OK, since I just cut my finger on my reed knife (stupid stupid stupid), I decided it would be a good time to take a break, eat, call my mother, blog, whatever. Since it seems everyone's talking about the Joshua Bell subway incident, here's what I have to say: leave the poor commuters alone!!! They are not philistines, they are merely tired people trying to get to work on time. I am never awake enough to appreciate anything in the morning in the city, and I'm usually running late. I am waiting for my coffee to kick in, preoccupied with my upcoming day. In addition, when taking public transportation, I automatically shut myself off from the hustle and bustle around me, a defense mechanism to discourage people from trying to sell stuff to me, engage me in a conversation I'd rather not have, get me to give them money, get me to listen to whatever music they might be playing or to play one of those games where you bet which cup the marble is under. Thus I would probably not notice a phenomenal violinist if he walked right into me, I would be trying so hard to avoid him. So before jumping to conclusions about how Americans hate classical music, let's assume that at least some of them are just trying to get to work on time.
OK, that said, LA musical life has been very exciting these days. Esa-Pekka is leaving the LA Phil in a couple years (sad) to be replaced by Gustavo Dudamel (happy). Good choice, he could do wonders for classical music in LA and around the country. I hope he brings some of that Simon Bolivar spirit with him. And, Allan played the Mozart concerto with LACO and it was, of course, amazing. He got a standing ovation :) He's so adorable. And I'm so glad I am able to study with him!!!
Now, I myself have a recital to think about, and a paper that I don't even know where to begin, and various other performances for which I need REEDS, if I can just keep from stabbing myself!!!
5 comments:
I just think the whole Joshua Bell thing was blown way out of proportion.
Now if it was an OBOIST who was being underpaid .... ;-)
I found your site via google blog search. May I link to it at my site?
very good point :)
you may absolutely link me. may i link your oboeinsight page?
G
Yes ... link away!
And thanks! I'll be putting you up on the reed link section right after I post this. :-)
I also just read your blog for the first time, and I would love to add a link as well!
I thought that article made some very fine, nuanced points - about the importance appreciating beauty, and how context affects our reception of art. Unfortunately, as so often happens (in the subway and in life!) all that got drowned out a bit by a big blaring message: AMERICANS ARE OBLIVIOUS TO MUSIC AND ART.
I'm with you that that's not the case at all, and it's the privilege of artists like Josh Bell, Esa-Pekka, Gustavo Dudamel (and us!) to awaken people's senses and perceptions to all the beauty they might otherwise miss.
Hopefully the reeds are treating you better this week!
well said.
please link me, and i will link you!
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