Fidelio/Columbine Dedication Project

[rae519]

For those of you who don't know who Fidelio is - he was and remains the best Dueling Pianist that ever sailed a Disney ship.
(Okay, so I am prejudice here as the Founder and President of the Fidelio Fan Club).

Anyway, many of you don't know that he wrote a fabulous song, "Sparkle" for the Dedication Project, he has donated over 500 copies to the school by their 1st anniversary. the song describes thehealing process for the families who had and felt the loss. The instrumental became an inspiration for those who have someone pass unexpectedly for healing meditation.

We received a copy of this cassette from him yesterday and it is truly a fantastic piece of music and made us cry because of the emotions evoked.

Fidelio has always been more than just an entertainer to our family - he was the reason Michael loves piano and takes lessons. He gave all of our family (from 74 year old Mom to then 6 year old Michael) the most wonderful evening of entertainment with the Dueling Pianos show.

We miss him greatly and just wanted to update others on the fact that he is doing great, misses his Disney friends/fans and will never forget us.

FIDELIO ROCKS!

Rae

 

[ThreeCircles]

Momma Rae--

Thanks for keeping the Dis Board Fidelio Fan Club up-to-date! Travis and I were just talking about how much we'll miss attending Dueling Pianos on our next cruise.

Such a loss to DCL...

 

[Phantom of OffBeat]

Dear Sweetie Rae,
You are "all ways" so reliable in informing those of us who share the same interests! Reguarding the song "Sparkle" (Praylude for Healing) by Fidelio. You're correct, the song was dedicated & sent to many at Columbine High School after that tragic day. Not very many others have it. It is only available in audio cassette. I like yourself have a copy of it. Did you know that the song's play time when it was completed and recorded was (and is) exactly 4min. 20.99sec. same as the date of the tragedy. Spooky huh?
It's message has helped to comfort some who've ached for healing and closure. For others; they'll sing the lyrics along with the instrumental cut and place the name of a loved one and birthplace or sign in the last verse and find it quite comforting. The quote "Dedicated to those who will always remember. . .
And to those who will never be forgotten."
truly touches those who care.
I maybe able to contact the composer for available copies.
I'm glad it moved you as it did me, especially the haunting vocal prelude. I've been told it came to him after the main melody was written. Well. . . and so. . . to you Rae & family and everyone. . . Have a Happy New Year (and in the words of John Lennon). . .
"Let's hope it's a good one. Without any fear."

 

[ThreeCircles]

 

[rae519]

I've wanted to get with Fidelio for a long time now since my DH asked him permission to put up a website for him. He deserves it.
He has brought so much love and happiness in the world. I don't think I need to repeat how much he has influenced my 8 year old son with piano. In fact, my Michael thinks that he is destined to be Fidelio's partner! Hey, stranger things have happened.

That song is incredible, by the way. I can't believe that it hasn't been more exposed to the public. As bereaved parents (ten years ago our only daugher died at age 7 in an auto accident) - this song reached down deep into our souls and "talks" to us.
It may have been dedicated to Columbine students/survivors, but it is a meditative song with a haunting melody and lyrics that just touch your heart over and over again.

Leave it to Fidelio to use his talent to help comfort those affected by tragedy. And that coincidence about the time....4.20.99 - that's a little more than eerie - but to those of us who believe, it's just part of the healing.

I'd love to get that Fidelio website up and running and have tapes available to others. He was so generous and kind to think of us and make our Christmas just a little bit more special.

You wouldn't call me "sweetie Rae" if you knew how angry I still am over losing Dueling Pianos and Fidelio from the Magic. When we cruised in August with him - it was incredible, as were all the other Fidelio/Dueling Piano cruises - but in October....he was gone, Dueling Pianos was gone, Off beats was gone and so was our interest in the nightly entertainment offerings on the Magic.
My 74 year old Mother told the Captain that she really didn't care much at all for the shows, all she looked forward to was singing and laughing at Dueling Pianos.
In fact, Michael just goes back to the kid's club now after dinner since he feels he has "nothing to look forward to".

Yes, Fidelio and Dueling Pianos are missed. More by some than others, but as the "Founder and President of the Fidelio Fan Club" - I am going to keep his name and that of Dueling Pianos in the threads as much as possible.

Fidelio rocks!
Fidelio rules!

Rae, Tom, Michael and Lilly

 

[Laura24]

Thank you for keeping FIDELIO in the spin around here. Music is an international language that touches many of us in our own sentimental way. [/FONT We truly appreciate the true (REAL) talents of this world. And gee whiz...who is that masked phantom?????

 

[codsnylvr]

Rae,
Thanks again for the information. My brother and SIL knew 2 students that were in the school at the time this tragedy happened. They did survive, they also knew the coach. Everything does happen for a reason, and they are beyond our control. I didn't know that that was the same Fidelo, what a great song.

Rae, you are a very caring and thoughtful person, as are several other people on this board. We love you all.

Jackie

 

[figment52]

As a charter member of the Fidelio Fan Club I have to agree that Fidelio is one class act. I would love to hear that piece.

While I don't cruise as often as Rae I do appreciate his talent and will miss him on my next cruise. I certainly hope he come "on tour" near my home so I can see him again.

And for those of you who have only seen him in Dueling Pianos - he did one heck of a set in Sessions too.

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by codsnylvr
My brother and SIL knew 2 students that were in the school at the time this tragedy happened. They did survive, they also knew the coach. Everything does happen for a reason, and they are beyond our control. I didn't know that that was the same Fidelo, what a great song.

Rae, you are a very caring and thoughtful person, as are several other people on this board. We love you all.

Jackie

I can't imagine the pain of knowing students at Columbine. What an incredible burden it must be for those who have survived. I can't imagine their sorrow or burdens.

For Fidelio to have done this just shows what a caring man he is. Yes, that's our Fidelio - smiling and shy and just a bit sly!!!

Thanks for the compliment - it's nice to be loved!!!

I'd love to be able for everyone to hear this song - not just those from Columbine. Maybe that Masked Man will let me know how to get more copies......

Rae

 

[Laura24]

Rae,
I would love to hear it or at least be able to read the lyrics of Fidelio's dedication song. If there is an avenue that leads us to being able to do so..count me in. I have to tell you of my converstaion with a DCL rep yesterday-(paid off final balances of our cruise). In conversation with the rep, she went on to mention the new configuration of the clubs. I had to chime in that I would miss OffBeat and the great entertainment of Fidelio and DP. She then went on to say that Karaoke was very popular in the new club...I mentioned that we did our own karaoke with Fidelio (and Jeff) and always had a blast, especially being able to make requests that meant something to each of us. I then had to ask if she was aware of this wonderful network titled the *DISboards* and it's many members and she said "Yes, we are aware of you all!!" HEAR US ROAR!!

 

[rae519]

Laura - if they hear us ROAR then they know we are alive and wanting Fidelio and Dueling Pianos back.

Of course they read these boards!!! And they know who we are, etc, etc........

I think that they do a great job in listening to us in many ways, but I have to completely DISAGREE with the decision regarding Off Beats. FOR MANY REASONS!

IF I get permission from Fidelio, I'll send you a copy.

Here are the words - courtesy of Fidelio.
***************************************************

SPARKLE
Praylude for Healing
Dedicated to those who will always remember and to those who will never be forgotten

Written and Composed by
FIDELIO
1999 copyright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I put my hand to the sparkle of the sun against my window
I press so hard so I can imagine,
That you are here
Shining So brightly.
Between my fingers, warming me.
I close my eyes and start to dream,
squeezing them tightly so
I can see you.
Here beside me and everywhere.
I feel your sparkle of love
Shining so brightly.
All through my body, warming me.

Just to feel the sparkle of your love,
To look Out of my window
Embracing Each other.
Taking my fingers to fill Altogether
Just like the sun that fills our faces.
You're shining down, warming me.
My brave child of Colorado,
Forever your sparkle I will see.
In blue skies, your trueness,
The mountains your strength,
Columbines your beauty
Your love shining so brightly.
Always there warming me.
Always there warming. me.


Again, this was written and composed by Fidelio of Dueling Pianos.

Fidelio, as a bereaved parent, I must thank you again for this tribute. You pull at my heartstrings as easily as you touched my funny bone.

God bless you and those of Columbine.

Rae

 

[eek40]

I also would love a copy of this song! Let me know if there is a way to get one, and I would be happy to pay for it

Aimee

 

[rae519]

I'll be in contact with Fidelio shortly and will ask him how we can set something up for those who want copies of it.

Don't hold my feet to the fire on waiting for his reply though!

Love to all,
God bless!
Rae

 

[midnitemist]

Sweet Rae-Fidelio & Shrimp Club.


I want a copy of that tape if Fidelio ever replies to you.
I enjoyed out trip together in August with you and all the other dissers and Fidelio. Let me know.


Rona

 

[rae519]

Hey, Rona - aren't you going to tell everyone how Gary got his broken toe????? Let it be a warning to all who come between me and my SHRIMP!!!!

I sure hope to get more tapes or have a way of getting them to others because the music is phenomenal and on the reverse side we get the instrumental version which is very meditative.

I'd love to see Fidelio put together a CD of hits and go public.

Disney really hit the mark when they put him in Dueling Pianos, but they fell flat on their face when they did away with the venue.

For those who had the privilege of Fidelio - it lasts a lifetime. As I hope the video will of the family shows I taped - too bad I didn't get the adult shows tapes as well!!!!!!

Hugs Rona and I'll keep that in mind -
You keep Gary away from my shrimp or I'll give him a matching toe!!

Rae

 

[Laura24]

It's cold enough here in *JOISEY* tonight, but reading the beautiful lyrics of the dedication just gave me the chills. Thanks so much for sharing and if something magical happens to bring this song to life...I want to be part. I lost my dear neighbor to cancer this summer and a family members newborn son this year. It touches those places inside. I'm off to Aspen next week...the lyrics will be with me when we arrive there.

 

[rae519]

The instrumental will stay with you also - just very peaceful and comforting.

IF ONLY we could reach THE PIANO GUY to get a website for him going and have the ability to get/give the rest of you these tapes - I am sure for a small donation made to the Memorial, he would be able to help us out here!!!!

Hey, Fidelio - where are you?????? Besides on the road entertaining, that is!!!

Rae

 

[Phantom of OffBeat]

Attention Rae & fellow fans,
I have Fidelio's public Email address. Apparently he is literally on the road for the rest of this month. Sam's Town Casino Tunica, MS.
(Jan. 22, 23 & 24) also D.J.'s Dug Out "dueling piano" Omaha, NE.
(Jan. 8, 9 & 10) and The TurningStone Casino in upstate New York
He hasn't had time check the "boards". Once he starts his four month engagement (Jan. 29th thru May 29th) at the TurningStone Casino
he will be able to answer his mail.
He's honored by the response concerning his project. He has a limited amount of the cassette & poster kits. He wants to make more available. I asked about a possible cd version, he said maybe Summer of 2004. He can mail out the audio cassette of Sparkle (Praylude for Healing) plus the beautiful dedication poster
for Ten dollars. You need to send the additional shipping fee. I went via U.S. post office 2-3 day priority. I believe it was a flat rate of $3.98.
I suggested that if the popularity continues he should make a video of the song's message. He chuckled and said I was .
Oh well, so here it is: FidelioDuelingPianoGuy@Yahoo.com.
Good Luck and enjoy!

ps. Rae, Fidelio told me to send his regards to you & the family if I
got to post before him. His Piano Guy log-in doesn't function on the Boards.

 

[disneygal58]

Rae,
I had no idea of Fidelio's connection to Columbine. We lived less than an hour away, my nieces and nephew attended Columbine, my (former) sister in lawwas a teacher just down the street. I will always remember the exact moment that we learned of the tragedy and the hours spent holding my daughters in our living room as we watched it unfold upon the television. It prompted me to homeschool my daughters for the balance of their high school career.

Thank you for sharing,
Dawn Hope

 

[rae519]

It was stated to me by a moderator that I should NOT be posting information about Fidelio on this site because he is no longer with Disney Cruise Line. That is her opinion and she is entitled to it, and of course, as a moderator can close this down or even delete my reply.

But Fidelio WAS and may someday again be part of the DCL or WDW - you never know.

I will NOT close this thread because I am certain that the minescule amount of space taken up by this thread are outweighted by the multitude of both Fidelio fans and Columbine affected people who want to know.

Fidelio knows how much he is loved by my family and his loyal fans, so if the thread does get closed by a moderator - then please contact me or Fidelio for more information regarding the tape/poster or just to chat!


FIDELIO RULES~!

Rae