The Music
“Still Morning” (5:52 mins), © Helen Davey
(for solo piano and breath)
The Art
Näbelmeer
Central Switzerland, winter 2018.
Näbelmeer, (HD private collection).
Artist’s notes
In Swiss dialect, Näbelmeer means ‘ocean-fog’. Seeing a Näbelmeer – only visible from above – is like viewing an opaque, milky ocean between alpine ridges. Sometimes it’s still, seemingly impenetrable and solid. Other times it’s shifting with liquid swells. This one began as a motionless, solid mass then transitioned into a sensuous, burgeoning canvas tinted with hues from scarlet to fuscia to mango to peach to coral to linen and cream.
To my Australian eyes, Swiss alps hold spectacular wonderment; but there were many local folk standing together watching this scene that evening, who were also spellbound. It was one of those ‘It’s all so vast and I’m so insignificant’ moments. I’m overcome by a thrilling calm at times like this.
When I recorded this piece, I’d just returned to Zuerich from my annual leave at home in Australia. Downunder it was all summer heat waves and whirlwind catch ups with family and friends. Here in Switzerland it was a wintry, white blanketed quietetude. Returning to my Swiss studio routine was like the calm after the storm. This context and the quiet majesty of Nature’s Näbelmeer merge in my sound-painting.
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Meanwhile, wishing you much breathing space to savour all the good things.
Floaty waves,
Helen
PS the fish enjoy a feed – just needs a click of your mouse.
So beautiful
Thank you Jade.
gorgeous … as usual
Thanks lots Mawkul.
So calming, l can feel the chilled air and the beauty of the alpine view. Nice one Hel
Makes me smile reading your reaction, Thanks Peter.
Coming like a winter’s brise: so calm and melancholic. I’m waiting for every note that comes and tells me the story. A beautiful song to meditated, to let our dreams grow up.
Thanks so much Marcela
Absolutely beautiful! X
Oh Annie, thanks.
Thank you Helen for this beautiful peaceful moment.I`m really happy that you are back.
So glad it resonates with you Maria, it’s great to be back again, thank you
beautifully atmospheric, calm, peace stillness, gentle. It’s so lovely.
Dear Julia,
Thanks for taking the time to listen.
Congrats, precious music teacher! Your subtle music meets the “Näbelmeer”-atmosphere to perfection and I sure do like your picture as well. Great that you use the Swiss dialect word in two ways: “Nabelmer” with the English pronunciation and “Näbelmeer” as the correct Swiss dialect version. A successful combination of the two languages, i.e. sort of a bridge between Australia and Switzerland, really cool!I am eagerly waiting for more!
Dear Silvia S71,
Chuffed by your comments, thanks. I’ll get cracking with the next one.
Fits so much my views from my home in Aeugst over the “Näbelmeer” … thanks for giving my eyes this sound … love thara