Day 51: At home today I learned Variations I and II without pedal. When I am at the church I will add in the pedal part: two straightforward statements of the Passacaglia theme. Little by little the piece is being "burned" (to use George Fung's totally suitable expression) into my fingers.
Tempo. When I first play a piece, it is as close to the imagined end product that I can make it -- like a sight-reading session. As for fingering, I play a short passage up to tempo and then write the fingering and pedalling in; not for every note, but for more complex pattern changes, and usually the beginning of each measure. After dividing the piece into sections (most times according to structure, but sometimes quite arbitrarily -- a line, or a few bars, perhaps) I slow down the tempo to at least 1/4.
Each section is then slowly repeated as musically as possible. Richard Troeger, a man who doesn't need to play ANYTHING slowly, once told me that, okay, it is fine to practice slowly, just be sure ALWAYS to practice musically, adjusting your interpretation to the tempo.
Slow sectional practice predominates, although sometimes an occasional up-to-tempo "sprint" lets me see how the piece is progressing. Sometimes I work a piece up to tempo in increments with the help of a metronome.
Rarely will I practice over-tempo -- the "faster than a speeding bullet" phase. Most of the time I play only as fast as I can control. Not as much fun, but helpful later. I think dicipline during the learning stage makes it possible to forget about technique during the performance stage, focusing on the music and, most importantly, just letting the music play itself freely through you and the organ.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Days to go: 950 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 50: Well, here we are, exactly half way through the number of days set aside for learning this piece! Many variations to go, but the one I learned today (Var. XI) is now solid.
My CCAC nurse, Paula, insisted I go right home and rest after my appointment this morning and before heading out to the 'Brook for treatment later this afternoon. That was the plan, anyway! (I guess I looked pretty ill.)
A block away from Markville Toyota my front left tire blew. So $202.11 later, I have a new tire, an oil change, and a new right brake light. But no rest yet.
Tomorrow I will talk about "tempo" in practicing, because right now my cool basement is calling me to go have a little snooze for a while. (I'm too cheap to turn on the AC.)
"Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet)
My CCAC nurse, Paula, insisted I go right home and rest after my appointment this morning and before heading out to the 'Brook for treatment later this afternoon. That was the plan, anyway! (I guess I looked pretty ill.)
A block away from Markville Toyota my front left tire blew. So $202.11 later, I have a new tire, an oil change, and a new right brake light. But no rest yet.
Tomorrow I will talk about "tempo" in practicing, because right now my cool basement is calling me to go have a little snooze for a while. (I'm too cheap to turn on the AC.)
"Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Days to go: 951 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 49:
HOPE
'Hope' is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without words.
And never stops -- at all.
(Emily Dickinson)
HOPE
'Hope' is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without words.
And never stops -- at all.
(Emily Dickinson)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Days to go: 952 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 48: Having done all the shopping and prep for Barb's birthday celebration this afternoon, I will see now how much of the manual variation can be learned on the piano before Susan gets here for coffee.
My practice plan for this (and most) variations: play once through slowly. Play the Left Hand 16 time varying each repetition (rhythm, articulation, touch, register, etc.). Then play the RH 16 times, as above. Then play hands together as above except playing with one hand silent, crossed hands, etc. This is to keep the material fresh while keeping the actual fingering and notes the same for every rep.
It is a disaster, of course, if you learn a mistake! Then you are into multiples of 16 to correct it. (This is also how to correct an uncertain area of a previously learned piece once the "knot" has been figured out -- multiples.)
If learning a variation with pedals, learn the pedal part first and then use various combinations of pedal alone, LH and pedal, RH and pedal, HT and pedal, etc.
After my 4th year undergraduate recital, JSM told me, as we had a lesson in the Kney practice room at UWO, that I would probably never reach the same level of performance ever again. So far he is correct: a completely memorized program with most parts note-perfect is something I have not attempted since.
Tomorrow: a kind of tweet!
My practice plan for this (and most) variations: play once through slowly. Play the Left Hand 16 time varying each repetition (rhythm, articulation, touch, register, etc.). Then play the RH 16 times, as above. Then play hands together as above except playing with one hand silent, crossed hands, etc. This is to keep the material fresh while keeping the actual fingering and notes the same for every rep.
It is a disaster, of course, if you learn a mistake! Then you are into multiples of 16 to correct it. (This is also how to correct an uncertain area of a previously learned piece once the "knot" has been figured out -- multiples.)
If learning a variation with pedals, learn the pedal part first and then use various combinations of pedal alone, LH and pedal, RH and pedal, HT and pedal, etc.
After my 4th year undergraduate recital, JSM told me, as we had a lesson in the Kney practice room at UWO, that I would probably never reach the same level of performance ever again. So far he is correct: a completely memorized program with most parts note-perfect is something I have not attempted since.
Tomorrow: a kind of tweet!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Days to go: 953 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 47: No practicing today. I am completely tired. Tomorrow I will work on the remaining manuals-only variation. "One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done." (Marie Curie)
Good night!
Good night!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Days to go: 954 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 46: Completed another variation today and found that the 8' gambe is very easy on the ears. No 16' pedal. One of the wedding coordinators brought in her 3-year-old grandaughter so I helped her play "Twinkle, Twinkle" on full organ. I am sure they appreciated it in the office...
Paul wanted to vacuum the church today, so it was an interesting lesson in the art of concentration for me. I remember when it was Reg's job to vacuum the church. He would start it up just about every time I would come in to practice, and sing along.
It happened all the time, as if the organ ignition were connected to the "on" switch of the vacuum cleaner. I finally figured out that he just really enjoyed the music and wanted to be there in the church while it was going on.
It is a pleasure to start a variation -- a slow, halting first reading transforms, through the practicing process, into a graceful, fluent musical statement. Magic!
Paul wanted to vacuum the church today, so it was an interesting lesson in the art of concentration for me. I remember when it was Reg's job to vacuum the church. He would start it up just about every time I would come in to practice, and sing along.
It happened all the time, as if the organ ignition were connected to the "on" switch of the vacuum cleaner. I finally figured out that he just really enjoyed the music and wanted to be there in the church while it was going on.
It is a pleasure to start a variation -- a slow, halting first reading transforms, through the practicing process, into a graceful, fluent musical statement. Magic!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Days to go: 955 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 45: A short practice session at the church today. I finished yesterday's variation (the triplet sixteenth-note one) and played once through all the variations I knew and also the Fugue.
I have changed the practice registration from 8' flute to 8' gambe. It is easier to hear if parts are out of alignment or if runs are even. Tomorrow I will practice without the 16' in the pedal and couple the 8' gambe to the pedal. This should clear things up even more.
Playing on a full registration reveals problem areas very quickly -- it is just too much fun to stop and fix them! I've marked them, though, and will re-learn them, making them stronger than ever.
Today some parts of both variations and fugue flowed beautifully and I was surprised to be feeling quite happy as I played. I wonder if this is anything like C.S.Lewis's feeling of being "surprised by joy?"
I have changed the practice registration from 8' flute to 8' gambe. It is easier to hear if parts are out of alignment or if runs are even. Tomorrow I will practice without the 16' in the pedal and couple the 8' gambe to the pedal. This should clear things up even more.
Playing on a full registration reveals problem areas very quickly -- it is just too much fun to stop and fix them! I've marked them, though, and will re-learn them, making them stronger than ever.
Today some parts of both variations and fugue flowed beautifully and I was surprised to be feeling quite happy as I played. I wonder if this is anything like C.S.Lewis's feeling of being "surprised by joy?"
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Days to go: 956 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 44: Here is the link for Bach's T & F in d:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipzR9bhei_o&pz=OC2D8D43D3EB330B7playnext=1&index=30
If the link doesn't work you could always just search: youtube Bach Toccata and Fugue, I guess.
Did not quite finish the Variation of the Day today, since the church was really busy, and I'm too tired to finish it now. But I did play the whole Fugue through on appropriate registration again today, and it was even better than yesterday, probably because I played the Fugue first, right after the warmup, instead of after I had practiced a variation.
After consultation, I've decided to return to the original idea of this blog, which was to keep track of my practicing -- a simple "plog", or practice log. Let me close with a quotation from John Wayne: "Talk low, talk slow, and don't say too much."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipzR9bhei_o&pz=OC2D8D43D3EB330B7playnext=1&index=30
If the link doesn't work you could always just search: youtube Bach Toccata and Fugue, I guess.
Did not quite finish the Variation of the Day today, since the church was really busy, and I'm too tired to finish it now. But I did play the whole Fugue through on appropriate registration again today, and it was even better than yesterday, probably because I played the Fugue first, right after the warmup, instead of after I had practiced a variation.
After consultation, I've decided to return to the original idea of this blog, which was to keep track of my practicing -- a simple "plog", or practice log. Let me close with a quotation from John Wayne: "Talk low, talk slow, and don't say too much."
Monday, August 23, 2010
Days to go: 957 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 43: Today I played the Fugue all the way through, full-out on a bright, clear registration. It was lots of fun to do this -- just loved it! For the BIG FINISH (after the fermata), I thought I would kick open the crescendo pedal, which had the unexpected effect of reversing the couplers, so the BIG FINISH was NOT so big!
Also, I learned another variation: #16. I find, having played over all the variations that I have practiced so far, that the notes stay in the fingers quite well, as long as I concentrate and avoid practicing mechanically during the initial learning process. That means changing something about the rep each time.
A friend sent a youTube video of Bach's famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor played both aurally and graphically. If I can figure out how to do it, I will link it to this blog. It looks like chant notation to me.
Still waiting for the Gerre Hancock book on improvisation to arrive...
Also, I learned another variation: #16. I find, having played over all the variations that I have practiced so far, that the notes stay in the fingers quite well, as long as I concentrate and avoid practicing mechanically during the initial learning process. That means changing something about the rep each time.
A friend sent a youTube video of Bach's famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor played both aurally and graphically. If I can figure out how to do it, I will link it to this blog. It looks like chant notation to me.
Still waiting for the Gerre Hancock book on improvisation to arrive...
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Days to go: 958 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 42:
HIGH FLIGHT
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds -- and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew --
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
(John Gillespie Magee)
HIGH FLIGHT
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds -- and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew --
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
(John Gillespie Magee)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Days to go: 959 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 41: Have just finished Variation 13 of the Bach -- a lovely, intricate variation with original (?) slur markings. That makes #13, #14 and #15 learned here at home on my piano.
Amused myself by accessing my radiation history charts on the 'Brook's MyChart webpage, then looked up all the terms I didn't know. Gertrude Stein had a point: "Considering how dangerous everything is, nothing is really very frightening."
Actually, another really interesting website having nothing to do with me (!) is:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100720.html
... which puts up real pictures each day of sky-science related things like nebulae and galaxies and spectacular sunsets and lightning storms. (Did you miss the Perseids again this year? Alas, so did I.)
Tomorrow: a poem I've loved since I was a kid.
Amused myself by accessing my radiation history charts on the 'Brook's MyChart webpage, then looked up all the terms I didn't know. Gertrude Stein had a point: "Considering how dangerous everything is, nothing is really very frightening."
Actually, another really interesting website having nothing to do with me (!) is:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100720.html
... which puts up real pictures each day of sky-science related things like nebulae and galaxies and spectacular sunsets and lightning storms. (Did you miss the Perseids again this year? Alas, so did I.)
Tomorrow: a poem I've loved since I was a kid.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Days to go: 960 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 40: Just completed another variation in the Bach: miles to go before I sleep...
Wondering about lolcats (pictures of cats with funny captions)? Go to:
http://www.icanhascheezburger.com
Rly!
Had coffee with Peter today in "his" cafe, the cafe on the ground floor of his building. Peter has a condo on the 26th floor, with a marvellous view of the lake from two vantage points.
We enjoyed each other's company and remembered "the good old days" at St. Peter's Cathedral-Basilica in London, Ontario, where he was cantor and I was organist.
Well, you know what? THESE are the good old days! Or will be, a few years from now.
Wondering about lolcats (pictures of cats with funny captions)? Go to:
http://www.icanhascheezburger.com
Rly!
Had coffee with Peter today in "his" cafe, the cafe on the ground floor of his building. Peter has a condo on the 26th floor, with a marvellous view of the lake from two vantage points.
We enjoyed each other's company and remembered "the good old days" at St. Peter's Cathedral-Basilica in London, Ontario, where he was cantor and I was organist.
Well, you know what? THESE are the good old days! Or will be, a few years from now.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Days to go: 961 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 39: Got the OISE transcript for my summer course today: A+. Thanks, Dianne, for a great aq!
Went to the 'Brook for treatment #2 and am now back home and really tired. In two weeks I will need to access the CCS's Volunteer Ride program as I expect I will be too tired to drive.
Am too tired now. Might wake up later this evening and write some more. No brainz now, sowwy.
(Imagine picture of tineez lolcat with huge eyes HERE...)
Went to the 'Brook for treatment #2 and am now back home and really tired. In two weeks I will need to access the CCS's Volunteer Ride program as I expect I will be too tired to drive.
Am too tired now. Might wake up later this evening and write some more. No brainz now, sowwy.
(Imagine picture of tineez lolcat with huge eyes HERE...)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Days to go: 962 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 38: Keys to the Kingdom, continued...
Ron let me borrow the extra-extra organ keys from the safe, but they didn't fit the console, so here we are, twelve hours later, and no practicing done today. Sigh!
I wonder if political savvy can be reverse-inherited? The younger generation seems to have more luck at this than I do.
Must be because I am a product (or by-product, if you will) of the sixties and seventies, where being "honest and natural" and "letting it all hang out" were expected behaviours, along with "encounter groups...".
A few years ago at a PD day we were asked to get into small groups and discuss some topic involving feelings. Well, after I spilled my guts -- excuse me, I mean "shared" -- in great detail, thinking it appropriate, I noticed some discomfort in my group of mostly younger teachers, who proceeded to speak about their feelings without actually appearing to have any.
Times have changed. I wish I could. I felt exposed and embarrassed, and I still do!
Ron let me borrow the extra-extra organ keys from the safe, but they didn't fit the console, so here we are, twelve hours later, and no practicing done today. Sigh!
I wonder if political savvy can be reverse-inherited? The younger generation seems to have more luck at this than I do.
Must be because I am a product (or by-product, if you will) of the sixties and seventies, where being "honest and natural" and "letting it all hang out" were expected behaviours, along with "encounter groups...".
A few years ago at a PD day we were asked to get into small groups and discuss some topic involving feelings. Well, after I spilled my guts -- excuse me, I mean "shared" -- in great detail, thinking it appropriate, I noticed some discomfort in my group of mostly younger teachers, who proceeded to speak about their feelings without actually appearing to have any.
Times have changed. I wish I could. I felt exposed and embarrassed, and I still do!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Days to go: 963 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 37: Planned to stop by St. Leo's this morning. It was locked. Note to self: the church is closed on Tuesdays. So I drove on to Bowmanville and air-practiced the passacaglia theme (a short pedal solo) when I got there, while watching "The Young and the Restless" with my sisters.
And I wonder why I have trouble air-practicing?
Lots of details to look after at the 'Brook tomorrow as radiation starts. It really helps to have been through it already. I also feel a strong need for personal space this time around. I don't really understand this feeling right now but I will go with it anyway.
It is kind of weird, but I didn't feel right missing my "fix" of practicing today. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. But then again, as Seneca said, "One should count each day a separate life."
And I wonder why I have trouble air-practicing?
Lots of details to look after at the 'Brook tomorrow as radiation starts. It really helps to have been through it already. I also feel a strong need for personal space this time around. I don't really understand this feeling right now but I will go with it anyway.
It is kind of weird, but I didn't feel right missing my "fix" of practicing today. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. But then again, as Seneca said, "One should count each day a separate life."
Monday, August 16, 2010
Days to go: 964 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 36: EXCELLENT NEWS this afternoon from Dr. I. Ackerman, Radiologist Extraordinaire: the CT-PET scan showed NOTHING NEW!!! This is fantastic! So I will start radiation down at the 'Brook in a few days and will continue with it until well into September. Nun danket alle Gott!
Went to the church to practice and guess what? The keys to the organ weren't in the office, as they usually are. There was a funeral this morning and the organist probably slipped them into his pocket by mistake instead of turning them in.
So I went home and learned variation XV, one of four variations of the Passacaglia for manuals only. It will be fun to play the whole Fugue from beginning to end tomorrow without stopping.
Oh, and I tried to "play" a cadenza combining "Phantom of the Opera" with "Feller From Fortune." It kind of works if you play "Feller" in the minor mode and don't listen too carefully...
I am aware that people have been lighting candles and sending good thoughts and praying for me this past week. Thank you.
Went to the church to practice and guess what? The keys to the organ weren't in the office, as they usually are. There was a funeral this morning and the organist probably slipped them into his pocket by mistake instead of turning them in.
So I went home and learned variation XV, one of four variations of the Passacaglia for manuals only. It will be fun to play the whole Fugue from beginning to end tomorrow without stopping.
Oh, and I tried to "play" a cadenza combining "Phantom of the Opera" with "Feller From Fortune." It kind of works if you play "Feller" in the minor mode and don't listen too carefully...
I am aware that people have been lighting candles and sending good thoughts and praying for me this past week. Thank you.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Days to go: 965 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 35:
HYMN
At morn -- at noon -- at twilight dim --
Maria! Thou hast heard my hymn!
In joy and woe -- in good and ill --
Mother of God, be with me still!
When the Hours flew brightly by,
And not a cloud obscured the sky,
My soul, lest it should truant be,
Thy grace did guide to thine and thee;
Now, when storms of Fate o'ercast
Darkly my Present and my Past,
Let my Future radiant shine
With sweet hopes of thee and thine!
(Edgar Allan Poe)
HYMN
At morn -- at noon -- at twilight dim --
Maria! Thou hast heard my hymn!
In joy and woe -- in good and ill --
Mother of God, be with me still!
When the Hours flew brightly by,
And not a cloud obscured the sky,
My soul, lest it should truant be,
Thy grace did guide to thine and thee;
Now, when storms of Fate o'ercast
Darkly my Present and my Past,
Let my Future radiant shine
With sweet hopes of thee and thine!
(Edgar Allan Poe)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Days to go: 966 -- Pieces to go:10
Day 34: Went out to Sibbald Point (near Sutton on Lake Simcoe) very early this morning and watched the geese play in the water. It was refreshing and breezy and I happily splashed along the shore in my bare feet. Sat on a picnic table right by the beach and enjoyed the quiet and a Tim's.
Then people seemed to arrive all at once -- lots of kids wanting to swim and many adults laden with picnic baskets. Pretty soon I left. Wouldn't want to inadvertently cause anyone to develop super powers, my being radioactive and all.
Came home and learned THE LAST LINE! of the Bach. It is nice to be done. It is like building the frame of a cabinet -- now on to adding the doors and shelves and panels. BTW, Tibor's big cupboard at the church is finished already and looks like it has always been there. He has even matched the trim on the doors to the confessional.
After finishing the "work," I "played" a bit. Since I was practicing at home on the piano, I decided to see if I could improvise some "jazz." I put the word "jazz" in quotation marks because what I produced at first was pretty funny (and not in a good way!) Who knows? Maybe when I am more skilled at this I'll play in a piano bar. Or on Fr. Charles' piano. I wonder if he can set his grand player piano to karaoke?
Tomorrow: a poem by an unlikely author. Here's a hint: "Nevermore!"
Then people seemed to arrive all at once -- lots of kids wanting to swim and many adults laden with picnic baskets. Pretty soon I left. Wouldn't want to inadvertently cause anyone to develop super powers, my being radioactive and all.
Came home and learned THE LAST LINE! of the Bach. It is nice to be done. It is like building the frame of a cabinet -- now on to adding the doors and shelves and panels. BTW, Tibor's big cupboard at the church is finished already and looks like it has always been there. He has even matched the trim on the doors to the confessional.
After finishing the "work," I "played" a bit. Since I was practicing at home on the piano, I decided to see if I could improvise some "jazz." I put the word "jazz" in quotation marks because what I produced at first was pretty funny (and not in a good way!) Who knows? Maybe when I am more skilled at this I'll play in a piano bar. Or on Fr. Charles' piano. I wonder if he can set his grand player piano to karaoke?
Tomorrow: a poem by an unlikely author. Here's a hint: "Nevermore!"
Friday, August 13, 2010
Days to go: 967 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 33: Short post today. I'm on my way over to the church to learn the second-last line of Bach and to "play" a bit before heading down to the 'Brook for the CT-PET scan. It is a long procedure and I'm not sure how I will feel when it is finished, so better to practice now and sleep later!
Anyway, I have lots of water packed and my iPod (since reading is not allowed). And I will be radioactive for a while, so it will be a very quiet weekend at home. I thought of going over to hear Deacon Mike's homily --
http://www.itinerantpreacher.org
-- at the 12:30 Mass on Sunday but I can't take the chance around crowds. Just call me "Fallout Girl" (with apologies to Bart Simpson!).
Wouldn't it be something if, when the doctors got the results, they said, "Nothing wrong with THESE nodes. What were we THINKING?"
Anyway, I have lots of water packed and my iPod (since reading is not allowed). And I will be radioactive for a while, so it will be a very quiet weekend at home. I thought of going over to hear Deacon Mike's homily --
http://www.itinerantpreacher.org
-- at the 12:30 Mass on Sunday but I can't take the chance around crowds. Just call me "Fallout Girl" (with apologies to Bart Simpson!).
Wouldn't it be something if, when the doctors got the results, they said, "Nothing wrong with THESE nodes. What were we THINKING?"
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Days to go: 968 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 32: The most amazing thing happened yesterday. As you might remember, I decided to focus on "improvisation" in my new church job at St. Leo's. So, as soon as I finished posting my blog, I did a bing search: organ improvisation how-to. Near the bottom of the first page of websites was this one:
http://www.amlamortpipeorgan.com
So I went to the site. Reader, you have to check this out! Anthony Mark LaMort has done a spectacular service here. I went immediately to his "Improvisation Blog" and listened to him play. Yes, I knew right away: this is how I wanted to play. It is like Eric all over again. (Eric Hauser designed the Letourneau that I practice on and is a gifted improviser.)
Then I read Mr. LaMort's bio and realized that his website is going to keep me extremely busy for a long time. It is so very interesting! We share an influence: Paul Martin Maki, who gave a masterclass (in which I played the Franck B Minor Choral) at the University of Western Ontario years ago. I believe Maki was a friend of Larry Cortner, of blessed memory.
I went no further in my bing search, took a BIG chance, and emailed Mr. LaMort. HE WROTE BACK!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? He wrote many, many helpful suggestions as to how I could get started improvising. My goodness, he writes well. I hope he writes articles. I hope he writes books! He suggested that I just "play," to start, as a child plays.
So today after finishing the 3rd last line of Bach, I put the music score firmly aside. What sounds would I use to begin? Those of you who know me personally would say, "celestes with the swell box closed," but you would be wrong, wrong, wrong!!! I pulled out all the pedal stops, including the 32', and the glorious great trumpet!!! I played a great big fanfare!!! I used double pedal!!! I even did a huge two-armed gliss up and down the keyboard!!!
("This is not Trude talking, you are thinking...). I tried to remember what Anthony did and imitated registration and patterns. Was it ever fun!!! I can hardly wait to go back and do it again!
You'll notice that Anthony and I are on a first-name basis now. That is his little tiny picture under "followers," there on the right of your screen.
How can I thank you, Anthony? I will be forever in your debt for your generosity of spirit and your kindness. St. Leo's will be, too, as I grow in skill, thanks to you.
http://www.amlamortpipeorgan.com
So I went to the site. Reader, you have to check this out! Anthony Mark LaMort has done a spectacular service here. I went immediately to his "Improvisation Blog" and listened to him play. Yes, I knew right away: this is how I wanted to play. It is like Eric all over again. (Eric Hauser designed the Letourneau that I practice on and is a gifted improviser.)
Then I read Mr. LaMort's bio and realized that his website is going to keep me extremely busy for a long time. It is so very interesting! We share an influence: Paul Martin Maki, who gave a masterclass (in which I played the Franck B Minor Choral) at the University of Western Ontario years ago. I believe Maki was a friend of Larry Cortner, of blessed memory.
I went no further in my bing search, took a BIG chance, and emailed Mr. LaMort. HE WROTE BACK!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? He wrote many, many helpful suggestions as to how I could get started improvising. My goodness, he writes well. I hope he writes articles. I hope he writes books! He suggested that I just "play," to start, as a child plays.
So today after finishing the 3rd last line of Bach, I put the music score firmly aside. What sounds would I use to begin? Those of you who know me personally would say, "celestes with the swell box closed," but you would be wrong, wrong, wrong!!! I pulled out all the pedal stops, including the 32', and the glorious great trumpet!!! I played a great big fanfare!!! I used double pedal!!! I even did a huge two-armed gliss up and down the keyboard!!!
("This is not Trude talking, you are thinking...). I tried to remember what Anthony did and imitated registration and patterns. Was it ever fun!!! I can hardly wait to go back and do it again!
You'll notice that Anthony and I are on a first-name basis now. That is his little tiny picture under "followers," there on the right of your screen.
How can I thank you, Anthony? I will be forever in your debt for your generosity of spirit and your kindness. St. Leo's will be, too, as I grow in skill, thanks to you.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Days to go: 969 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 31: Only 3 lines to go on the Bach, and these are manuals only. I have been playing the lines in context, so practice time has increased exponentially, but it is so pleasant and peaceful. "Soothing music," Richard called it this morning.
Tibor and Richard and another guy were building a big cupboard to house all the gear belonging to the Contemporary Choir. The equipment had previously all been crammed into the left confessional, as I recall.
Well, doesn't Tibor send Reg out for coffee and donuts for us all, and we all sat down and had a coffee break together, even the teen who is working off his community service by straightening out all the hymnbooks in the pews. (Great idea, that -- someone's a genius!)
Then Elaine (Tibor's wife, who sings in the Senior Choir) came in with lunch for the work crew: BBQ chicken sandwiches and beer. I tell you, it must have been just like this back in the days of building the old medieval cathedrals -- the good wife (the "wench?") bringing in "fyne fayr" for all the hardworking craftsmen.
It was so good to see them all -- it has been a very long time. All in all, a productive, enjoyable practice session with lots of social time thrown in. Also, I was able to identify which aspect of the church job I want to focus in on first: the skill I have always admired so much in others -- improvisation.
No, the angel wasn't there today...but the peace she brought remains.
Tibor and Richard and another guy were building a big cupboard to house all the gear belonging to the Contemporary Choir. The equipment had previously all been crammed into the left confessional, as I recall.
Well, doesn't Tibor send Reg out for coffee and donuts for us all, and we all sat down and had a coffee break together, even the teen who is working off his community service by straightening out all the hymnbooks in the pews. (Great idea, that -- someone's a genius!)
Then Elaine (Tibor's wife, who sings in the Senior Choir) came in with lunch for the work crew: BBQ chicken sandwiches and beer. I tell you, it must have been just like this back in the days of building the old medieval cathedrals -- the good wife (the "wench?") bringing in "fyne fayr" for all the hardworking craftsmen.
It was so good to see them all -- it has been a very long time. All in all, a productive, enjoyable practice session with lots of social time thrown in. Also, I was able to identify which aspect of the church job I want to focus in on first: the skill I have always admired so much in others -- improvisation.
No, the angel wasn't there today...but the peace she brought remains.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Days to go: 970 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 30: My apologies for being such an emo kid yesterday. And, further on in that vein: this morning I woke up and the Sword of Damocles was still there -- that Sword that suddenly appeared over my head as I was wheeling out of the church parking lot after the meeting with TPTB at St. Leo's last night.
Suz was such a great help as we tried to sort out my craziness at T&T's over coffee. Then I went over to the church: another line of Bach learned. Only FOUR lines of the fugue to go. While at the church I took time to brainstorm my anxiety about the church job on a mindmap.
It was an EPIC mindmap. No wonder I am scared to death. It is as if my hidden self (evil twin?) is saying: "All those things you said you'd do in a church job if you ever had time? Well, guess what? You are out of time. THIS IS IT! You have to do it all NOW!"
Thanks be to God, a Holy One came over and told me to start playing again. She said, "it is like the angels talking."
This sweet lady had kissed the new picture of the Sacred Heart over by the Tabernacle as she was leaving and stopped by to tell me that she follows Mass on tv every morning. "Mass is too early at St. Pat's," she says.
Then she comes over to visit the Blessed Sacrament for a while, where she prays for peace, especially peace for the sick and dying. Wow.
C.S. Lewis's Screwtape would say that this woman fairly reeks of holiness. I personally think she was an angel herself. Wonder if I'll ever see her again?
Honestly, you can't make stuff like this up!!!
If Rosemary were not so busy with the Miller Family Golf Tournament I would go over to her place and talk about all this. "Obi-wan," I would say...
Suz was such a great help as we tried to sort out my craziness at T&T's over coffee. Then I went over to the church: another line of Bach learned. Only FOUR lines of the fugue to go. While at the church I took time to brainstorm my anxiety about the church job on a mindmap.
It was an EPIC mindmap. No wonder I am scared to death. It is as if my hidden self (evil twin?) is saying: "All those things you said you'd do in a church job if you ever had time? Well, guess what? You are out of time. THIS IS IT! You have to do it all NOW!"
Thanks be to God, a Holy One came over and told me to start playing again. She said, "it is like the angels talking."
This sweet lady had kissed the new picture of the Sacred Heart over by the Tabernacle as she was leaving and stopped by to tell me that she follows Mass on tv every morning. "Mass is too early at St. Pat's," she says.
Then she comes over to visit the Blessed Sacrament for a while, where she prays for peace, especially peace for the sick and dying. Wow.
C.S. Lewis's Screwtape would say that this woman fairly reeks of holiness. I personally think she was an angel herself. Wonder if I'll ever see her again?
Honestly, you can't make stuff like this up!!!
If Rosemary were not so busy with the Miller Family Golf Tournament I would go over to her place and talk about all this. "Obi-wan," I would say...
Monday, August 9, 2010
Days to go: 971 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 29: One more line of Bach learned and it is only lunchtime. Woo hoo! AND the air conditioner was on in the church. Bonus! Maybe I will learn another line on the piano at home this afternoon.
Big night tonight: meeting with TPTB at St. Leo's. It has taken me a lifetime to learn that these ministries always end at the cross, and I am filled with trepidation. Great word, that.
It is not that I don't have a lot to offer; I do. I guess it is -- and it shames me to admit this -- that I wish to make sure the work is worth the inevitable suffering, as if that were possible (to "make sure", that is). Hugh Timmons taught me a great thing: to go for the best, highest quality music. Better to suffer for that, rather than its opposite, I suppose -- since the suffering is inevitable.
Ah, church music: the triumph of hope over experience...
Jerusalem, my destiny!
Big night tonight: meeting with TPTB at St. Leo's. It has taken me a lifetime to learn that these ministries always end at the cross, and I am filled with trepidation. Great word, that.
It is not that I don't have a lot to offer; I do. I guess it is -- and it shames me to admit this -- that I wish to make sure the work is worth the inevitable suffering, as if that were possible (to "make sure", that is). Hugh Timmons taught me a great thing: to go for the best, highest quality music. Better to suffer for that, rather than its opposite, I suppose -- since the suffering is inevitable.
Ah, church music: the triumph of hope over experience...
Jerusalem, my destiny!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Days to go: 972 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 28:
AUGURIES OF INNOCENCE
Man was made for Joys and Woe
And when this we rightly know
Thro the World we safely go
Joy and Woe are woven fine
A clothing for the Soul divine
Under every grief and pine
Runs a joy with silken twine.
(William Blake)
AUGURIES OF INNOCENCE
Man was made for Joys and Woe
And when this we rightly know
Thro the World we safely go
Joy and Woe are woven fine
A clothing for the Soul divine
Under every grief and pine
Runs a joy with silken twine.
(William Blake)
Days to go: 973 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 27: I WON THE LOTTERY!!! Ok, I needed a few more zeros, but $10 is $10. I called Suz to see if she wanted to go for coffee. (My treat!)
I think I have won the lottery, in a way. Being on LTD means that most basic living expenses are covered, and, in fact, I am not allowed to get paid for any outside work. This is why I am able to volunteer at St. Leo's. It was originally just an offer to fill in as a sub-organist from time to time, but is rapidly turning into more than that.
I do feel a responsibility to the organ profession to be paid a just "commensurate with education and experience" wage (as the job ads say), and when I return to full time teaching and am seeking out a new church position I will probably negotiate for just that.
In the meantime, I accept presents.
A gift certificate to Red Lobster would be nice. Then I could take my sisters out for a special supper to celebrate the completion of Marion's herceptin and a NED scan for her, as determined up in Sudbury this week.
I would say that Marion won the lottery this time!
I think I have won the lottery, in a way. Being on LTD means that most basic living expenses are covered, and, in fact, I am not allowed to get paid for any outside work. This is why I am able to volunteer at St. Leo's. It was originally just an offer to fill in as a sub-organist from time to time, but is rapidly turning into more than that.
I do feel a responsibility to the organ profession to be paid a just "commensurate with education and experience" wage (as the job ads say), and when I return to full time teaching and am seeking out a new church position I will probably negotiate for just that.
In the meantime, I accept presents.
A gift certificate to Red Lobster would be nice. Then I could take my sisters out for a special supper to celebrate the completion of Marion's herceptin and a NED scan for her, as determined up in Sudbury this week.
I would say that Marion won the lottery this time!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Days to go: 974 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 26: Another line of Bach learned. That's way lotsa many notes so far. Bit by bit the fugue is coming together. Susan said she would be interested in hearing the final product on the Letourneau so happily that is another goal to work toward (-- um, towards which to work?).
A very pleasant lunch today with Susan and Harry, then some relaxing on the deck. I feel so blessed to have such generous, caring friends. They had just returned from vacation and were doing what all teachers do in the summer: clean out the garage, paint the house, etc. Afterwards I went over to Nella's to get my hair done, and I must admit, I DO look b-you-tee-full!
It was nice to hear from Dianne (Guidance Part 1 course instructor) via email: it has been a week since the course finished. It seems like a year. I plan to take Part 2 online through OSCA starting in September.
Found out when my CT-PET scan is: next Friday! Friday, August 13, 2010!! FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH, that is!!! I am not superstitious, no, not at all.
Oooooo.
:-)
A very pleasant lunch today with Susan and Harry, then some relaxing on the deck. I feel so blessed to have such generous, caring friends. They had just returned from vacation and were doing what all teachers do in the summer: clean out the garage, paint the house, etc. Afterwards I went over to Nella's to get my hair done, and I must admit, I DO look b-you-tee-full!
It was nice to hear from Dianne (Guidance Part 1 course instructor) via email: it has been a week since the course finished. It seems like a year. I plan to take Part 2 online through OSCA starting in September.
Found out when my CT-PET scan is: next Friday! Friday, August 13, 2010!! FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH, that is!!! I am not superstitious, no, not at all.
Oooooo.
:-)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Days to go: 975 -- Pieces to go :10
Day 25: When Julie (Julie and Julia, inspirational movie for this blog) burned the Boeuf Bourgnignon the night before Judith Jones came over for supper, did she give up? No, she did not.
Did she whine, "epic fail!" and throw a temper tantrum on the kitchen floor? No, she did not.
(That was for the lobster dinner, if I remember correctly.)
So am I going to give up air practicing so easily? No, I am not.
Tennis players, football players, all kinds of sports people visualize perfect plays: this virtual practice acts like actual practice and they play a better game. I can experiment with this. I DO want to be able to practice without a keyboard.
In the meantime, it was good to be back at the church practicing for real this afternoon. Another line learned.
Did she whine, "epic fail!" and throw a temper tantrum on the kitchen floor? No, she did not.
(That was for the lobster dinner, if I remember correctly.)
So am I going to give up air practicing so easily? No, I am not.
Tennis players, football players, all kinds of sports people visualize perfect plays: this virtual practice acts like actual practice and they play a better game. I can experiment with this. I DO want to be able to practice without a keyboard.
In the meantime, it was good to be back at the church practicing for real this afternoon. Another line learned.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Days to go: 977 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 23: This will be a short post because I still have to air practice. I'm on nephew Jim's computer, listening to some Bach from Iceberg Radio:
http://www.icebergradio.com
After discussion with TPTB (the very nice powers that be, I might add) at OTIP, it looks like no school for me in September but yes to volunteer work instead. For now. I am relieved. I have medical appointments lined up already and I just don't think it is the best thing for my grade niners to have subs at irregular times their first few weeks at school. So they will have one LTO instead, which will be better for them.
That Bach I'm listening to is so wonderful...I could just get lost in it. I remember so clearly Dr. Regula Qureshi playing a Bach chaconne on the cello in St. Joseph's Chapel (U of AB) at the blessing of the school year a long time ago. It was beyond classy.
Right, ONWARD, to air practice the exposition of the fugue. Hmmmm, I wonder if that Mike's hard pomegranate lemonade I just drank will have any effect on my concentration?
Nah.
http://www.icebergradio.com
After discussion with TPTB (the very nice powers that be, I might add) at OTIP, it looks like no school for me in September but yes to volunteer work instead. For now. I am relieved. I have medical appointments lined up already and I just don't think it is the best thing for my grade niners to have subs at irregular times their first few weeks at school. So they will have one LTO instead, which will be better for them.
That Bach I'm listening to is so wonderful...I could just get lost in it. I remember so clearly Dr. Regula Qureshi playing a Bach chaconne on the cello in St. Joseph's Chapel (U of AB) at the blessing of the school year a long time ago. It was beyond classy.
Right, ONWARD, to air practice the exposition of the fugue. Hmmmm, I wonder if that Mike's hard pomegranate lemonade I just drank will have any effect on my concentration?
Nah.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Days to go: 978 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 22: Was inspired today by the story of Marie-Eve Chainey, who is a champion high-jump competitor from my hometown, Kapuskasing. She has been battling kidney disease for nine years.
Three years ago she was unable to walk and lacked the strength to wash her hair, and now she is back in competition. She undergoes nocturnal hemodialysis six nights a week for eight or nine hours while she sleeps.
"Nine long years, 800 blood transfusions and a stunning comeback to elite sport," reads the headline on the front page of the Toronto Star. Makes me embarrassed to be whining about my little kidney stent...
Back to practicing tomorrow -- more like air practicing, since I am at my nephew Jim's without a keyboard most of this week. I wonder if I should just buy a little keyboard and keep it in the car. "Have keyboard, will travel!"
Three years ago she was unable to walk and lacked the strength to wash her hair, and now she is back in competition. She undergoes nocturnal hemodialysis six nights a week for eight or nine hours while she sleeps.
"Nine long years, 800 blood transfusions and a stunning comeback to elite sport," reads the headline on the front page of the Toronto Star. Makes me embarrassed to be whining about my little kidney stent...
Back to practicing tomorrow -- more like air practicing, since I am at my nephew Jim's without a keyboard most of this week. I wonder if I should just buy a little keyboard and keep it in the car. "Have keyboard, will travel!"
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Days to go: 979 -- Pieces to go: 10
Day 21:
PIED BEAUTY
Glory be to God for dappled things--
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches' wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced--fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
(Gerard Manley Hopkins)
PIED BEAUTY
Glory be to God for dappled things--
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches' wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced--fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
(Gerard Manley Hopkins)
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