Today I had a recital, all the music majors have to play at one departmental recital during the semester (besides the big one at the end). Today was the first one, so I figured I might as well get it over with.
I’m wondering if you could see my hands shaking from the audience. Thankfully, I managed to get through my Bach Prelude and Fugue without any memory lapses. It was probably not my finest performance, but honestly does playing in your own living room count? I am far from the consummate performer. Sometimes you just have to be grateful you made it through and didn’t humiliate yourself.
So now, my Bach is retired, and we’re on to different things. I have a new Haydn sonata, which I’m gradually warming up to. I’m not a huge fan of Haydn (which I’m not even sure I’m allowed to say. Not loving one of the “greats”?! sacrilege!).
It was interesting to hear the other music majors play, a wide variety of abilities and styles. I probably fall in the middle of the road. It’s a good feeling to know that you’re in the right place.
Don’t worry, I’m not nuts about Haydn either. I learned one movement from one sonata (not so fondly called “The Chicken Scratch Sonata” by my professor and me) and called it a day.
But how nice to know you’re where you belong!
I bet your hands weren’t shaking and you did an amazing job! So when you say “without any memory lapses” does that mean you play from memory – without printed sheet music?
Hats off to you — I can’t deal with solo stuff! Singing in a choir is close enough to make me a little panicky sometimes!
But like you, I’m sure I would voluteer to go first just to get it over with.
Liz – Yes, it was completely from memory, which didn’t help my nerves any that’s for sure!
Yay for you! I know you’re accomplished and it is different, but when my teacher asked me to play with the kids from his studio at a little reciatal at the mall, I totally balked. No way! Maybe in a few years. I had no idea it would be so scary to perform as an adult.
You, of course, rock.
Karen – it’s not that different at all! I’m sure there are some people who love performing, and I am NOT one of them. There are some aspects of playing in public I have grown to enjoy over time (I like to accompany choirs or soloists or play in an ensemble) but solo stuff is hard. It’s one of those things like exercising: you just have to do it whether you like it or not to make you healthier.