… although not many of us can swing, according to the review.
I wonder, too, if the way we look makes it appear that we can’t swing. I was looking at my colleagues during measures of rest and thought, “My, aren’t we a sober bunch?!” I’m not one that thinks we have to smile all the time, but, well, this was Gershwin and it was perky and fun or sultry and sexy so why not look like that’s the kind of stuff we were playing? I dunno. Maybe that’s just my problem?
In any case, the reviewer came on Sunday, when a little mishap occurred, and still he liked it. As did my mother and sister who attended that day. Mistakes happen. Music making can still happen even with those.
Music isn’t all about perfection. Our goal is to be flawless, of course, and it is a good thing, but I’d rather have a mistake and musicality than perfection and no heart.
You know what? In my previous comment, I let myself be influenced by the reviewer who was rather critical of the performance which made me second guess myself. You know what my actual reaction was on leaving the performance? “This was one of the most enjoyable concert performances I’ve been to.”
Like I said before, I don’t have a well-refined ear. I am not classically trained, either as a performer or a reviewer. The fact that I enjoyed it did largely have to do with the fact that the program was a foot-tapping, audience-pleasing hummable and familar choice of works.
And there’s nothing wrong with that. Clearly the choice of works for the season as a whole are intended to reach out to the common person. While my listening repertoire may be slightly broader than your average Joe, I can honestly say that I would not have bought a season subscription (for the first time) if I had not recognized (and liked) so many pieces featured throughout the season.
Did you guys swing? Oh, I don’t know. Critics always need to say something. 🙂 The critic writing this comment here enjoyed the performance very much. 🙂
Thanks so much, SongMonk, for what you wrote above. That really is wonderful, and I’m always thrilled to hear that someone loved what we did.
There are so many different kinds of music, and I am happy to do most of them as long as they are done well. Variety is a good thing! 🙂
Isn’t it interesting, though, how a critic can color one’s thoughts about something? They can be quite powerful.