Cantus

9 men. In dark suits on a hot summer's night. Walk on stage in a half occupied auditorium, sans pomp, sans fanfare. One starts singing. Others join. No trumpet, no piano, no conductor. The music swells. It grabs you, takes you along. They pour their hearts out. They love singing. They love music. They forget the heat. Forget the crying babies. Forget the long day they have spent. This is what they do.

I have heard recordings of Cantus, of this eminent men's a cappella group and always admired their sound. Now I get to hear them up close and personal! Yeah! They come from many different states, various ethnic backgrounds. They travel the world, encouraging people to sing - especially men! What I wouldn't give to have such a troup in one of my choirs!

What is there about the male voice that soothes? Isn't it supposed to be a mother's soothing voice singing lullabies? Yet these gentlemen sing music that soothes the weary head. After so much rock pounding head banging street noisy clutter that passes for music these days, the simple unaccompanied voice is a pleasant relief and welcome change.

Too quickly the hours fly by. They peruse all sorts of musical styles from the Beatles to chant and back again. Their imaginative exploration of a children's musical toy brings smiles, their toy piano song laughter. Its rather like sharing an intimate evening in someone's living room in front of a cozy fireplace engaged in quiet conversation.

Perhaps music of this sort is an art form that remains lost on younger generations. I hope not. If Cantus has anything to say about it, it will remain viable for a good long while.