Sun

Summer is a unique time, when the sun and the heat change the appeal of different colors, places and music. Some songs to try are the great and mystical 'The Hidden Valley' from the early Hobbit score by Howard Shore. If you enjoy it, be sure to also watch the extended scene 'Arrival at Rivendell' for the audio, it's more slow and ethereal.

Summer is also the time of year when you can enjoy looking forward to the crisp of autumn, of winter and of spices. It seems like a relief to imagine it, without the annoying reality of the cold infringing. In this vein, many people like to listen to Christmas and associated music [like Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'] during this time. Old cds of the Vienna Boys Choir are always great to try, as is famous folk singer Joan Baez's 1966 Noel. [Try her 'Ave maria' or 'I wonder as I wander' and 'Down in yon forest', a unique, excellent forgotten song.

Play the cd through once--some songs are just beautiful instrumentals]. This album is one of the great standards, like Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet score and Nat King Cole's and Bing Crosby's Christmas cds.

If you enjoy the song of choirs, try the great choir 'The Senior Choir of First Lutheran Church' from Omaha, NE on their cd 'Radio Station KFUO Presents Christmas Hymns & Carols'. They do all the classics well.