The first of seven days of piano auditions began well enough. The first half dozen prospects were accomplished players. Things to quibble with, of course — but jobs well done.
After each student finishes playing and leaves the room, the jury has brief discussion, then each of us assigns a rating for the auditioner just heard.
After six auditions, something else happened. A diminutive youngster was seated at the clavier — and I heard the sound of this instrument, the real, lovely, palpable sound of this Steinway for the first time that day. And the sound was a vehicle — conveying a subtle, alive, and compelling reading of a fairly enigmatic prelude by J. S. Bach.
For some minutes, as the playing continued, any worries about the future of music were banished, in the presence of this nascent artist. No exaggeration, it was an emotional experience to hear this kid. Because the playing was wonderful, and because the quality of the playing gave real hope, even joy.
not to undermine youngster’s accomplishment…
i wonder if your enjoyment was due to the previous banality of your mood caused by either the previous six’s inability to entertain your fancy, or the sheer arduous experience of sitting in a room to hear these upcoming pianists…
or even the fact that you enjoyed the youngster’s accomplishment had to do more with your concurrent mood at that time rather than actuality of his/her playing?
isn’t that why sometimes we might enjoy beethoven’s 5th symphony but other times not? the music definitely doesn’t change, so it must be the listener… no?
isn’t it sad that when one does enjoy piece of music, it becomes more of a question rather than a statement… ? and i wonder if that’s caused by our “overly” intellectualized in the field…
or as some scientists have suggested, the proportions of our positive to negative value judgements may be described by the Fibonacci series…
All pianists play notes, SOME make music. It’s these magical few who should be mentored, nurtured, and enjoyed!
And we owe a lot to the nuturers. Thanks Bill!