Monday, November 24, 2008

Missing Music

This semester has been somewhat of a trial, and my life has been completely consumed by that. My keyboard has sat forlornly in the corner of my room, serving as little more than a very expensive hat rack. Ironically, I have three times the amount of music classes, and even my non-music classes I end up writing papers about music, or musicians...yet my own music is on mute. I am mildly excited that I'm honing my skills as a classically trained musician, but at the same time, I think I'm loosing the creative edge that was really the driving force behind my musical passion. ...

Here's an excerpt from a musical paper, for a non-musical class:

Music is intricately woven into the fabric of my existence. I sang before I could speak, I read music before I could read words, and I have played classical piano for as long as I can remember. Though I no longer attempt to tackle classical sonatas, I have played the instrument for so long that it has become an extension of my being.

It is difficult to find a word that adequately describes my relationship with music. I often used to say that music was my first lover. Later, I felt like it was my child. After pouring the crux of my soul into the melodies, harmonies, theoretical structure of a symphony, it is difficult to consider the fruit of your labor as anything else. Sometimes, the dulcet tones of a piano nocturne are comforting and supportive like my mother. Other times-- like a father-- the regimented marches are a source of discipline and strength. This fairly complex relationship with music has essentially deafened my ears to genres. There are only two types of music: good and bad. The only way to tell the difference is to listen.

Speaking of good music..
I'm listening to "Who Killed Amanda Palmer" and its a promising record, her piano playing has become more and more intricate with each CD. The tracks are slower, richer, and still irresistibly charming. Perhaps, I will find inspiration somewhere between her quirky squeaks and epic piano playing. If not, I know I'll enjoy the ride.

(That's what she said.)