MUNICH TRAVELOGUE – DAY 2 – STREETS OF MUNICH – NEUHAUSER STRASSE – ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH

Karlsplatz - During the summer, a large fountain operates in front of the Karlstor and in winter an open-air ice rink is installed there

Neuhauser strasse - is part of the first and largest pedestrian zone in Munich's Old Town

St. Michael's church is a Jesuit church, the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps,

The interior is a representation of the triumph of Roman Catholicism in Bavaria during the Counter-Reformation

Rieger organ enables a style-appropriate interpretation of a very broad spectrum of organ music,

♫♫ Peter Kofler plays - Alexandre Guilmant: Sonate Nr. 1, Opus 42 – Finale ♫♫

SONATA FOR CHRISTMAS EVE RAIN

I. I sit in my friend’s armchair,

waiting for her to get ready for church.

Pianissimo, the raindrops fall in quick, staccato rhythm

on the windows, the roof, and the pool.

I imagine the circles they make on the water.

expanding in echoes only angels can hear.

II. We drive through the valley’s empty green pastures,

to the old country church in Academy.

The raindrops run down the windshield

like notes connecting in smooth legato phrases

made by a piano’s pedal.

III. A fire crackles in the church’s ancient woodstove,

joining the outside rain in an animated duet.

Lead by the antique pump organ,

we stand to sing, becoming part

of their Christmas carol.

Published in Song of the San Joaquin, Winter 2018

Copyright © Jennifer Fenn