Music is a valuable part of our lives. It can comfort us when we are sad, bring us joy, make us laugh, move us in a way that nothing else can. Whether it's the lyrics, the melody, or the memories associated with songs, music is essential to the soul. For me, music opens a part of my brain that other experiences can't. I often feel better listening to music. I am inspired to write when music is playing. Because music can be something shared between souls, something that can bring together people who wouldn't be brought together under normal circumstances, I am starting a weekly series of music posts. Some may include a story about the song; others may just include a short introduction to why the song matters to me. I am not making this an Open Call, but I do welcome and encourage any and all who would like to share their own music to do so. And if you send me a link, I'll put together a weekly compilation of our musical musings.

I've been a fan of musicals for as long as I can remember. I love music that tells a story. Musicals often have complex melodies, which I absolutely love. There's something about the blending of an orchestra and multiple voices that is so beautiful it can leave you with chills and tears. The song below is actually a rearrangement of three songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber sung by three amazing women, Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie, and Judy Kuhn. I first saw this on a DVD that my mom has. She played it for me and I was absolutely stunned. What these women do in this song is amazing. Everytime I see it, I get chills. I was finally able to get the song on iTunes last year after searching for years. The cd itself does not exist and all the songs on the DVD are not available. This is from a performance at Carnegie Hall, and the DVD is Broadway's Leading Ladies. I will let the song speak for itself.