That evening, after her return from church choir practice, DD gave me the first musical treat of the weekend by accompanying some of my elementary clarinet tunes on the piano, thereby totally transforming them. I couldn’t believe how much better they sounded with an accompaniment and this has spurred me on to learn more tunes for future joint sessions. Teaching oneself to play an instrument can sometimes feel rather lonely, so this was a huge encouragement.
The next musical treat came the following day and it was a truly wonderful one. DD and her family had booked to attend a concert by the Saint Petersburg Symphony Orchestra at Leeds Town Hall to celebrate her birthday and when she heard we were planning to visit, she offered to treat me to a ticket as an early birthday present. This is how I came to be sitting almost in the centre of the second row, just behind the conductor and in a perfect position to admire the virtuosity of the soloist, the young Russian-born violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, as he thrilled the audience with his performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.
The crowning touch to my musical weekend came next morning, when I stayed behind in church after the morning service to listen to Grandson#1 practising the organ. He’s busy preparing to take his Grade 5 organ exam and I very much enjoyed hearing him playing his pieces and realising just how much progress he has made in the past two years.
Now I’m back home, doggedly practising my very basic scales, exercises and tunes and still inspired by my musical treats. How far I’ll manage to progress with playing the clarinet remains to be seen, but I still love every minute I spend on it.
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Good for you, Perpetual! I really admire your perseverance in learning a new instrument! That's supposed to be wonderful for your brain at this age. And how nice that you and DD could make music together!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. I freely admit that because of the periods when I couldn't practise for health reasons it's been a case of two steps forward and at least one back, but I don't intend to give up. When it goes well, it's wonderful. :-)
DeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteBrava! Brava! Perpetua; I could feel the upliftment which came with this series of 'concerts'! YAM xx
Oh, I had SUCH a good time, Yam, and came home feeling freshly enthused. :-)
DeleteIt sounds like a perfect weekend Perpetua. There really is nothing like making music to give that inner elation, after which merely attending a performance is only 2nd best.
ReplyDeleteYour Russian violinist is pretty good even by Russian standards, and of course the piece is the first choice of every young player to display their virtuosity.
I notice the pianist (wife mother?) had difficulty keeping up with his speed.
Keep on with your clarinet practise until you can give a recital, then put it on Utube. Your blog fans will all subscribe I'm sure.
It was lovely, Ray. I'm now envying DD and her sons their regular opportunities for making music with others. I used to sing, but large doses of inhaled steroids for a bad attack of asthma wrecked my lower register. :-(
DeleteI thought the violinist was extremely talented (educated at the Menuhin School) and he played the Tchaikovsky superlatively well. I chose this clip because it was the nearest I could come to demonstrating the amazing agility demanded by the violin concerto. There's another nice clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=907KXouF3Mw Both are from 2009 and he's even better now.
I think any YouTube clip of me playing the clarinet is rather a long way in the future at my present rate of progress...
Music adds a dimension to life that can only be described as uplifting. It certainly seems as though the musical gene is in the family ... what a wonderful gene!!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Shirley. I've always loved music of all kinds, though the gene for playing seems to be strengthening as it goes down through the generations. You should hear DD and her two sons!
DeleteDear Perpetua - all of your musical family must have got their genes from someone, so it is not surprising that you are making such good progress on the clarinet, especially when reminded of the serious setback you had when you broke your wrist.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing so uplifting as going to a top class concert, and then to have the weekend topped off by listening to your grandson playing the organ - you must be very proud of him.
Thank you so much Perpetua for all the kind and generous comments that you have made recently on my blog, I really enjoyed reading them all.
The musical gene goes back as least as far as my maternal grandmother, Rosemary. She played the violin (I learned at school using her instrument) and my mother played the piano. As I've just said to Shirley it's even stronger in DD and her sons who are all very talented and play several instruments each. My progress is very slow in comparison...
DeleteThe concert was just wonderful, both the orchestra and the soloist, and I could listen to Grandson#1 playing the organ for ever. :-)
I'm sorry the comments all came at once, Rosemary. Life's been hectic and I'm trying to catch up.
I am so glad that having a piano accompaniment has spurred you on to greater heights...nothing like an encouraging revelation, is there!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you have had a super weekend, just what you need to top off your recovery.
Absolutely, Helen. The clarinet is mostly an ensemble instrument and it was lovely to hear my playing blending with another instrument for a little while. I'll have to try using the CD accompaniment which came with my recently acquired tutor book.
DeleteThe weekend was arranged at very short notice and it really was just what the doctor ordered. :-)
What a wonderful weekend you have had. ell done with your perseverance with the clarinet. I am not at all musical.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. The weekend was lovely and it strengthened my resolve to keep practising and go on improving, however slowly. If it's any consolation DH isn't at all musical where instrumental playing is concerned.
DeleteYou amaze me, Perpetua; your strength and strength of character, your determination, your gentle spirit. You make a joyful noise, dear one, and it literally floats across the big pond. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat was such sweet thing to say, Penny. Thank you. Yes, I've always been quite a determined person (some would say stubborn!) once I've set my mind on something and playing the clarinet is one such thing. Progress will probably never be fast but the sound will always be joyful to me. :-)
DeleteThe joy of your weekend sings off the page and is a delight to read. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosie. I had a wonderful time and I'm glad it shows.
DeleteWhat a wonderful weekend, Perpetua! I can well imagine that having DD accompany your solo clarinet playing would be very encouraging - a real incentive to keep practising. The concert sounds superb, especially your nearly front row seats. I've just enjoyed watching & listening to the video you posted. And how nice to hear that Grandson 1 is allowed to practice on the Church organ. Bearing in mind how increasingly difficult it is to find Church organists in the UK, I hope he continues to make good progress.
ReplyDeleteIt was really great, Ricky. Playing with an accompanist was a revelation and SO encouraging. I'm still trying to make up ground lost during my recovery from my broken wrist and am even more determined to persevere. The concert was a joy from beginning to end and I couldn't have had a better seat. It was a perfect birthday present, two months early.:-)
DeleteGrandson#1 is the fortunate holder of one of three organ scholarships funded by the North Yorkshire branch of the RSCM with the express intention of training future church organists. This is why the candidates had to demonstrate sustained church involvement as well as a minimum Grade 5 in piano. He's now about halfway through his 5 years of free tuition by a cathedral organist.
What wonderful forward thinking by the North Yorkshire branch of the RSCM!
DeleteIt is indeed, Ricky. Furthermore it's a rolling programme, with more students being recruited each year. How long they will manage to fund it for remains to be seen.
DeleteHow lovely for you Perpetua, to enjoy these three wonderful musical occasions. Playing with another instrument is such a joy, and three cheers for you and DD. I used to accompany my son when he played French Horn, including at his exams, and I loved it too! The Violin concerto is one of my favourites, and to hear it live must be fantastic. Thank you for the taste of Alexander, making the violin sing :) You must be nearly bursting with pride that your grandson is doing Grade 5 on the organ, I know I would be. I am sure he will have a great future as a musician, coming from such a talented family. Happy clarinet practise - you deserve every happy minute!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. I had a lovely weekend and enjoyed every minute. Your son was fortunate to have you as his accompanist and DD has sometimes accompanied her sons in their earlier grade exams (trumpet and clarinet) I too love the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto and there is a (sadly not very good) recording of Alexander Sitkovetsky playing it to be found on YouTube. I'd love him to do it on CD.
DeleteGrandson #1 has reached Grade 7 on the piano after his Grade 8 on trumpet, but organ is a much more recent instrument for him and this is his first exam. He definitely wants to continue with music in some way in the future.
Your delight at all the musical treats 'dances off the page' :-) Have fun improving on the clarinet.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it shows, Antoinette. :-) I'll certainly have fun, though improvement may be a bit patchy at times...
DeleteGlad you had such a delightful musical weekend with you DD. I thoroughly enjoyed the video, and am amazed at how fast the fingers fly over the strings. Glad you are also making headway on the clarinet. Take care, and continue to enjoy life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie. I had a wonderful time. The video is excellent and demonstrates very clearly his amazing virtuosity. Having played the violin (not very well) for 7 years at school, I know enough to appreciate just how superb his technique is. My progress will be snail-like in comparison, but I will still enjoy it.
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful weekend, Perpetua. Your family is so musical! I'm very impressed. I'm glad you're back to your playing too, I'm sure you will make quick progress.
ReplyDeleteIt was great from beginning to end, Jennifer. Yes, music does seem to run in our family, though I missed out on the artistic gifts of my mother and sisters. I'm glad to be able to play again at last, though I do need a lot of practice.
DeleteSo happy to hear that you enjoyed your weekend with your daughter and her family. My daughter (2nd child also) was born in 1970. She will be 45 this year and DH and I are planning to visit her in San Antonio for her birthday in May. Perpetua, I hope you continue with the clarinet... just for your own enjoyment!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rian. It was a visit arranged at short notice, but we had a lovely time. I do hope you have a wonderful trip to celebrate your daughter's birthday. It's hard to believe our children are now reaching middle-age. :-) I certainly plan to keep on with the clarinet and am happy to make progress slowly.
DeleteBelated Happy Birthday to your daughter. What a lovely musical weekend to spend together. My daughter was 44 at the end of January - doesn't the time just fly by. Well done with your clarinet practice. Having your daughter to accompany you on the piano was wonderful - well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly and belated birthday greetings to your daughter too. How can we have daughters as old as this? Our musical weekend worked out perfectly and I really enjoyed playing to DD's accompaniment. I just wish we had a piano here for when she comes to visit us.
DeleteHello Perpetua,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to immerse yourself in music for the weekend. Surely, a great tonic for the mind and body.
You really are a gifted family in your music making and it must have been a delight to play with your daughter. As you say, learning an instrument can be a very lonely and, often, dispiriting process so to lift the performance in this enjoyable way must have been a treat.
And, what joy to have been in such a wonderful seat in the audience for this highly gifted young violinist. There are few things to compare with the experience of listening to a concert where those playing are at the top of their field. It is life enhancing in so many ways.
The short film brought back two happy musical moments of our own. First, the Wigmore Hall where we went with friends to a Sunday morning concert which was delightful. And, secondly, the music itself is based on a Hungarian folk tune, so often featuring in programmes in Budapest, where at the Liszt Academy there is world class music right on our doorstep. Music is the food of love.....
Hello Jane and Lance and thank you for a lovely comment.
DeleteThis feast of music was indeed a real tonic and I enjoyed every aspect of it. I loved playing for that hour with DD and was only sorry we couldn't manage more. It certainly inspired me to continue practising for the next time we get a chance to play together.
We were very fortunate in the seats we had and were totally spellbound by the whole concert, in particular the magnificent performance of the violin concerto. Sadly I live a long way from any city with a resident symphony orchestra, so a concert like this was a wonderful treat. I envy you having such easy access to world-class music in Budapest and I'm glad the video clip brought back such happy memories for you.
All that music and family - a perfect weekend! Thank you for the clip - I enjoyed it immensely. I remember learning to play that Csardas on the piano. My fingers just didn't fly fast enough!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty special combination, Pondside and I can thoroughly recommend it. I'm glad you enjoyed the clip. I find his technical skill and artistry breathtaking and as a lapsed violinist I just can't see how his fingers can move so quickly and accurately.
DeleteThe orchestra performance must have been a real treat. That concerto is such a classic, and so exciting to see live.
ReplyDeleteDue to the musical title of this post, it took me a second to interpret the word "rocker" correctly -- I was thinking of a musician!
LOL, Betty! Now you've pointed it out I can see how what I wrote could have two meanings. :)
DeleteThe concert was superb and the performance of the concerto took my breath away. The soloist payed with such technical mastery, but also with profound musicality. A wonderful interpretation.
What a wonderful weekend! And just think, a few short weeks ago you wouldn't have been able to play your clarinet due to your broken bone. You have some lovely memories to tuck away.
ReplyDeleteIIt was brilliant, Kristie. Being able to play with our daughter made up for not being able to at Christmas when my wrist was still in the splint. The physiotherapist told me at our last session that knitting and clarinet playing are excellent exercise to continue my recovery. :)
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful musical weekend. Fingers crossed your wrist is mending fast x
ReplyDeleteIt was really super, Annie. The broken bones is well and truly healed, but there's still some residual stiffness to keep working on. I'll get there....
DeleteI'm late with this post. Your musical weekend sounded (the words and music) wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI was puzzled by your description of the rocking chair that you took to your daughter as "american style". I can't think of any rocking chair that I have had any acquaintance with as being typically american. Just wondering.
Glad to see you whenever you can make it, Vic. :) Yes, it was a wonderful weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
DeleteYour puzzlement at my description of the rocking chair as American-style sent me straight off to Google. The chair came to us from DH's grandmother who had always said it was American-style, but I had no proof. I found this article which shows that it was indeed Americans who invented and developed platform or fixed-base rockers, though the style eventually crossed the Atlantic and ours was almost certainly made in the UK. It's a very interesting article.
http://www.worthpoint.com/article/restoring-rock-antique-platform
Oh, how interesting. I had no idea that I had an American rocker right here in this very room. It's not my favorite rocker of all the ones I have (I counted them up and have 6----seems like an overabundance somehow. It's all those auctions we used to go to!) but it does stay in place and "not walk around" like the regular rockers do and it doesn't tip back and forth too much so can be placed fairly close to the wall.
DeleteIsn’t it wonderful what music can do, how elated it can make us, how it can move us, soothe us, both make us cry and stop us crying.
ReplyDeleteTo have a musical weekend such as yours is a true privilege.
Exactly, Friko. The power of music to evoke and soothe emotion never ceases to amaze me, as does its ability to recall memories with acute vividness.
DeleteGiven that this weekend happened at such short notice, it's wonderful how the musical theme was present throughout.
Dear Perpetua, what a wonderful weekend you had and thank you for sharing with us the violin piece. There are some pieces/works of music that so thread my spirit to Oneness that I am awed. One of those is what I knew as Credo 4 in the convent and one is the final aria of Turandot. And there are certain songs that speak to some deep center of my being and make me realize anew the joy of being alive. Thank you for reminding me of all of this. And keep practicing! And playing your clarinet to the accompaniment of other musical instruments. Peace.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see you commenting again on blogs, dear Dee. I am very glad to have been able to share my musical weekend with you. Thank you for sharing some of your special pieces of music with me. Each of us has our own collection of musical treasures which speak to us so strongly and bring with them a wealth of emotion and memory. In my own small way I'm trying to share in that creation of music, though very imperfectly so far. But I will indeed keep practising and enjoying it. :-)
DeleteI'm sure this weekend was the perfect treat for you. I admire the musical talents that you all have. I think it is just wonderful that you are continuing to develop your musical ability.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed, Sally. I had a wonderful time. I come from a musical family, with my grandmother playing the violin and my mother the piano, but DD and her two boys are taking it to a new level, with each playing 3 instruments. I'm just happy to be learning one and thoroughly enjoying the process.
DeleteWhat a wonderful musical weekend! It must have been special to play with your daughter and to hear your music with a full context. Lovely! It sounds like you have a very musical family as well. Keep up your practicing and who knows where your musical interests and abilities are going to take you! :-) (Debra--breathelighter)
ReplyDeleteSorry to see you're still having problems commenting, Debra. Thanks for persevering.
DeleteIt was a brilliant weekend and I think DD enjoyed accompanying me almost as much as I enjoyed being accompanied. DD and her two sons are very much more musical than I am, each playing at least 3 different instruments. I can only cope with one, but it's gives me a great deal of pleasure.
" an old American-style rocker for which we have no room in the new house"....
ReplyDeletePerpetua, did he come with his own Harley...
I'm presuming not as you had to drive him over.
He'll find one in Leeds, no problemo!
I love the acoo-stix in Leeds Town Hall....
the best concert we went to there was Saint-Seans 5th Organ Concerto....
we nearly got blown into the "Town Hall Tavern" pub on the other side of the road when the organ kicked in, all stops out, after the quite pause beforehand...
as my hearing is well past its best...
too much Hawkwind and other concerts of that ilk....
I like to listen to it at concert volume from the CD we have in the collection.
We have neighbours at all four cardinal points...
but all around half a kilometre away!!
My excuse is that it keeps the mice away!!
Sonic attack!
I've just read Betty Carlson's comment and see that she had the same idea as moi with the "rocker"....
DeleteROFL, Tim. :-) Of course I can't read that phrase now without seeing exactly what you and Betty saw, but it really didn't occur to me when I wrote it. DD will love that!
DeleteI've never been to Leeds Town Hall before, but I know it is frequently used for first-class music because of its acoustics and its organ is hugely impressive. I'm more familiar with the great Victorian and Edwardian buildings of Lancashire, like King George's Hall in Blackburn and Manchester's Free Trade Hall, both of which were splendid concert venues in my youth. Our forefathers knew how to build spaces that enhance sound. :-)