Edgar Debenheim's Orchestra -- Georgianna Moore -- 1169 words304 West Due West AvenueMadison, TN 37115615.868.3738Edgar Debenheim's Orchestra (Maestro Debenheim is a rabbit.) by Georgianna Moore
Dedicated to Lydia WigginsMaestro Edgar Debenheim was sitting in his favorite spot overlooking Sparkle Lake. It was called Sparkle Lake because it was so deep and clear that the evening stars seemed to be shining up instead of down.
Edgar enjoyed sitting on his old well-weathered tree stump listening to the mysterious sounds of the Loons and watching the setting sun. But this particular evening he was relaxing with his legs crossed and his head held high, with his violin tucked under his chin.
His heart was so filled with the beauty of nature surrounding him that he was inspired to compose a musical composition, describing the lake and the sunset, to be performed at the next gathering of the Forest Folk Festival.
The Festival was the last great gathering of the summer because many birds would migrate and some animals would return to their cozy dens before the deep cold of winter was upon them.
There would be a great feast because everyone would bring their special dish to share and anyone who wished to do so could present some special entertainment. And, of course, Maestro Edgar Debenheim always topped the list.
Mrs. Mole would certainly bring her famous blackberry pie. This was eagerly looked forward to by all of the forest folk. Edgar was a very poor cook but he made up for not preparing any food by playing his violin for the dancing. He could play a jig or a waltz equally well.
As the Maestro was contemplating his new composition he became aware of a lot of interesting sounds. He heard Mr. Bullfrog booming away with deep bass notes, Miss Nightingale trilling several high C's, and Mr. Owl hooting what must have been an English horn.
"Whooo, whooo," came floating softly on the breeze, accompanied by more soft sounds of cooing from the Dove Family."Oh, my Sparkle Lake stars," declared Edgar suddenly, "I have a stupendous idea. Miss Nightingale, Miss Nightingale," he called excitedly.
"Yes, Maestro, I am here," she answered. "What may I do for you? You sound so excited."
"I am, I am, my dear. I have a stupendous idea. I want you to fly swiftly and give the word to Mr. Bullfrog, Mr. Owl, the Dove Family, and the mysterious Loons, and to anyone else who can make music, to meet me in the Fir Tree Glen at seven o'clock tomorrow evening. And you must come, of course.
"I will be happy to do this," replied the pretty little bird. "I think I understand what it is you want to do." With those words she flew swiftly away to begin her quest.
Maestro Debenheim tucked his violin under his arm and hastened away to prepare for his meeting the next evening in the Fir Tree Glen at seven o'clock exactly.
By five o'clock the next evening Maestro Debenheim was very busy in the Fir Tree Glen. He rolled several fallen logs together for seats and found a perfect flat-top rock which he placed in front of the seats. This was for him to stand upon when he conducted his orchestra.
Yes indeed, his stupendous idea was to bring many of the bird and animal sounds together to perform his new composition about the sunset and the stars shining on Sparkle Lake. This was an unheard of situation but if nothing is ventured nothing is gained, he believed.
At last the forest folk began to arrive in the glen. Maestro Debenheim (they all called him Edgar), greeted each one as he stood upon his rock, and pointing with his violin bow, he told them where to sit.
No one questioned his actions because they were too curious to ask unnecessary questions. They knew that Edgar Debenheim was the most talented member of the Forest Folk and they were interested to see what would happen next.
At last everyone was seated on their log seats, each in their special categorical places. Maestro Debenheim faced his soon-to-be orchestra, string sounds to his left, Owl sounds to his right, Dove cooing sounds in the middle, and Mr. Bullfrog's fabulous bass in the rear with the mysterious Loons.
The Quacker Duck Family had come because they said they could make wonderful smacking sounds with their bills and booming sounds when they stomped their feet. Also, Sir Swan d'Grey assured everyone that he had the strongest trumpet in the swan world.
The news about the Forest Folk Orchestra had traveled swiftly through the woods, over the hills and all around Sparkle Lake. Birds and animals began to arrive by the droves to observe this strange event.
At last it was time to begin. Maestro Debenheim explained to his musical group that since he knew they could not read music that he would point to each player when it was their turn to make their special sound. Everyone smiled and nodded their heads in excited expectation.
Maestro Debenheim raised his arms and began pointing his bow baton, first at the strings, then to the owl, shouting to them all to continue until he gave the word to stop.
Then he indicated that the Doves were to join the Owl. Next, the Duck Quackers beat a rhythm with their bills that matched the hooting of Mr. Owl and the cooing of the Doves.
The maestro then pointed to Mr. Bullfrog who gave his deepest bass sound and then pointed to Sir Swan d'Grey to compliment Mr. Bullfrog with his great trumpet sound, accompanied by the haunting sound of the mysterious Loons.
Strangely enough all of these natural sounds did seem to paint a picture of wind blowing through the forest and water running in the murmuring streams.
Then the Maestro pointed his bow baton at Miss Nightingale and she began to sing in her high beautiful trilling voice. It was the sound of the stars shining on Sparkle Lake.
Maestro Debenheim raised his arms and waved his bow baton to bring the music to a great crescendo. He then lowered his arms and waved his hand in a slow waving motion. Softly and slowly the music of the sounds of nature faded away. There was a great moment of silence. Then all of a sudden the birds and animals in the audience began to roar, bark, howl, and shout, "Bravo!" until the Fir Tree Glen began to tremble and quiver from the noise.
The musicians arose from their seats and bowed to their audience. Never before had there been such a happening among the forest folk.
Now I am sure that you readers will understand that the orchestra will perform at the Forest Folk Festival every year and even once a month on a regular basis all summer long. So if you ever happen to be walking near Sparkle Lake and think you hear music you will know the reason why. And if you happen to see Maestro Edgar Debenheim sitting on his favorite tree stump, playing his violin, just tip-toe quietly away. He will certainly be working on a new composition.All rights reserved.
30 August 2001 midnight
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