We held our end-of-course concert last night, and it was a great success. Everyone on the course played, and Wissam also presented a piece. Although I don't formally participate in the course, Wissam was kind enough to invite me to play as well. The programme covered styles from Bach to contemporary via Latin-American, and also included a piece by one of the course students.
It's held in the pretty local church at St Pierre sur Erve, and I transport one of my pianos there for the event. This is harder than it might sound, achieved only with the help of some local muscle, co-ordinated by the mayor. The mayor rode on the other edge of the trailer, to balance the piano
The audience comprised locals, the mayor and other dignitaries, with a special showing of some of the brits from the area. We were treated to a reception of sparkling wine after the event.
I am often troubled by performance nerves that can kill my performance, and I find it frustrating that this prevents me from communicating what I love about the music. But this time, for whatever reason, although I had felt increasingly nervous (and played correspondingly badly) leading up to the performance, when the time came for me to play, I was up for it.
So despite the stress of the situation that everyone feels, I think I played musically, which is the main thing. Yes I know I fluffed a note or two, the intonation was dodgy in places, and for a few bars the piano and I were walking separate paths, but well, it worked anyway. Perhaps it was down to the special atmosphere of the course.
Now everyone's gone home. I'm exhausted, but I have great memories of a bunch of wonderful people and fabulous music-making. And if you're one of those people reading this - thank you for a special week. It seems too quiet now.....
7 comments:
It all sounds really lovely and I'm glad to hear you had a good time.
I can't play any thing, can't even sing, in fact I couldn't carry a single note in any way shape or form, I do however greatly admire people who can.
Have a nice rest.
much love
Lia xx
It sounds a complete success, well done to all concerned! And congrats on your performance, it must be scary but it sounds like you more than pulled it off.
Wow, the Mayor and a piano in the back of a truck. If it had been me, I would have used all my stress up on transporting my beautiful piano.
It sounds so lovely and fulfilling, I couldn't carry a tune with a bucket..I've tried.
What a tantalising snippet. The intonation worked well enough for me! And the piece was perfectly suited the acoustic of the building.
My own pre-performance nerves can be assuaged in part by a glass of wine but this kind of self-medication has its dangers. You were probably wise waiting until afterwards, especially playing in such a beautiful church.
And the piano on the trailer with the mayor. How wonderfully French. What was the name of the piece you played? I must look it out.
It was the 1st movement from the Duo for Flute and Piano by Aaron Copland. One of my absolute favourites.
I thought it was wonderful! I didn't see or hear nerves...I did sense a lot of joy and expression in your playing. What a treat for us!
I'm so glad you shared this with your readers.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this post! I can relate to transporting pianos, but oh, certainly not with our mayor's help, like your mayor! How cute.. And I LOVED your flute playing. Well done. You have a lovely community spirit...
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