It was the eye contact that made Vincent stop, stop and think. In a line of leggy blond hopefuls on Gold Sands Stage, this one young lady stood out.
Vincent called out the numbers to leave, with a mumbled "Good luck". That left five knock-dead gorgeous young women, each one filled with hope and big dreams. Vincent took a big drag on his cigar and asked her, "Whatcha do, missy?"
Some had sung, some had danced, and some did both. Okay. Good. Not bad. Awful. And then and there she was, this woman with bold green eyes, almost defiant.
Belinda McFadden took a deep breath. This is it...this is it. I can do this., I know this. With that, the words of "Ave Maria" filled the shabby lounge, filling it with astonishing power and purity. Vincent dropped the cigar.
He leaned forward, his arms resting on the back of the chair in front of him. Mother of God. Oh, sweet Mother of God... He inhaled. For one so jaded, so filled with cynicism, Vincent was washed clean a voice unlike he had ever heard. He wept.
"Who ARE you?" he gasped.
Belinda handed him a folded and creased envelope, carried all the way from Illinois to Nevada in her bra, too afraid to lose it. Vincent accepted it and nodded as he read the letter from 4,000 miles away, too afraid to lose it.
Vincent exhaled, nodding, as he read the letter. "I'll do it, Kid. You got it."
What did the letter say? Who was the author? Who gave Belinda the letter? Why was it so important?
Andre' Rieu w/Mariusa and Johann Strauss
This is a repost from 2014. We should find chances to listen to music such as this.
a truly gifted singer.
ReplyDeleteTruly is.
DeleteMY take on the letter: A message from his pastor-brother, who had made a convert of Belinda, asking him to remember the prayers of his mother for the both of them, and pleading to at least looking into a return to the Church.
ReplyDeleteThat is not one I had considered. Has many ways the story could go.
DeleteYou don't want to know what I think was in that letter, LOL!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many possibilities.
DeleteAve Maria is such a beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteThe story is neat. I have to think about possible answers.
So many answers are possible.
DeleteThe letter was from his mama! Okay, maybe the girl's mama saying, "Remember THAT NIGHT Vincent? This is your daughter, talented huh?
ReplyDeleteOr.......
You be safe,
sherry & jack
Good one and I love the sincerity of the singer, I wish I could enjoy the volume and range.
Such a lovely voice! that could be one suggestion.
DeleteI do hope that music isn't the only voice of the soul. If this is true I have no soul.
ReplyDeleteYour music is not soulless. It simply has a different voice.
DeleteThis isn't something I can enjoy, even if I cannot be there.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time I don't really care what was in the letter. This was so pure. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am glad. Whatever Vincent chooses, it will be the right choice.
DeleteThat's a great beginning to the story.
ReplyDeleteThere is always that. I didn't take the story any further.
DeleteIt's probably a beautiful song, but I'll stick with what calms me, rock and roll and music from the 80s.
ReplyDeleteI am with the 60s-70s.
DeleteAn old friend asking him a favor, someone he never expected to hear from again. For old time's sake, and for her talent, he's glad to comply.
ReplyDeleteThat is the direction I was heading.
DeleteWonderful prayer well sung.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I get goosebumps still.
DeleteNot having musical talent I always claim I have the talent to appreciate musical talent...and a mystery full of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI always say that I would be a ballerina when I grew up. Oh course, one has to take lessons.
DeleteWhat an incredible voice and talented singer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
So many wonderful settings of the text. I enjoy Biebl, which I have performed as both singer and conductor: https://youtu.be/L7C-VXZVSTw.
ReplyDelete