Russian Christmas Music

There's nothing like studying neuropathology pictures while listening to Russian Christmas Music. I have to say, it's one of my favorite Christmas selections, perhaps because it stands apart from the conglomeration of naively happy jingles that ceasingly play on the local radio station. Perhaps I like it because of the incredible, substantial chime part (how many musical works have a "substantial" chime part) or the melancholy English horn solo (how many of you readers even know what an English horn is?) which should not be attempted on a standard oboe, speaking from experience.
That’s one of the things I miss most about pursuing a career in medicine: music. It was a hard decision to make my freshman year in college when I chose between a career in music or a career in medicine. The bottom line came down to the fact that a missionary doctor seemed to be in higher demand than a missionary percussionist or oboist (though I did get to use my musical talents once in Chichicastenango, Guatemala—my audience was not impressed). I hope I made the right choice. Some people need their coffee and cigarettes, others their weekly happy hours, and still others their music. It’s no surprise that when I arrived home after my exam, tired and in a very “Grinchy/Bah-humbug” mood, that I pulled off the cover of my marimba. I picked up those four wooden, yarn-covered sticks for the first time in weeks, and soon all the previous days’ stresses floated away in the form of diminished chords, arpeggios, and the strange permutations typical to modern marimba music.
Back to Russian Christmas Music…I suppose the fact that it’s one of my favorite Christmas songs also represents the fact that my favorite things about Christmas don’t align with those of the mass public. Though I enjoy the shopping and the festivities, I don’t await Santa wide-eyed and expectant like I did as a child. Even though some may consider me a “poor medical student,” I currently have more wealth and assets at my disposal than ninety percent of the world will ever have in their lifetime. No, it’s not about the gifts anymore; it’s about the people. One of my favorite things about Christmas is the opportunity to see old friends and family. It’s the one time of year when everyone takes time from their busy schedules to return to that place which they call “home.”
So that’s my post-test ramble. Grab yourself a copy of a holiday CD with Russian Christmas Music. Better yet, support your local musicians by attending an upcoming concert. I hope you’re finding yourself enjoying the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and maybe I’ll see you over the break!