With the days and nights being equal, I'm always reminded of the myth of Persephone and Hera. Poor Hera, her daughter disappearing into the underworld with her new husband, known as both Hades and Pluto. Her mother punishes the earth by sending every living thing into winter. She refuses to allow things to sprout again until her daughter returns. Her daughter Persephone returns for six months of every year, allowing our food, flowers, and trees to grow again.
This theatrical song might not be up your alley if you don't like folk music, but it's so fitting for the first day of autumn. I've always thought Martha Wainwright has such an unusual voice and delivery, at once simple and complex.
Wainwright sings this version of "Proserpina" (a version of the name Persephone). Sadly, Wainwright recorded this version not long after the death of her own mother, famed folk singer Kate McGarrigle. Martha is the daughter of McGarrigle and singer Loudon Wainwright. Some consider this piece McGarrigle's swan song-her last major creative contribution before her death.
Here's McGarrigle's last recording of the song:
I love this! Thanks so much for posting it!
Posted by: Maria | 09/24/2014 at 03:54 PM