That day not long ago, hearing Rutter speak;
This man who dismissed the religion he once knew.
This man whose music sounds like the songs of Angels,
Writes for the Church, but does not now believe.
Surely he is touched by God to produce the sounds, so sublime;
To also use words to convey the thoughts of God
And the Spirit that run through life, yours and mine.
But a phrase he said has stuck with me,
And refuses to leave my mind;
He said he had spoken to Howells, a composer of British birth,
Who had spoken to Shostakovich, a man of great renown.
And Rutter then said these words now immortal to me:
“It was like touching the hem of historys’ garment”
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Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: August 5th, 2026 00:36
- Comment from author about the poem: This was said on radio interview with John Rutter, he said that he had met Herbert Howells who had spoken to Dmitri Shostakovitch, the words just seem to have struck a chord with me and stuck as being a wonderfully descriptive phrase.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 13
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy
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Comments3
So he didn't speak to Stockhausen? - or only to tell him that Beecham quote! lol. And wat am I doing, knowing this stuff? That's about the extent of my musical history knowledge. lol.
You may know more than many Orchi. LOL
You told me the Beecham quote originally.
A good write Andy and I am reminded that we are all that close to all humanity, they say seven touches away.
So true soren, thank you.
Andy
You are most welcome Andy
That is such a privilege to be accessible to us! 🙏🕊️
It certainly is Rik, thank you.
Andy
Most welcome, Andy🙏🕊️
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