He entered the stage on his electric wheelchair for the third time after the brilliant play of Mozart, Fauré, and Stravinsky. It was the final part of the recital in which he was going to perform some of his and the audience favorite pieces of music. My most anticipated part!
Exposing a charming sense of humor, he introduced the choice and the composer and then he picked up the violin, put it under his chin, nodded to the pianist and started to play while seated. A mellow sound of the instrument was pouring over the hall covering every single corner of it ...
When he presented the theme of Schindler's List composed by John Williams, the audience exclaimed in excitement. Silence!
I took a deep breath. And then it happened again! The poignant beauty of a melody produced by a violin of a virtuoso began to climb into my body as it effortlessly injected each sound into my cells. Like a surgeon, I was dissecting each note, each tilt of the bow, each facial expression of the musician... I was listening to the warm tones not with my ears, but with every fiber of my being. I was hugged by soothing vibrations and soft modulations. Music was filling my spirit up like a dense fog enveloping the valley... I couldn't find peace with my emotions. And then, my heart exploded. Hot flashes were galloping through my shape. I had my eyes filled with tears. I didn't want to cry, but drops would roll down my cheeks... Undefined tears! I couldn't detect if it was joy, sadness, exaltation, pain, admiration, gratefulness... There weren't any thoughts. I didn't have my heart, I didn't have my mind, only the profound experience of an endless variety of unprescribed human sensations...
Being present to see and hear Itzhak Perlman performing a solo recital at Roy Thomson Hall this weekend was an incredible experience. I was totally absorbed not only by the artistry and flawlessness with which he plays the Soil Stradivarius of 1714, the finest of all stads, but also by the irrepressible joy of making music, which he communicates brilliantly.
I am grateful for such an amazing opportunity especially, to share with my son.
I would like to wish all my friends who celebrate Thanksgiving Day this week a Very Special and Blessed Thanksgiving!
I took a deep breath. And then it happened again! The poignant beauty of a melody produced by a violin of a virtuoso began to climb into my body as it effortlessly injected each sound into my cells. Like a surgeon, I was dissecting each note, each tilt of the bow, each facial expression of the musician... I was listening to the warm tones not with my ears, but with every fiber of my being. I was hugged by soothing vibrations and soft modulations. Music was filling my spirit up like a dense fog enveloping the valley... I couldn't find peace with my emotions. And then, my heart exploded. Hot flashes were galloping through my shape. I had my eyes filled with tears. I didn't want to cry, but drops would roll down my cheeks... Undefined tears! I couldn't detect if it was joy, sadness, exaltation, pain, admiration, gratefulness... There weren't any thoughts. I didn't have my heart, I didn't have my mind, only the profound experience of an endless variety of unprescribed human sensations...
“If you're really listening, if you're awake to the poignant beauty of the world, your heart breaks regularly. In fact, your heart is made to break; its purpose is to burst open again and again so that it can hold evermore wonders.”
Being present to see and hear Itzhak Perlman performing a solo recital at Roy Thomson Hall this weekend was an incredible experience. I was totally absorbed not only by the artistry and flawlessness with which he plays the Soil Stradivarius of 1714, the finest of all stads, but also by the irrepressible joy of making music, which he communicates brilliantly.
I am grateful for such an amazing opportunity especially, to share with my son.
I would like to wish all my friends who celebrate Thanksgiving Day this week a Very Special and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your visits. It fills my heart with joy to read all of your kind words.
Oh dear, that quote. Our hearts were meant to break. Then my heart is faithful to its purpose, because I have so many fissures in my own...and music is one of the carriers of pain, joy, release and emotion that make me GLAD TO BE ALIVE! Oh dearest Sylvia, I hope Irina gets a chance to see this; she is closely tied to the violin, and PEARLMAN? WHAT A BLESSING TO SEE THIS GENIUS of the human heart. What a performance this must have been. My goodness, I am getting teary-eyed just imagining this man whose body is half not what it could be, but what he does have,he uses with the skill and wonder of an angel. LOVELY POST. Anita
ReplyDeleteOh what an amazing post, Sylvia.
ReplyDeleteI am sitting here listening to this amazing music that fills my heart up and my eyes up with tears.........that music brings me right back to one of the most amazing movies of all time - and all the heartache and emotion somehow captured to perfectly fit the film.
Oh my goodness. Wow.
I took pictures of my two piccolos in this post should you ever like to see it.
http://www.finchrest.com/2012/04/i-love-parade.html
Take care and have a wonderful day!
~Michele
Fabulous! Your photography is incredible. My darling Daddy played the violin and your photos have touched my heart this morning. I saw your blog shown on Anita's CCC blog and so glad I hopped over.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you Sylvia -
Sherry & Marie
What wonderful post!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend x
Most beautiful friend,
ReplyDeleteI so love to see your visit. I really do. I LOVE BLOGLAND and the kindness that is practiced here. Thank you for your words on my paper art. Guess what? I will be making a wedding dress out of paper for a bridal shop in town in the next several weeks. I have also been asked to make a sort of princess dress in a child-size mannequin for another shop out of state!
There is so much to organize but I am heading somewhere....it is exciting to LEARN and even the mistakes are good lessons; I always taught my students that, now it is my turn to take the lesson!
MUCH LOVE and thank you for the idea of the on-line tutoring. I am not quite sure yet, but I do know I at least want to make a slide show of the process!
Anita
SWEET SYLVIA! Oh, Rod Stewart's new Christmas album would be a FABULOUS WAY to ring in the holiday! I was working in my basement workshop last week with my computer by me with YOUTUBE on. I was able to put on whatever music I wanted and it had me dancing as I was glittering and gluing. My favorite song of the season however, is The Little Drummer Boy....wow, that makes me cry!
ReplyDeleteOh your comment tonight is well received and I thank YOU so much for being so kind. I love to communicate with people and it is a pleasure for me to sit here and be touched and touch others with words. Well my dear, it is getting late here and I still have a writing assignment to complete for a class I am taking, but a few more hours and I am calling it quits!
Have a lovely evening dear one, Anita
Drummer Boy makes me cry too! And Rod Stewart...yes please! First I am sending tight hugs to you, dear sisters..Sylvia and Anita!!
ReplyDeleteAnd now, for this brilliant post...
Sylvia, dear friend, I had goosebumps reading about your experience...
The violin is indeed close to my heart and soul...both of my parents, professionals...
I played into my teens, and was BLESSED to see the genius Mr. Perlman perform live many years ago...
The way you described how the music touched you..aahhh...a glimpse into the Divine...
Stunning, my friend..the photos speak to my soul...you are so gifted.
Your son plays, yes? I can imagine it must have been an extraordinary experience for him as well.
Those quotes are amazing.
Thankful for YOU!
Sending much love, and music...your way!! :))
- Irina
these are the most amazing and wonderful shots!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, this piece of music has filled me with joy and your message has touched me.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed holiday season, Kathy.