Tales From The Bowl
An old man was walking on the beach and noticed that a little girl was busy picking up stranded starfish and said, “the beach is so long and there are so many starfish it can’t possibly help the starfish to throw them back into the ocean.” She replied, “Well, if I don’t throw them back they will die.” “Well, there are so many it won’t make a difference,” exclaimed the old man. While tossing one back into the water, the little girl replied “I am sure it makes a difference to this one!”
The first thing that occurs to me for a blog to you comes from a comment to me after my performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Sept. 1st at the Hollywood Bowl. It reminded me, yet again, what is so beautiful about the performer’s life, whether it is a musical instrument, the voice, or piano (obviously, the last two are not in the echelon of musical instruments per se – that’s a joke!) We all try to make a difference to whom we perform or to an audience. For me, there are those times when the feeling has been mind blowing and transcendental. Sometimes, in a much bigger way, a film, a painting, or a piece of sculpture can literally take our breath away and in an instant we understand a little bit more of life’s secrets and an endless gift to us: the truth.
Mitch Newman, a fine violinist in the LA Philharmonic, said to me that I had told him over 20 years ago something about producing color on the violin and that he wanted to thank me after all these years for something that “changed my life” and provided a sense of what music can mean through these colors. I don’t recall if that’s how my insight was offered, but if we can do anything on this planet that helps others in any small way, that is the greatest gift.
Welcome to my blog. I am a 67 year old solo cellist who has been touring the world for the last 40 years playing almost everywhere of note in the classical music scene alongside many of the greatest musicians. Over all these years, I have accumulated many stories, opinions, and insights, and gifts of the spirit as well as objects. It has been and still is incredibly inspiring work and even though I consider myself “techno-challenged” I wanted to have an outlet to share everything.
Dear Mr. Harrell, that’s exactly how I feel about teaching (I’m an English teacher). One never knows how one’s work will touch someone’s life. Such a great joy and big responsibility.
All of us in San Luis Obispo are so looking forward to your visit in November. Best, David Hennessee
I had an English teacher in high school in Dallas who opened the wonder of Shakespeare and therefore drama (through J. Caesar and Macbeth) that I am sure has made a big difference in my music making. Lynn Harrell
Having graduated recently, I’ve just begun my teaching career as a cellist. Though it is only two years old, I feel like I have accumluated twenty years worth of memories.
I never imagined that being a teacher could carry with it such a rich life.
I have had a similar experience you described with a violinist in the LA Phil with Robert Mann. I’m sure he’s forgotten about me just because of the sheer number of musicians he coaches. But what he told me changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him.
Jake
Jake- I am so pleased! Mr. Mann also in my development was so enriching to me. I had the fortune of playing and working with him in the Divertimento K. 563 and the Trout Quintet as well as with Levine the Mozart G minor Piano Quartet which we recorded for RCA. aren’t we lucky!