OSU profs Kathleen Moore, Rachel McCabe combine writing/musical talents

Two OSU professors, Kathleen Moore and Rachel McCabe, joined together to combine their talents of words and music for a free event at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library on Wednesday, May 1.

The event marked the re-issue of Moore's book, Holdfast: At Home in the Natural World, a collection of essays in which Moore explores the natural world using vivid descriptions, essentially transporting the reader to the places she wrote about. Moore also included a new afterword in the re-issue discussing the repercussions of climate change.

Kathleen Dean Moore, Naturalist & Philospher

McCabe, OSU professor of music and concert pianist, joined Moore at the event providing enthralling live music that left the room in rapture. She expertly played music by Schumann, Bernstein, Garfunkel and other selections.

Rachelle McCabe, Concert Pianist

Moore and McCabe drew such a crowd that there wasn't enough seating and many people were left standing. During the event Moore read captivating selections from her essays which would segue into McCabe's piano music.

"Can words sing? Can music speak? I would say yes, yes", Moore said.

OSU Press included the re-issue of Holdfast in it's Northwest Reprint series, their goal is to keep in print classic works of fiction and nonfiction. Moore was glad to be included within the collection but stated her work was "not quite old enough to be classic", to which the audience responded in laughter.

LB instructor Robin Havenick, who was at the venue, when asked what she thought of the event said, "I cried...that's how much I enjoyed it".

Moore and McCabe recieved a standing ovation and Moore ended the night with book signing. 

Local support from Grass Roots Books & Music, the Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Library, the Spring Creek Project and OSU Press helped make the event possible.

At a glance-
The re-issue of Holdfast with music.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
May 1, 2013
Celebration of words and music, keeping classic works in print
Holdfast: At Home in the Natural World