Day 148: Over and Out

 

http://www.theobservatorypdx.com/overandoutbar.php

It's funny, I could say I am learning to play the ukulele (I am!), or I am learning Mandarin Chinese (I dabble!), or I am learning a new piece on the piano (always!). But REALLY I am learning the basics in life all over again!

I played in a concert last night. It was the premiere of the newly formed Portland Chamber Group.  We consist of a soprano vocalist, a cellist, a french horn player, two clarinetists and yours truly on piano.

I was a bit anxious before the concert. I had a busy, intense week. Filled with the usual teaching and rehearsals, plus many exchanges on social media regarding the tragic school shooting. I didn't feel sufficiently prepared. Ok. Honestly speaking, I never do!  I still have a bit of stage fright after 50 years of playing the piano!

But it went REALLY well. We had a small, appreciative audience.  After we got used to the acoustics and into our "zones", it was magical.

I chose a Schubert Impromptu (Opus 90, Number 1) for my solo. We were all introducing our pieces and talking a bit.  (Public speaking is one of my many fears). But I said a prayer, and thought about the piece, the composer and how I felt about it. This is what I said:

"I am Zita. I play the piano. :) When Franz Schubert wrote this piece, he was short, sick and broke.  Well, actually he was born short. He only grew to just under five feet tall.  In fact, his nickname was "Schwammerl" (which means "little mushroom" in German)

But he made up for it in composing scads of compositions with lovely, ethereal melodies. He lived in poverty and without a piano for much of his adult life.  He lived with friends, sharing everything from food, housing, clothes and even shoes. 

He contracted syphillis as a young adult.   He composed this piece in 1827, one year before he died.  The world would not recognize him as a great composer until m any years after his death. Years later, Franz Liszt said" Schubert was the most poetical musician that ever lived".

I chose this piece several weeks ago. Before the tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College. But tonight it is on my heart to dedicate this performance to the victims and family of Roseburg".

I put my heart and soul into my performance. Having a emotional connection alleviated my nerves. I even seemed to conquer the issues with the small, spinet piano in the church.

I feel good.  I had friends and students attend.  And most of all, I experienced the healing that music played with friends can provide.  

They even convinced me to go out for a drink with them afterwards.  And I actually had a blast!  We discovered a "hidden" bar off of SE Stark near 82nd. The "Over and Out" behind the Observatory Restaurant.  Kind of dark, quiet, pool tables and wonderful creative drinks. I had a "lavender gin lemon drop" (lavender infused gin, fresh squeezed lemon,creme de violette & a lavender sugared rim)

Confession time. I had two!  And a beet, apple salad. I was afraid to step on the scale this morning. After all, I had two cocktails and a small meal late at night!  

But, as I said before, this is a journey. If I can't let go and just live once in awhile, what is the point?

This morning I woke up feeling rested and peaceful.  The first post I noticed on Facebook this morning was not about gun control. It was from Louise Hay's page. It said: "I am learning how to relax and enjoy life". 

And that is exactly what I plan to do today! 

Happy Sunday!