Practice, practice, practice! So the joke goes. That's the answer to the question, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?"
Many pianists strive for the moment that they can play here; they believe they have arrived, and in a way they have! Masters students in New England compete for the coveted spots on the concert schedule. Many resumes indicate that the pianist has played at Weill Hall, the smaller more intimate stage pictured here. It seats fewer than 300 people, and it a lovely venue for a salon style performance. Although it's not "the" hall, and it's up on the third floor, there is an air of profoundness that hits you immediately upon entering. It is almost revered.
I went on a tour of the building back in the 80's. It was not actually in the best of shape at the time. It needed major work and the non-profit foundation has done a wonderful job of restoring some of the art, trim, flooring to its original luster, according to what I've heard from friends in the city. When Andrew Carnegie himself laid the cornerstone in 1890, he said, "It is probable that this hall will intertwine itself with the history of our country,” and he was correct.
Many of my students, piano performers world-wide, and I will never perform on this illustrious stage. Perhaps for me the better thing to ponder after realizing that I will not perform on this stage is, does my music touch people here, right here, in my community? Is it from my heart, do I move them to something more, more serene, sharing peace, or to a different plane? Music has the ability to speak past the language of words. When my student plays so beautifully that I am speechless, or that I weep, I think it may have been a Carnegie moment.
Practice, practice, practice...
(For more information on Carnegie Hall, visit here)
Nice post on Carnegie Hall--I've always liked that old "practice, practice, practice" line.
ReplyDeleteknew this theme was made for you...ah the joys that fill a teachers heart having seen his pupil succeed. touching moment.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a very sad world without music. When the songs I write are well received, my spirit is renewed. I even sing while I work. I'm a nurse in long term care, on the 11-7 shift.
ReplyDeleteThey are the best audience ever
I know what you mean about music having the ability to leave one speachless or teary eyed. It does me. It seems especially so when I see young people play passionately and brilliantly.
ReplyDeleteTrue that seeing "...at Carnegie Hall" attached to something carries more weight, somehow. Andrew would be pleased.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how pompous Carnegie's quote would seem now... if he hadn't been so correct!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Ronda on this. Music can move one to tears. It does me, depending on the piece. Just so beautiful. But it's a good feeling. And I'd rather that small stage for performance...
ReplyDeleteChris, you teach and you have a passion that's amazing in itself. I have a baby grand sitting in the lounge and none of my family play. . .tragedy. We had a thing during our arts Festival in January where pianos were placed all round the city and anyone could get on them and play, some were AWESOME, some played chopstics, some just banged the keys . .it was a terrific idea and all of Sydney was your audience. (By the way I hate you for next week's topic!)
ReplyDeleteSo funny! What's wrong with Shoe? I'm going to pass on the idea of pianos around the city to my friend at the state's biggest piano store. I wonder whether they might run with it to increase sales? Thanks for sharing that!
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