MasterClass Thanksgiving Monday: Count Your Blessings From The Film White Christmas Performed by Bing Crosby And Rosemary Clooney

October 9, 2017 by Masterclass Lady 1 Comment


MasterClass Monday Count Your Blessings
A Very Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers!  There is nothing better than this holiday. Not only does it kickstart the Fall/Winter Holiday season, but also, gives us an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the blessings we have in our collective lives. 

And blessings come in all shapes and sizes: the strength and support we garner from family and friends, the laughter of little children, the food on the table, the roof over our heads, the wonderment of nature, the smile of a stranger – well, you get the idea.  

And no where did  I mention fame and fortune. One cannot buy happiness. One has to make a concerted effort to install happiness in our lives by creating for ourselves a peaceful and loving environment.   

I know, for many, this can be difficult. But, believe me, there are people out there ready to embrace you if you feel lonely and disenfranchised. A Church, a support Group or Home, a counsellor (one who is grounded with a spiritual and moral fibre).  Sometimes it takes courage to accept that you need to make a change and I am here to tell you that this song will give you purpose and stemgth. 

For this reason , “Count Your Blessings”, in its simplicity and beauty, has always meant a great deal to me and so many others.  It was written by Irving Berlin for the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”, which centres around life after World War II.   It is a romantic comedy to be sure, but it is more than that. The movie and this song, in particular, delivers a strong message of unity and love in the face of hardship and violence.  For this reason, this movie is still revered by millions of fans around the world, myself included. 

And, with the tragic event unfolding in Las Vegas a little over a week ago, we need,  more than ever, to draw on the strength and security we can gain from others. We are all family – united in one cause – to achieve tranquility and stability in our daily lives. To grab on to the blessings we have in our lives. To reach out to a lonely or depressed individual with a friendly word or gesture. 

When I researched the video accompanying this article, I was struck by the comments under the video on YouTube. So many people expressed a desire to live back in this era, some saying that this song made them cry each and every time.  

Maybe this is the reason that, as a 7-year-old child, my Dad had to drive me three separate times so I could see this movie.  Even children “get it”and need it. I was obsessed with this movie and the characters in this song,as portrayed by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, were so authentic.  Their relaxed, nuanced voices cover my being like a warm blanket on a cold frosty morning. 

Thank Heavens I was blessed with wonderful and nurturing parents. I feel that this movie shaped me and , this song in particular, gave me a sense of peace. 

And this is what I wish for each and every one of you today. Peace and happiness in the days ahead, surrounded only by life’s greatest blessings. 

You can stream this song or the entire album on Apple Music or download it on iTunes. And, if you wish, treat yourself to the movie on iTunes

Please feel free to share your thoughts and your greatest blessings in the comments section below. 

Masterclass Monday, Movies, Singing, Videos
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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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One Response to “MasterClass Thanksgiving Monday: Count Your Blessings From The Film White Christmas Performed by Bing Crosby And Rosemary Clooney”

  1. rereader October 9, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    Beautiful piece, thank you.

    Like

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