This week I have been floating in the memories of past decades, several not so distant. The photo of this fabric 'stained glass' Rose Window came to mind. I designed it in the mid-2000s, and it was created by the Banner Team of University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. It's made of thousands of small pieces of multi-colored fabrics, hanging about five feet in diameter. It is displayed from time to time in the UPC Narthex, preparing the way to the real stained glass glory installed inside the Sanctuary.
I love Rose Windows. I have sat for hours in majestic cathedrals during my working and traveling years in Europe - infused in the fractured, colored light that enters those hallowed spaces through exquisite stained glass windows. Often, I would also be a silent audience of one during the rehearsals of cathedral choirs - bathed in the mystery of ancient choral repertoires.
My favorite, soul-healing choral music pieces are the requiems composed by Morten Lauridsen, John Rutter, Faure, and more. I have sung the first three composers' pieces, plus the choral motet "O Magnum Mysterium" by Lauridsen.
Such diaphanous, ethereal music offers healing medicine beyond what can be dispensed in any earthly world I've experienced.
