Video: Overture
Lyric:
In a long expected gathering,
in an oft-neglected smattering
of celebration, fireworks, and
good old-fashioned cheer.
In a distant reach of history,
on the darker edge of a memory
came a gathering of friends and neighbors
far and near.
It was long ago, when the Earth was green,
the countryside slept so serene, but
all is never calm as it may seem.
Then with a flash of a heat and smoke,
and a slap in the face of respected folk,
the wheel of fate began at last to turn,
and so awoke.
Lyrical Reading:
Lyrics - Overture/The Gathering
About the songs
Inspired one night as I left 'the Cavern' by asking Les, what do you want to do next, and he said 'horns.. horns blowing wildly'. The songs were written over about a two year period (the Chronicles have details), and usually began with chord ideas which later became songs. Most melodies were not present in the beginning, with the exception of Lorien by Les, to which I added the middle section. They were written out of sequence, and With a Sigh I believe preceeded the opera entirely, but seemed to fit in. The Overture came late by Les, with the Gathering stuck on the end. Various attempts were made at recording the entire opera, usually losing steam just after Shadows of the Past. A live 'garage band' version by the Senders exists, as well as a 2004 version done solo by me. These sessions were done remotely between College Station TX and Gallatin TN using Reaper and Band in the Box, as well as live instruments and vocals. Truth is Known was actually recorded (and sung) by Les in College Station using his live band there, although I think I substituted my own vocals here (since I love the song so much). Anyone wishing to attempt to scream the final verse is welcome!
About the videos:
All rather simply recorded using a FujiFilm FinePix S700, they were done for fun but some surprising images arose. I was aided by the fact I had a planetarium out back, with models and various lighting effects, plus all the lyrics and chords typed up for 20 years waiting. I wanted to put the whole thing on Youtube, so I had to have something for each song, and used as many strange props as possible. The green metal Eye of Sauron washed up in my creek, as did the spiral representation of Minas Tirith. Lorien used a current video and one made a year earlier. That was my wedding ring in the creek, and my very bad acting in On a Day (Far Away). They were done using alternate videos playing on TVs, in mirrors etc, all to try to make them mildly amusing. The music's the thing. But the videos were a labor of love as well. Love of these things perhaps is what will sustain us when the winter of our years at last has come.
Gary Likert
mrgare5050@gmail.com
Gallatin, TN
December 2014
Celebration, fireworks, and good old fashioned cheer
Video: Overture
