Hanging on

The past few days have been a challenge, because i have stopped playing due to pain in my wrists and hands. I am trying to keep entertained by reading a book by Aaron Copland, however, and attending concerts.

Last night was the Joshua Bell concert, for which over 2000 people showed up. I didn't have seats, so i sat on the lawn and was able to see a little bit, but from what i could hear, he was by far the closest to perfect violin playing i have ever heard, live or recorded. His tone was gorgeous, and so good that i dont even think of that as being a violin sound...it was so rich! The first piece on the program was also exciting: Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. I couldnt hear it too well, but i love that piece of music. Bell played Bruch's Violin Concerto quite nicely. He also gave an incredible encore that was so fast...it was the violin equivalent to one of chopin's etudes i guess...a lot of notes, and realllyyy fast over a wide range... extremely thrilling. Then the Rite of Spring was performed and what a treat! I had never heard this riot causing music, so i was curious, and i was not so shocked by what i heard, but i thought it was electrifying. The way he played with rhythm was revolutionary, but i was not that surprised by it. I guess this goes back to the whole idea of being jaded with advancements in music. Nevertheless, Stravinsky really used each section of the orchestra to create a work that I really loved listening to...it kept me involved in what the symphony was doing. It would be interesting to see the ballet.

Tonight was Pierrot Lunaire, by Arnold Schoenberg. It was difficult to keep a straight face thanks to the people sitting on either side of me who were trying not to laugh the entire time. I, too, laughed a bit, but only at the people beside me. I guess i knew what to expect: something a bit more musical as Dorie's Whale song in Finding Nemo. The soprano could definitely speak whale, or at least what Schoenberg had wanted, because I cannot imagine a better performance. She was the clown, Pierrot, and she made the faces and the gestures and her voice was not terrible to listen to. She actually made the piece somewhat enjoyable. For those who dont know the significance of the work, Pierrot Lunaire is a set of 21 poems about a clown that are set to atonal music and spoken/sung by allowing the voice to make sighs and sounds that cover their entire range. The poems are in german, so i was able to follow along with the translated version provided in the program notes. It is something i would never think to listen to throughout the work day, or even for listening sake. Instead, it is kind of a study that requires attention, or else i can imagine that it would be annoying background noise.

Well tomorrow should be an interesting piano lesson, seeing as i haven't practiced, but maybe ill get to talk about performing or something...my teacher is an outstanding performer, who will be playing shostakovich's first piano concerto next Friday, the night before I leave. Keep in touch! i miss everyone!