Madrigal dinners 2010
Wow...a madrigal dinner just kicked my ass...
I used to play them regularly, and they're usually fun. This time, I didn't have time to practice with the group because they did all their practicing while I was in Chennai. No problem, they said. Just come and play. You've done it for so many years, you'll have no problem...
Yeah...
Apparently, while I was in India, I completely forgot how to be a musician.
Especially embarrassing, since two of my work colleagues were there--a surprise. One was an actor in the production, and one was a ticket-taker at the door.
We got lots of compliments, and they even called us out for a bow. Sheesh! I STUNK, I can't take a bow. But of course I did, and of course the applause was loud and warm.
The best part is that I sat next to one of the meanest recorder players I know. She made me cry many years back, and I've never forgotten it. She sure had a reason to make me cry tonight, and she didn't. She was as pleasant as could be, even complimenting me on the few songs that I managed to play well--Susato, of course.
What this evening taught me is that I can sight-read Susato and Morley and music of that type. But I'm definitely only good at a certain type of music. To be honest, I have no interest in getting better at other areas, and I'm happy with the music that I like to play. I'm content. But I can't walk into another madrigal dinner after not playing a single note for two months. Humbling moments can be useful.
I used to play them regularly, and they're usually fun. This time, I didn't have time to practice with the group because they did all their practicing while I was in Chennai. No problem, they said. Just come and play. You've done it for so many years, you'll have no problem...
Yeah...
Apparently, while I was in India, I completely forgot how to be a musician.
Especially embarrassing, since two of my work colleagues were there--a surprise. One was an actor in the production, and one was a ticket-taker at the door.
We got lots of compliments, and they even called us out for a bow. Sheesh! I STUNK, I can't take a bow. But of course I did, and of course the applause was loud and warm.
The best part is that I sat next to one of the meanest recorder players I know. She made me cry many years back, and I've never forgotten it. She sure had a reason to make me cry tonight, and she didn't. She was as pleasant as could be, even complimenting me on the few songs that I managed to play well--Susato, of course.
What this evening taught me is that I can sight-read Susato and Morley and music of that type. But I'm definitely only good at a certain type of music. To be honest, I have no interest in getting better at other areas, and I'm happy with the music that I like to play. I'm content. But I can't walk into another madrigal dinner after not playing a single note for two months. Humbling moments can be useful.