Mr New York Philharmonic Violinist in the third row stage left, whoever you are, thank you for making last night’s concert a truly joyous experience.
I mean, first there was the Egmont Overture (nice), then Emanual Axe playing Beethoven’s 3rd (such emotion), then the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (I cried at the third movement), and I thought – why don’t they just stop the program there? What is this Three Cornered Hat business anyway? I was only here because it was Mr TBTAM’s birthday present, and while I like classical music and all, heading to the orchestra is generally not at the top of my Saturday night to-do list, forget it also being Halloween and the third night of the Yanks vs the Phils. Enough is enough.
Then I caught sight of you, barely able to contain yourself in your seat as you played the third part of the Three Cornered Hat, making music not just with your bow, but with your entire body. How much fun was it watching you? You played with pure, unadulterated joy, unembarrassed by the fact that you were the only member of your section moving anything other than the bow. You did not distract from the music, you channeled it, enhanced it. And I will never be able to listen to that piece again without thinking of you.
And smiling.
(Oh, and thanks to the rain delay, we got home by the bottom of the fourth inning, even though we had walked home instead of taking the bus.)
Through the power of the internet: http://nyphil.org/meet/orchestra/index.cfm?page=profile&personNum=70
Is that the one?
Bardiac – Nope, he was younger. I could look him up and figure it out, but I like it better that it is a mystery.It will give me a reason to go back again and try to figure it out.
I love your blog…been following it for a few months now, and while I admit my scone dough was a little mushy and sticky, I'd follow you anywhere! And did BTW, as I had a trip planned to Falling Water and so enjoyed your blog on that before I went. I appreciate your keen sense of awareness of and infectious enthusiasm for the world around you and the information you impart…We women need a good honest doctor like you….if only online. Thanks!
Linda-
Gee, thanks!
Scone dough is always a bit mushy and sticky – The trick is to work it quickly.
Have a great week.
TBTAM
Darn! And I thought I was being so smart. He was the only silver haired male in the violin section pictures, I think, and the circled male in your pic looks like he's got silver hair.
Mystery is good 🙂
That's amazing! Music is all in the performance for me.
Dear Dr P,
what an inspiring post. I have my medicine job, but I've been a violinist all my life – for 10 years with the touring company (started by Beverly Sills) for NYC Opera. I now play with regional orchestras in northern California. People often say to me similar things to what you said about that violinist ("I loved watching you, you seemed to come alive with the music, you seem to care so much.") I am so glad he made your evening. I figure, if I can be present to the music, then I am doing part of what the Universe intended when I lucked into my musical talent.
I imagine that being a physician is a little like being a violinist in that some days, you are simply earning your salary, even though you wish you were truly all there, all aware, all open to insight. It's a little like getting to the pool to swim for me – just slap the suit on, get in the car, and drive – don't think – and then in the water something magical can sometimes, and if i'm lucky, frequently, happen.
Regarding the identity of your violinist friend, all major orchestras that I know about enlist the talents of a regular cadre of substitute players whose names are not listed in the program.
Your post is particularly meaningful to me because after a rehearsal last night I woke up with enough musculoskeletal pain in my rotator cuffs (yes CUFFS) and scalenes to make me think "VICODIN!" at 7 a.m. This is rare, and I have no idea why it happened. So thanks for reminding me of the bigger picture. People like you and Mr TBTAM are why I try hard to do my job with the sparkle of excellence.
kcd
I love how music has the power to make us laugh and smile or cry. Perhaps I am peri-menopausal these days due to the fact that I can cry at just about any piece of moving music – with or without lyrics. I am so glad that you found a piece of musis that made you smile and you have this wonderful violinist to thank for the experience!
XO, OBS Housekeeper