Song: Six moments musicaux, D 780 (Op. 94), #6 Allegretto in A-flat major
Composer: Franz Schubert
Performer: Hideyo Harada
Seriously, pick an instrument and I'll tell you which song makes me wish I could play it - or play it better. Guitar? Led Zeppelin's "Over the Hills and Far Away." Trombone? "Tuba Mirum" from Mozart's Requiem. Cello? Pas de deux from The Nutcracker. Pretty much every time I hear a bass clarinet, I wish I knew how to play it. As a child, I harbored fantasies of learning to play every instrument in the world and I never completely gave up on that dream.
It's easy to choose which instrument above all I'd wish to play better. In my job, piano skill is invaluable. I first encountered Moment musicaux #6 in college in an analysis class. I absolutely fell in love with it. I sat in the listening room, staring at the score and listening to the piece over and over again. I couldn't get enough. I tried sitting down at the piano to play it myself but it was way beyond my capacities. I think I even brought it to my piano teacher to see if she could play it. She was very obliging, as I recall.
Harada's tempo may actually be a touch too slow for my tastes. As a conductor, I'm very particular about such things. It's close to just right, though. I think most recordings go too fast. You've got to be able to hear all of those rich harmonies.
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I hope you'll join us for the "30 Songs in 30 Days" challenge, inspired by the tumblr list. Our 30 Songs roster:
Stay on target...
Marc Whitman's Blog
Haley says "Hello" To You
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Day 28: A Song That Makes You Feel Guilty
I love playing my piano...or I should say loved, because I didn't take it with me when I moved, and my mom finally sold it. For some reason moms eventually give away or sell your stuff after you've been gone a few years. I took my keyboard, guitar, violin...piano's just too big! I guess she thought so, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI recently picked up an old electric organ at a garage sale. I'd always wanted one. My wife was horrified so it lives at school now. It is so beautiful...
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