Richard Shulman
Light from Assisi
RICHHEART MUSIC
My first experience of the magical city of Assisi was in November 1988 as part of a meditation group. The atmosphere of Assisi, combined with our meditation work, opened me to an ecstasy overflowing with Divine Love. Visiting the various holy places, I felt such grace and healing that I when the teacher suggested I return to record music, I leapt at the opportunity.
A year later I arrived again with my synthesizer and computer, determined to express these feelings, this vibration in music. Each day, for two and a half weeks, I would go to one of the holy places, absorbing what I could of the atmosphere I found there. Then I would return to my keyboard, tune in to the place I had just visited, and play the music I heard from within. At the end of my stay, I had two and a half hours of raw music. This album is the first of two releases from these recordings.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
This album is a reflection of my personal experience at Assisi, yet I believe that the music touches something universal, a place inside all of us that feels like “home.” I believe that somehow the deepest and most beautiful personal experiences can be translated into a mutual human understanding even within our diversity. We all have frameworks in which our spirit can blossom. The blossoming is in the music and in my personal experience surrounding it. The ability to blossom is in all of us. For me, the blossoming is what really matters.
St. Francis and his followers used to greet people they met saying “May God’s peace be with you.” I have dome my best to bring this same peace to you in the form of music. I invite you to share the peace and the wonder I experienced at Assisi.
It is in the music. Listen...
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MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC...
For St. Francis, 1&2
The Spirit of St. Francis pervades all of Assisi and the surrounding countryside. Francis and his followers indelibly changed this town into a sacred place. For the pilgrim, or seeker of God, there is an ineffable sense of peace, a feeling of blessedness so strong that the very stones seem to be praying.
Song of St. Clare
For me this little melody portrays the joy of simplicity in which St. Clare lived (St. Clare, Francis’ first female follower, founded the second Franciscan order).
For St. Clare
A musical portrait, expressing Clare’s yearning for, and fulfillment in God.
Alleluia!
I imagine that this was a frequent sentiment among the “Poor Clares” (St. Clare’s cloistered community).
Trip to the Hermitage
Of the many wonderful sites in and around Assisi, the most intriguing to me are the places St. Francis chose as retreats for his personal prayer and meditation. The remainder of this album is a musical portrayal of a spiritual journey to one of these places, the Hermitage of the Carceri.
The Hermitage is situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio, about an hour’s walk from Assisi. It consists of a cluster of small buildings constructed over a cave called the Grotto of St. Francis. In the surrounding woods are other caves where Francis’ first brothers stayed.
The first building one comes to upon entering the grounds contains a small church. Across a courtyard is the structure enclosing the Grotto of St. Francis. Several small chapels on the upper level prepare the visitor to descend the stairs to St. Francis’ cave. It is a simple room now adorned with a small altar.
The first time I entered this room, I discovered an indentation in the face of the rock wall, forming a narrow seat. I had a feeling that this was a place where St. Francis spent much time sitting in prayer. As I sat in this niche, I felt a wonderful cleansing taking place within me mentally, emotionally, and physically. St. Francis had created a place of grace right where I was sitting!
This became a place of repeated pilgrimage for me, since I wished to taste of this grace again and again. However, the following year, when I had returned to express this amazing experience in music, I sat in the same place and felt nothing.
The fact that I could feel nothing in this place which had been so holy for me left me completely disheartened. It also made me want to get to the bottom of this.
Thus began a period of inner questing. I checked into a monastery for three days and isolated myself as much as possible from human company and any activities which might distract me from my efforts to bring back the feeling of God’s grace.
In the meantime, each day I continued to visit the holy places and on my return, I portrayed my experience of them in music. This process helped me, but I still hadn’t recaptured the aliveness and joy of my initial discovery. I knew something in me needed to be faced, but didn’t know what it was. Turning to prayer, I asked “What is it that is keeping me from You Lord?”
Finally on the last day of my partial seclusion, I decided to take the walk back up to the Hermitage as a final pilgrimage. I asked for two things in prayer: 1. that I would be healed and be given the grace to feel God’s presence again, and 2. that I would be able to express my transformation in music so that others could benefit.
Mary the Compassionate One
A short distance up the road, still within the walls of Assisi, I came upon a statue of Mary. I told her of my plight and asked for help. I felt her grace and knew I had an ally. I felt that whatever happened, her love would not depart from me.
I Meet the Animals
As I was walking, a donkey and two dogs amble onto the road from an adjacent olive grove and accompanied me for a while. When I tried to approach them, they shied away, keeping to the opposite side of the road. I found myself wishing to be able to talk with them as St. Francis could.
Just then, a nun approached from the same orchard. She pointed to the donkey and said “San Francesco!” and then repeated in English, “St. Francis.” I was reminded that, for the last two years of his life, St. Francis could not walk on account of his stigmata, and rode on a donkey when he had to travel. I felt greatly blessed to be in the company of these beautiful animals, as if St. Francis himself were there with me in the flesh.
The Walk
I continued up the road, asking to be purified so as to reach my goal. Feeling of sadness and hope intermingled within me as I walked.
The Chapel
Entering the Hermitage grounds, I went to the church to rest and pray.
The Grotto of St. Francis
Crossing the courtyard, I entered the building which houses the Grotto of St. Francis. After stopping in each of the chapels on the upper level, I descended the stairs to the cave. Sitting with some trepidation on the now familiar ledge, I asked again, “What is separating me from your presence, Lord?”
I suddenly perceived a dark band covering my forehead. I asked within myself, “What is this?” An answer came inside me, saying, “Doubt.” With this understanding, the band dissolved, leaving clearer vision and much gratitude for the grace I had just received.
Soon I felt a pain in the muscles of my shoulder. Asking for the cause, I heard, “Worry.” This process went on for what seemed about twenty minutes. Each fear or idea which separated me from God came off me like a dark robe, leaving me feeling lighter, more buoyant. As I let go more and more, I began to feel a glorious power within me and all around me, and realized that God’s love had always been present, but I simply hadn’t been aware, wrapped up in my fears, worries, and doubts.
New Robes
I then asked for new robes to replace the old ones. I asked for faith, love, courage, understanding, and simplicity. In the light of my new understanding, the painful experiences I had previously gone through lost their negative meaning for me.
Good-Bye for Now
Coming back to my ordinary senses, I heard some people coming down the stairs. I thanked God and St. Francis, got up, and walked through the tiny doorway out into the world.
Suggestions for the listener
The following exercises draw on a variety of techniques. Use only those that feel good to you.
General suggestion:
find or create a period of time when you will be free of distractions. After putting on the music, sit or lie comfortably with the spine relaxed and straight. Take three very slow, very deep breaths, letting go of outside concerns. Then focus your attention completely on the music, allowing yourself to feel and relax into it.
Visualizations
For St. Francis 1
Picture yourself in a countryside of olive groves and exquisite green rolling hills. It is early morning and the sun’s warmth is just beginning to soften the snap of the lingering cool night air. A mist rising from a freshly plowed field blends the colors of the rich brown soil with the surrounding dark green vegetation. The sky overhead is bright blue with an occasional wisp of white.
You are walking along a path between a deep wood and an olive grove. As you reach the crest of a small hill, you find yourself in a large field resplendent with wildflowers. Take a moment to look at the flowers and savor the aroma of each one.
As you look up, you see at the far end of the field a short thin man in a gray tunic. At first he seems quite ordinary, but as he comes a little closer you begin to notice a kindness in his face and a feeling of quiet joy surrounding him. This feeling reassures you and you meet him at the center of the field in the shade of a single oak tree.
For St. Clare
Picture yourself in a cloistered garden, filled not with the usual cultivated flowers, but with delicate wildflowers. Take time to smell and appreciate these tiny jewels of nature’s perfection.
Across the courtyard, you notice a woman sitting on a rough wooden bench. She is dressed in a white robe and seems deep in prayer. As you approach the center of the garden, she arises and comes to greet you. You sense in her tremendous strength and conviction, and at the same time, deep caring and understanding. She has a gift for you. Allow yourself to receive it.
Calling on the Divine Mother:
Mary the Compassionate One
Most traditional spiritual paths make use of repeated phrases, or mantras to help the aspirant focus on the Divine. This focussed attention can lead to meditation, through which direct communication with our Spiritual Nature is possible.
For many Catholics, the Rosary, which includes the “Hail Mary” is an important part of spiritual life. This prayer can bring one into contact with the energy or grace of Mary.
The following is a slightly altered version of the “Hail Mary” which I’m fond of, given to me by one of my teachers, Hilda Charlton.
“Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee.
Blessed art Thou among women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us children, Now and at the hour of our Attainment.”
Using this prayer or the standard Rosary with the music can create a very powerful experience, as the music itself came out of the prayer. Repeat it silently or aloud, slowly, with great feeling for every word.
Meditation
The Grotto of St. Francis
For a few minutes, simply be aware of your breath. Observe it as it goes in and out, bringing life into your body on the inhalation, and releasing tension on the exhalation.
After a few moments, place your attention at the center of your chest (the heart center). Visualize and feel a warm glow as you breath in and out of this center. If your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the heart center. Gradually allow this warm glow to expand, enveloping your entire body.
While maintaining the openness of your heart center, move your attention to a point on your forehead between the eyebrows. Continue to breath and feel in your heart while focusing your attention hear at the third eye or eye of God. If thoughts or feelings arise, continue to breath and gently bring your attention back to the third eye and the feeling of fullness at the heart center.
When the music is finished, take your time to feel yourself in your body. Wriggle your toes and fingers, gradually open your eyes and gently begin to move. You have contacted aspects of yourself you may not have been aware of, so treat yourself kindly as you emerge from meditation, a new, reenergized you.
Love,
Richard Shulman
Suggested Reading
On St. Francis
“We were with St. Francis”, Salvatore Butler, O.F.M.
Casa Editrice Francescana Assisi, Edizione Porziuncola
“The Little Flowers of St. Francis”, translation: W. Heywood
Casa Editrice Francescana, Edizione Porziuncola
On Meditation-Spirituality
“The New Sun” Hilda Charlton
Golden Quest, PO Box 85
Woodstock, NY 12498
“Autobiography of a Yogi” Paramahamsa Yogananda
Self Realization Fellowship
3880 San Raphael Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90065
“Be Here Now”, Baba Ram Dass
Crown Publishing, 1 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10016
“The Quiet Mind” White Eagle
Fletcher & Son Ltd.
Norwich, England
Comments:
We would love to hear from you. Please write us and tell us how you like “Light From Assisi.”
Send to:
RichHeart Music
PO Box 6731
Scarborough, ME 04070-6731
or info@richheartmusic.com
RICHARD SHULMAN BIO
Keyboardist and composer Richard Shulman creates music intended to be a positive influence for himself, audiences, and society. Bringing beauty into the world is his passion, and the expression of inspiration with those he works with provides a fertile field for creation.
Shulman’s duo release with cellist Adriana Contino, New Beginnings, exemplifies the delicate balance between inner and outer listening as they explore free flowing improvisations as well as upbeat and lyrical compositions. Spontaneous magic occurs in the interweaving of cello and piano.
His award winning CD, Camelot Reawakened: A Vision Fulfilled, musically portrays a rebirth of the Camelot ideals. “The theme is the fulfillment of dreams of the heart for individuals and society,” he explains. “The most beautiful world imaginable can happen, and I trust this music will contribute to its manifestation.” Composed and orchestrated by Shulman over a five-year period, Camelot Reawakened is a contemporary-classical, nine-movement symphonic work featuring Shulman on acoustic piano with a 35-piece orchestra, a choir, and vocal and instrumental soloists. Shulman’s CD’s are available in stores nationwide and from RichHeart Music (888-699-3682 and www.richheartmusic.com).
According to Shulman, “For the past 19 years, album-by-album I have been attempting
to create music which will encourage a harmonious society envisioned by many spiritual traditions, forward thinkers and ordinary people.” This journey has resulted in 18 of his own albums as well as other recordings for which he has provided the music. Trained in the classical field, Shulman first worked as a rock musician and then a jazz pianist before turning to music for healing and inspiration.
Shulman has performed at the Weil Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, Art Park, the United Nations, the Kool Jazz Festival, The Amenia Peace Festival and a wide variety of other venues throughout North America and in Europe. He has composed music for and performed on twenty albums by others, including speakers in the field of guided meditations and visualizations. During residencies at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, he composed music for orchestra and jazz quartet; and for a decade he was the principal composer for “Theatre of the Heart,” a cooperative of dancers, singers and musicians dedicated to preserving community and the environment. Shulman’s commissions include a piece for the Amherst Saxophone Quartet, and “May Peace Prevail on Earth” (a composition for singers, symphony orchestra, three choirs and jazz quartet) created for the World Peace Prayer Society.
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, Richard often listened to symphonies on record and in concert as a youngster. His family got him a piano and he began lessons at age seven which continued through high school, although he additionally studied violin for a year and clarinet for five years. As a teenager Richard also played organ at various churches, was the music counselor at a summer camp in Canada, and joined a rock band with future jazz recording artists Thom Rotella and Bobby Previte. Shulman graduated from the University of Rochester with a double-major Bachelor’s degree in music (piano performance) and psychology while continuing to perform with Previte in the jazz-fusion band Thermopylae. Shulman’s early musical influences were Beethoven, Bach and Chopin; then in high school it was The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix; and on into college it switched to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Paul Winter, Oscar Peterson and Ray Charles followed a few years later by Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, and Chick Corea.
While at Rochester, Shulman also attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music and studied jazz improvisation with Chuck Mangione and Marian McPartland, arranging with Rayburn Wright, and orchestration with Donald Hunsberger. Shulman continued his studies in jazz with Frank Foster while getting his Masters Degree in musical composition at the State University of New York at Buffalo. During those years he played onstage in concert with such jazz stalwarts as Thad Jones, Eddie Gomez, Pepper Adams, Jerry Dodgion, Freddie Hubbard and Al Harewood, and recorded his first jazz album, Wonder. After moving to New York City, Shulman played in the studio as a session musician with the great jazz rhythm section of Ron Carter and Grady Tate; performed with groups such as The Richard Reiter Swing Band, Providence and Crossing Point; and recorded and performed with the acts Mr. Spats (Steve Evans, June Bisantz, Steve Swallow and Bob Moses) and Bobby Previte. The Richard Shulman Group, a jazz quartet, played regularly in the New York area and recorded the albums A Simple Gift and Open Spaces, and Richard also released the solo jazz piano album Solo Flight.
Shulman began a new phase of his work when he recorded his first extemporaneous solo piano album, World Peace, on the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima (he performed at a peace meeting the same day). Richard was then asked by a healing practitioner to play for his clients which started a practice of creating special “Musical Soul Portrait” recordings for individuals, couples and groups (he has done more than 600 so far). Shulman also has released some of this type of music on the albums A Higher Dimension, Light Music, Music for Magnified Healing, First Rites and Sacred Music for Healing Hands Volumes 1 & 2.
Shulman’s first two album releases with national marketing were Light from Assisi and Transformation at Assisi, inspired by spiritual pilgrimages to the town of Assisi in Italy where St. Francis was born. Richard also laid more groundwork for Camelot Reawakened with a pair of recordings -- Ascension Harmonics and the partially-orchestral Keeper of the Holy Grail -- with “spiritual attunements” by Samuel Welsh. “Our research for Holy Grail led me to the larger picture of Camelot,” says Shulman, who also took a trip to Glastonbury, England in 1995 to study the area. “I feel that the energies of Camelot still reside in places like the Abbey there and the Michael Tor, the sacred hill which is pictured on the cover of Camelot Reawakened.”
In 1996, Richard was preparing to do a “Musical Soul Portrait” for a woman who had recently returned from exploring the British Isles and tracing Arthur’s journeys, although she hadn’t told Shulman about that. When he closed his eyes to begin, he had a vision of a sword coming down from heaven. He asked if she had seen what he had, and she said, “I have one word for you: Camelot.” The music Richard created that day was the beginning of Camelot Reawakened. Over the next few years, he received other melodies about Camelot while doing soul portraits, and during the recording of his First Rites and Music to Walk the Labyrinth albums. “There were many threads that came slowly together to form the entire web. Synchronicities happened throughout the project. It was a spiritual adventure.” After several years of arranging the orchestration for each movement of the Camelot piece, it was unveiled to the world in concert in January 2002, with members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Hart Baker. It was recorded that day in front of the audience with additional recording the following day behind closed doors. The album contains liner notes about the project and an explanation of each movement which takes the listener from “The Dream” and “A Celebration” to “Prayer” and “The Dream Fulfilled.” A DVD documentary of the project was released in October of 2005.
“The possibilities for humanity have blossomed periodically through the ages, and when Camelot flourished, people dared to live a dream.” says Shulman. “I believe now is the time to begin opening ourselves again to living in harmony with one another, and in harmony with the entire universe, by each of us recognizing our dream within and fulfilling that vision as our contribution to the whole.”
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For more information contact: RichHeart Music, 180 Dorchester Ave. Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: 828-253-6468, e-mail: info@richheartmusic.com, Web site: www.richheartmusic.com
"...The music seems to alter the very atoms and take us into a place of inner mystery and beauty. Intensely personal, it explores the humble and the Divine with equal sincerity. Shulman holds nothing back. His honesty creates a doorway through which spirit enters. This is music for blissing, for contemplating the meaning of God and one’s relationship to the Highest."
--Shelley Koffler, New Age Retailer
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