Sheep May Safely Graze

We were crossing the western Pyrenees from northern Spain into France last summer, Molly, my youngest daughter and I, searching photos for a future (hopefully uttered) book. She clicks the shutter while I gasp at the beauty --- 360º of it. More than that actually, the majesty of the mountains not only surrounds on one plane, but towers above and pervades below.

I’ve braved the Pyrenees before, but never at this particular crossing. This traverse was less rugged and a peaceful quiet prevailed. We happened upon a flock of sheep, very picturesque. Molly, in her youthful vigor, burst forth, camera in hand. I sat in the car and mused. It was one of those perfect moments and the only possible conjure were the words, “sheep may safely graze.”

Which brings us face to face with the consummate, brilliantly compelling music of J. S. Bach. Buzzing my brain was the well known aria/anthem from the Hunting Cantata (BWV 208), Sheep May Safely Graze. If you have never heard it, then you should make the effort to do so. (Follow link found below)  It will be one of the more moving moments of your life. It had to have been the beauty of such fields, rolling lushly green, trails of wild flowers, billowing clouds in a pristine sky, animals grazing, safe and contented, all combining perfectly to move Bach to write such music.

A rough translation of the words; as beautiful as the music:

Sheep may safely graze

Where a good shepherd watches over them

Where Princes rule wisely

Tranquility and calm will also reign

And there will be peace throughout the land

A bit of assistance, here is a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VJoEe_zO_Q

Listen and consider thus doing, a gift to yourself

All photographs taken in the western Pyranees, 2009, by Molly Ware