Tavener, Jarre & the Challenger

35 years ago, at 11:38 a.m. EST, on January 28, 1986,

the Space Shuttle Challenger lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Seventy-three seconds into its flight, exploded, killing all seven crew members aboard.

Jean-Michel Jarre released his album Rendez-Vous a few months later.

The last piece of the album was originally scheduled to include a saxophone part recorded by astronaut Ron McNair on the Space Shuttle Challenger, which would have made it the first piece of music to be recorded in space. The track was dedicated to McNair and the other astronauts on board Challenger. On the album, the saxophone part is played by saxophonist Pierre Gossez.

Last Rendez-Vous (Ron’s Piece)

&

First Rendez-Vous

On this day,

January 28, 1944

John Tavener

was born

in Wembley, London.

I have chosen

Thrinos* for solo cello

in honor of the crew who lost their lives.

*Thrinos is a Greek word meaning to morn / lament

Raphael Wallfisch cello

These images are still as haunting as they were on that day as I was watching it unfold.

Stay Safe!

28 replies »

  1. Sad reality, yet, you filled in some music history for us here, Marina.

    So interesting. I loved all the music. The last piece was exceptionally melancholy, perfect for this post.
    Thank you, Marina!
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    • Truly sad and it’s still so vivid in my mind.
      Glad you enjoyed the music. Being Tavener’s birthday, the choice came naturally…
      much love to you
      and many many hugs!
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      • xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

        • ❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️🤗🤗❤️

  2. I remember when the Space Shuttle exploded. It was both horrifying and unbelievable to watch. Super music.

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