Journal Entries
|
Bon Journal
Dueting in Amsterdam
I used to have a hypothesis that one is either good at sightreading
or memorising, rarely both. But increasingly I was proven wrong - when
I encountered professional musicians.
I sent the Dutch pianist Heleen some piano duets, before I had even
met or spoken to her. On this Sunday afternoon, we sightread Faure's Dolly
Suite, which he had written specifically for four hands and one piano.
It was a fun piece. Heleen showed me some of her compositions - the latest
being variations on the happy birthday tune and other jolly pieces. I
presented my piano
duet on the happy birthday theme. But the trumpet part needed to be
sung or played - and Robert
Bekkers happily took out his guitar.
We had only planned to play for a couple of hours - but Heleen's husband
returned home and insisted that we stay for dinner.
We connected through music, red wine, Dutch cheese, and Thai take-away.
There was really no need for words, as our double dueting was about love
and passion: our love of music and our passion to consume it.
While I was in such an elated mood, I asked Heleen and her husband what
it took to preserve a love. After all, I had listened to Classic
Romance (Sunday mornings on Classic Radio station) for many years
trying to distill the critical success factors. Is it commitment and belief
that it would work out? Is it being ready at the same time?
No, they said. That was not enough. It also takes a little bit of luck.
With this, they gazed into each other's eyes and kissed.
Oh! If music could bring romance, then I better stick with it.
27 May 2001
|
Heleen and Anne sightreading Faure's Dolly Suite in the centre of Amsterdam
Robert and Heleen reading Tedesco, Diabelli, and others.
|
