Good morning, Friends!
I had a very unique experience this weekend that I just have to pass along. As you all know, I am a vocalist. A die-hard opera buff! To me, singing has always been the essence of all musicianship and musical athleticism, with no comparisons! However, I was proven quite wrong this weekend. I had the opportunity of seeing Lang Lang perform at the Chicago Symphony Center. A full length, two-hour recital of nothing but pure piano music.
I will admit that I didn't know what to expect. Sure I had heard the name, but things outside of opera meant nothing to me. I was going to have a relaxing afternoon of rich music with a couple of friends. That was it. I even asked several people if it was worth going? When they said yes, I purchased a cheap ticket in the Gallery and joined on with my friends last minute.
Wow! I did not know that the piano could sing like that. Now I know that is in the terms of a vocalist, but I honestly don't know how else to describe it. And yes, pure athleticism! What strength of both mind and body it takes to be a musician of any kind. He poured over those keys with such feeling and intensity---sometimes with tenderness, sometimes with an almost barbaric heaviness. Even in the gallery, I could see his very hands flying (or rather not see them), his expression, and his feeling.
And what a musician! Not just a pianist! A MUSICIAN! And an artist. He casually, yet gracefully sauntered onto the stage, lifting his hands in gratitude and acknowledgement of the crowd. Then he sat down, and immediately began to play.
The opening selection was a Schubert. I have never heard the piano played that softly and tenderly. I was literally on the edge of my seat. And the mental imagery it gave me. Sometimes of a little girl passing through a field or a butterfly chasing the breeze. He finished playing and there was instant applause! He walked off stage, then returned (several times) for a bow.
Intermission! And I didn't even realize that the Schubert had gone on for 45 minutes. It was that moving of a performance. It took me away from time and reality.
When we returned from the break, He immediately set in with a set of Bartok pieces. There was no stopping, except between movements. His entire body was bent on playing this work. His hands flew, his feet lifted, his body rocked back and forth. When he finished the first section of the Bartok, the crowd was so amazed at the talent that they had just heard that they erupted into laughter!
The Debussy was of course, beautiful. Picturesque and unique. But the Chopin Polonnaise was of course a crowd favorite. And for a piece so commonly played, he had his own style. And that left hand! Never stopped, never tired! Just played on and on and on! He finished the final chord, and the audience left to their feet with "Bravo, More, Encore" and shouts and whistles! He had reached his audience!
He casually, yet gracefully acknowledged us! Then walked off----and back on---and off---and back on---and off---and back on---and off---and back on! The crowd begged for me. My only thought was, "Surely he will give it to us! Surely he will play more!" He bowed on his fourth return, waved his hands in the air, brought them to his heart, then lightly and artistically, like only a 25 year old young artist can do (with a hint of bratiness), He flipped on his feet and plopped down on the piano bench! And played again. I was shocked. He stilled the crowd with a very graceful, quiet piece. Such pictures, such calmness and serenty!
Again, the crowd erupted and rose to their feet. He acknowledged us several times, then casually and gracefully left the stage, never to return.
However, friends. I count myself amongst the lucky. I got to meet him! And got his autograph, which of course I cannot read! But who cares!
Never again, will I doubt a good pianist. There is a different in a talented and musical pianist and a piano player. How sad that most are in the latter category! Get out, folks. Experience the arts----and good artists! Spend the money. It is worth it. They deserve your respect. They deserve the recognition of acquired excellence! They have worked long and hard---literally poured their time and life into what they do, never looking to the side toward distractions. They have braved the hardships of establishing a career, struggled much, and dared to continue on despite fear of failure, rejection, and harm. Acknowledge them. They are sharing something with you because the want to!
