A Christmas treat: Silent “Silent Night”
Well, not exactly silent, but definitely a treat.
Several years ago, my brother learned American Sign Language after a surgery damaged his vocal cords and he could no longer speak. The voice loss, fortunately, lasted only a couple of years, but his love for ASL was permanent. His love for the language–though not his proficiency!–rubbed off on me. I think ASL (and it’s counterparts in other countries) renders some of the most beautiful and touching musical performances I have ever seen.
About a month ago, Susan Layton, an actress and ASL performer, contacted me for permission to use my arrangement of “Silent Night” in a video she was producing. I was delighted to agree, and the finished video is just too beautiful keep to myself. She pulled together lovely vocals (performed by Stacie Wiese, accompanied by Sarah Spangler), a sweet concept, and a touching, artistic interpretation. Here’s the result:
What a beautiful performance. Thank you Susan!
Incredible performance of silent night. it was so tender, sweet and touching. thank you so much for this arrangement and the chance to feel the message even stronger. bless you !
Very touching! Thank you!
Omigosh! I cried almost all the way through! So deeply beautiful and touching. I have had the opportunity to learn and use ASL to help friends who had lost their hearing in their mid-forties. It has been a language that defies description because of it’s beauty. I’ve always maintained the hearing impaired have no choice which language they get to speak. What a great blessing they have sign language available that they can communicate! Those of us who can hear can speak any language we wish.
Thank you–such beautiful music for the ears and the eyes!!