Central Park Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir

In early May cherry blossoms are in full bloom around the reservoir. In addition to the jogging track that hugs around the reservoir, visitors and joggers enjoy the bridle trail, tennis courts, beautiful scenery, a fountain stream, and birds of many species. There is often a wonderful breeze. I have found it blissfully cathartic to walk the bridle path listening to ethereal music such as the Sanctus  or Agnus Dei from Gabriel Fauré's Requiem in D minor, Op. 48. This work focuses on the Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead and utilizes a choir, vocal soloists, orchestra (several versions), and pipe organ. This work can transfix the sensitive listener to new dimensions. The 7th and final movement in D major, "In Paradisum", is exquisitely beautiful and provides closure and peace. One can hardly walk after hearing and experiencing it. Here's a wonderful performance of In Paradisum by the Cambridge Singers, conducted by John Rutter. What's particularly nice about this video is that it scrolls the musical score as you listen -- . Another highly recommended listening that comes to mind by Fauré is his Cantique de Jean Racine, performed by the Cambridge Singers. Here's the text of the two works translated from the original Latin:

In Paradisum

Into paradise may the angels lead you.

In your coming 

may the martyrs receive you,  

and may they guide you

into the holy city, Jerusalem.

May the chorus of angels receive you, 

and with Lazarus, once poor, 

may you have eternal rest. 

Cantique de Jean Racine

Word, equal to the Almighty, our only hope,

Eternal light of the earth and the Heavens;

We break the peaceful night's silence,

Divine Saviour, cast your eyes upon us!

Spread the fire of your mighty grace upon us

May the entire hell flee at the sound of your voice;

Disperse from any slothful soul the drowsiness

Which induces it to forget your laws!

Oh Christ, look with favour upon this faithful people

Which has now gathered to bless you.

Receive its singing, offered to your immortal glory,

And may it leave with the gifts you have bestowed upon it! 

Cherry Blossoms on the Bridle Trail

Fountain Stream on the Reservoir

Flowers Blooming on the Bridle Trail

Tennis Courts with Public Lavatories (Laugh if you will, 

but people want to know this stuff!)