Mia Smith
Rev. Mia Smith is Hertford’s Chaplain and a member of the Welfare & Wellbeing team.
Click the titles below to read Mia’s comments. Listen to her tracks in the YouTube playlist – to select a different song click the three horizontal lines in the top right of the video.
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Handel – Messiah: The Trumpet Shall Sound
Something uplifting to start the morning and accompany me through the work of the day. The crisp tone of the trumpeter combined with the rich bass vocals provide both energy and stability to accompany the challenges of my island.
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Abba – Waterloo
Then I’d like to do some dancing, and for that, you can’t beat a bit of Abba.
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Guvna B – Cast Your Cares
If my isolation got too much I’d like a bit of Guvna B to pick me up. Guvna B was my most played artist on Spotify in 2020. He’s a double MOBO Award winning rapper, and an influential voice in grime & British hip hop because of his inspiring lyrics and his encouragement of those from underprivileged communities to reach their full potential. He’s on my list of speakers to invite to Chapel once we are able.
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Stanford – Canticles in B Flat
I would, of course, want something from my favourite choir to make me smile. The Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis remind us that in the trials of life, and in the face of death, God’s goodness never leaves us. I’ve chosen Canticles in B Flat by Stanford, partly because I once came across group of a expansive, post-dinner students in black tie, walking along Catte Street singing the Magnificat at the top of their voices. It was a wonderful ‘Only in Oxford’ moment. Listen on SoundCloud below.
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Gammal fäbodpsalm
As my working day came to an end, I would turn to a bit of traditional Swedish Kulning, a musical tradition from centuries-old fäbods (summer farms), where farmwomen would traditionally call their meandering animals back home as they grazed freely during the few warm months. My best friend sang this at our wedding, so it always makes me smile.
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Bix Beiderbecke – Singin' the Blues 'til My Daddy Comes Homes
I would then enjoy a bit of jazz and watch the sunset. Bix Beiderbecker was a firm favourite among my university friendship group, so I would raise a coconut shell to them while listening.
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Tord Gustavsen Ensemble – Being There
As the sun set, I would go for something more mellow. I was introduced to the Tord Gustavsen by my (sadly) late Norwegian friend, Torril, so it recalls many chilled evenings with her.
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Rorate Caeli, sung by Benedictine monks
If sleep eluded me in my hammock, I would turn to a bit of plainchant. Research has shown that plainchant reduces stress hormones, lowers the blood pressure, and facilitates emotional and mental wellbeing.
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Book
The book I would take would be (no surprise, given my office) the Bible. Invaluable for its hope and comfort, it would also provide a whole library of other things – poetry, romance, war, mystery, self help, family drama.
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Luxury item
And my Luxury item? A parang – a Malaysian machete – so that I could make sure I had a selection of luxuries such as firewood and shelter, and I could harvest all the plants I needed for food.
