Hidden wonders of Prokofiev
Thanks to my new friends of the Violinists community for once again reminding me about the wonders of beautiful music.
Isn't it amazing how your view of something can change so drastically based on a single experience? I had always lumped Prokofiev under the heading "composers I can't stand," along with Shostakovich and Stravinsky, among others. Then two years ago, we played Prokofiev's first symphony, which opened my ears for the first time. There is something about actually playing a piece that makes you hear things completely differently. Maybe it has to do with being forced to pay closer attention to the interplay among the instruments. Or maybe love comes with familiarity, and having to hear the same notes repeatedly every practice night until concert time makes the difference.
Sometimes, you hear a recording of a master violinist interpret a piece that was formerly just okay in exactly the right manner, and it blows you away. Itzhak Perlman and Jacqueline Du Pre have done that for me recently. I would love to see a live performance of a truly great string player. That would be a memorable experience that would last a lifetime.
Isn't it amazing how your view of something can change so drastically based on a single experience? I had always lumped Prokofiev under the heading "composers I can't stand," along with Shostakovich and Stravinsky, among others. Then two years ago, we played Prokofiev's first symphony, which opened my ears for the first time. There is something about actually playing a piece that makes you hear things completely differently. Maybe it has to do with being forced to pay closer attention to the interplay among the instruments. Or maybe love comes with familiarity, and having to hear the same notes repeatedly every practice night until concert time makes the difference.
Sometimes, you hear a recording of a master violinist interpret a piece that was formerly just okay in exactly the right manner, and it blows you away. Itzhak Perlman and Jacqueline Du Pre have done that for me recently. I would love to see a live performance of a truly great string player. That would be a memorable experience that would last a lifetime.