Going off to bed with
Mozart
jazzed with Benny’s
clarinet, my mother’s record,
lullaby of early teens,
joyful, happy and warm,
as after strings
his clarinet
takes lead,
so my thoughts
may wander
into dreams
and back again
again, again
forgetting schoolyard bullies
as I’m slowly soothed
to blissful sleep.
Today Kim asks us to write poetry inspired by instrumental music (no vocals) at dVerse Poetics today. I got to think about a record my mother had with Benny Goodman playing clarinet in Mozart’s clarinet concerto. I found the album on spotify, and it should be possible to simply play it below.
December 5, 2023
Björn Rudbergs writings 
“his clarinet takes lead, so my thoughts may wander into dreams and back again,” … this is such an astute description of Mozart! Gorgeously rendered, Bjorn 🩷🩷
I think this is the classical piece I know best, and I managed to find the exact recording too.
Yes! A perfect accompaniment to the poem 🙂
What a great idea to have Mozart jazzed – I think he would have enjoyed jazz, and all kinds of modern music, Björn – and thank you for sharing your ‘lullaby of early teens’. I’m so glad I thought of this prompt; it means I can don my headphones and listen to a playlist chosen by all of you! A dVerse Poets concert.
I will just keep adding to the playlist…. it seems to be great….
Such a warm memory, Björn. I love the idea of this Jewish immigrant jazz band leader playing Mozart that comforted a young Swedish boy. Music is truly universal!
It is really a very warm memory
That comes through. I was expecting a dark Björn poem. 🙂
Benny’s clarinet lulling you to sleep as a young teen, what a wonderful memory! I love the playlist and listening now, can easily see how they would lead to reams of dreams 🙂
I hope to be able to add all the entries for this prompt…
the adagio is music made by angels or Mozart.
I think this adagio is one of the best classical music ever.
listen Mahler? His last symphony number 10 the 1st movement is miraculous .. he wrote it while he was dying. I first heard in 87 and could not stop listening to it. My mom asked me “What the hell are you listening too? It sounds depressing.” I told her, “Well he did write it as he was dying. so.” I am a big Mahler fan too. 🙂
Such beautiful music to fall off to sleep with and to bring back memories.
Any music that will take one away from unpleasantries such as schoolyard bullies is perfect for listening as one drifts off to sleep. I saved the spotify playlist. Happy you chose a piece with personal connections.
It makes a great lullaby–both happy and soothing. (K)
Luv what the music afforded you.
Sweet dreams
Much♡love
I love your interpretation of this jazzy number. It is beautiful
We, a group, slept to my song also. Tonight made me want to buy that CD.
..
oo im not sure i could fall asleep while that played! though i think the dreams would be quite amazing
It’s said that aroma stirs our deepest memories, but I believe music is even more powerful. This was wonderful!
Music. The great healer.
Great piece, or should I say peace Björn. Love the digital art my friend.
LOVE this! The poem the image and the music. They all fit together seamlessly.
You’re talkin’ about my generation of music when it comes to the Master clarinet player!!! A really cool poem, Bjorn. Mozart and all.
I think you remind us all, and give us a good idea, that falling asleep to classical music can lead to some vivid and peacefull dreamscapes.
I find music quite healing, and I found the poem evoked deep memories of my escape into books and music. I like the resolve of this powem that helps a young person find safe harbour.
There is indeed a joyful whimsy in this Mozart piece that could soothe hurts and worries.