin though its words are the beautiful ones of Ben Jonson:
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
-- Johann Sebastian Bach
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
For some reason I can never see any of the links you post. It's just a large blank section in the box.
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
I'm sorry. I don't know what to do to help.
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
-- Johann Sebastian Bach
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Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
-- Johann Sebastian Bach
Re: Renee Fleming Danny Boy McCain Funeral
Thank you. I'm not partial to the song, I have to say.
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