rssKnowing the steps to create living growth: that is art. - Deng Ming-Dao
2009, January 23
Obama Inauguration 2009
Some thoughts regarding the inauguration January 20, 2009
This is the first time I have felt a strong connection to what is going on in Washington DC. In fact it is the first time in a long time I have not felt ashamed to be an American. I have felt Guantanamo Bay to be a blot on our collective conscience since it opened. Now it is being discussed openly and measures are being taken to close the prison.
I am finding renewed energy, and a stronger sense of purpose than I have felt in a very long time.
The Benediction delivered by Dr. Joseph Lowery was especially moving. His reference to the "Negro National Anthem" introduced me to a piece of music I have not heard before.
I enjoyed the music from the quartet, and am glad that the taped version allowed us to hear a performance that would not have been possible in the frigid winter wind. The musicians were violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist Anthony McGill, pianist Gabriela Montero.
Below are links to YouTube recordings.
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Newspaper articles regarding the quartet's performance:
From the UK Guardian
From the Washington Post
From the NY Times
