I have a dry socket. On my lower right side. Sunday night/Monday morning I woke up around 3 (like I have every night since Thursday) and felt something in my mouth that was weird. I got it out, and low and behold - it was my stiches from that side. They had fallen out. They are suppose to dissolve by the END of the 5th/beginning of 6th day, and this was the beginning of day 4. Bad sign. Yesterday I was in a lot of pain whenever NOT on a completely fresh dose of 600 mg ibprofen, and today I went in and sure enough, dry socket. (sigh) This isn't what I need, since they put a thing in it to help it heal and kill the pain and I have to go in tomorrow to get it out and a new one put in. I am suppose to go on Thursday too, except that I'm leaving for Boston around 7 am. I told this to the nurse and she said - oh well - you can take it out yourself. ????!?!!?!?!?!??!?!
Not good.
In other news - I also had a physical today, and my PA has the same birthday. She thought that was absolutely incredible. She was fun. The blood test guy was not. I almost left because he was spending so much time trying to find my vein. It was making me a nervous wreck. Finally, he found the elusive blood vessel and proceeded to ask me if I ever have "fun" while playing violin. Quote: "Like, rocking out or fiddling." First, I told him that I am mostly classically trained, which means I usually ALWAYS have fun, even when playing classical music. Second, I told him yes, I have done a little fiddling. He seemed to be very skeptical about the "classical music is also fun" comment. Good lord. I would not be making it my life if I never had fun playing classical music.
Tomorrow is my last day home. Very mixed feelings about this.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Yoga Article in Boston Globe.
Read it. Then think of David and me - we are apparently two of twelve "most talented musicians". How nice of the Boston Globe.
Oh - and you'll probably have to copy and paste. This computer doesn't like blogger very well.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/08/20/breathe_deep_play_well_can_yoga_aid_music_study/?page=1
In other news: I have 4 less teeth than I did this morning at 8:30. And they gave me a big prescription for vicadin (don't know if that's spelled right). There is no WAY I will use all of them. My parents are being very sweet, Mary called to wish me well and see how I was, and an old friend stopped by with ice cream and a rose. And I'm just watching movies all day. I guess surgery isn't so bad after all!
Oh - and you'll probably have to copy and paste. This computer doesn't like blogger very well.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/08/20/breathe_deep_play_well_can_yoga_aid_music_study/?page=1
In other news: I have 4 less teeth than I did this morning at 8:30. And they gave me a big prescription for vicadin (don't know if that's spelled right). There is no WAY I will use all of them. My parents are being very sweet, Mary called to wish me well and see how I was, and an old friend stopped by with ice cream and a rose. And I'm just watching movies all day. I guess surgery isn't so bad after all!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Home
I have been home since Wednesday night.
David and I said our final goodbye till who knows when. We were both very sad - I was crying, he looked a little teary too. We had a wonderful summer together. Eastman is over. Staying with Arthur was fun - he was a very hospitable host.
I arrived home to parents, Hannah, and Holly, visiting from Phoenix. Yesterday we went to the Renaissance fair. Last night we played cards till about 11:30, and drank over two bottles of wine. So much for TMC detox.
Hannah is leaving on Tuesday, and my surgery is on Thursday. I am SO sad she won't be here to take care of me.
Church was fun - my first service since June. The end.
David and I said our final goodbye till who knows when. We were both very sad - I was crying, he looked a little teary too. We had a wonderful summer together. Eastman is over. Staying with Arthur was fun - he was a very hospitable host.
I arrived home to parents, Hannah, and Holly, visiting from Phoenix. Yesterday we went to the Renaissance fair. Last night we played cards till about 11:30, and drank over two bottles of wine. So much for TMC detox.
Hannah is leaving on Tuesday, and my surgery is on Thursday. I am SO sad she won't be here to take care of me.
Church was fun - my first service since June. The end.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Last Rochester Blog Entry (possibly ever)
Hello from Rochester, NY, home of the Eastman School of Music.
David and I made it here fine, and am now in Sibley. He is downloading the last of the CCE concerts from May (Mendelssohn Octet, Schumann Piano Quintet, Haydn Quartet). Arthur is being very hospitable with his very nice (and spacious) apartment at Chestnut. Apparently Matt Zerweck left for England just this morning. Too bad - it would have been so nice to see him too! I ran into Sam Reich about 5 minutes ago.
Tomorrow will be hard. When have I ever LEFT Eastman before in the month of August? David and I felt like we were just driving back to school after another music festival.
Goodbye Rochester. Tomorrow we will embark on the BT IV. I have a video camera (my sister left it with me for last night's party and the trip home). I am in the process of making a documentary. And, Mary Keener, we will play the Rochester Exit Music (end of Nutcracker) tomorrow morning in honor of you.
David and I made it here fine, and am now in Sibley. He is downloading the last of the CCE concerts from May (Mendelssohn Octet, Schumann Piano Quintet, Haydn Quartet). Arthur is being very hospitable with his very nice (and spacious) apartment at Chestnut. Apparently Matt Zerweck left for England just this morning. Too bad - it would have been so nice to see him too! I ran into Sam Reich about 5 minutes ago.
Tomorrow will be hard. When have I ever LEFT Eastman before in the month of August? David and I felt like we were just driving back to school after another music festival.
Goodbye Rochester. Tomorrow we will embark on the BT IV. I have a video camera (my sister left it with me for last night's party and the trip home). I am in the process of making a documentary. And, Mary Keener, we will play the Rochester Exit Music (end of Nutcracker) tomorrow morning in honor of you.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Awww, Gavid.....
Only three days left.
My concertmaster stint is going fine. The last three pages of the Hindemith is ridiculous. Not even the BSO member who gave us our sectional yesterday could play more than 3 notes in a row without messing up. Now THAT is pretty difficult.
But today has pretty much been awful. Really. Remember when your mother taught you to think before you speak, because you might not mean or regret something you said AFTER you say it?? And you can't take it back anymore? That is me. Today. All day. Grr.
Last BSO concert tonight. Tomorrow night is film night with JW (not to be confused with Jonathan Ware - or Jason Williams, come to think of it) and Sunday is Philly Orchestra with our ex-Dean of Eastman in attendance. To all Eastman people: I asked my sponsor here what the real story and deal is with all the Undercofler and Seligman stuff, and what we've heard is pretty much true. That is all I will say about that. I have no idea who reads this. Or gets the link from other people's blogs (eg: my sister Heidi found my blog by searching my name in google and David's blog came up. Very insteresting).
Only three days left.
My concertmaster stint is going fine. The last three pages of the Hindemith is ridiculous. Not even the BSO member who gave us our sectional yesterday could play more than 3 notes in a row without messing up. Now THAT is pretty difficult.
But today has pretty much been awful. Really. Remember when your mother taught you to think before you speak, because you might not mean or regret something you said AFTER you say it?? And you can't take it back anymore? That is me. Today. All day. Grr.
Last BSO concert tonight. Tomorrow night is film night with JW (not to be confused with Jonathan Ware - or Jason Williams, come to think of it) and Sunday is Philly Orchestra with our ex-Dean of Eastman in attendance. To all Eastman people: I asked my sponsor here what the real story and deal is with all the Undercofler and Seligman stuff, and what we've heard is pretty much true. That is all I will say about that. I have no idea who reads this. Or gets the link from other people's blogs (eg: my sister Heidi found my blog by searching my name in google and David's blog came up. Very insteresting).
Monday, August 07, 2006
One Week Left
A List:
1.There is only 7 days left of TMC 2006.
2. The Sessions performance went very well yesterday, thank you. There were still stupid mistakes made, but we survived and Norman Fischer seemed very happy. It is over, thank the dear Lord.
3. Hindemith's Mathis der Mahler is not an easy piece.
4. I kinda want to go home....
5. Yet love it here even though I'm getting sick of it.
6. But home should be good, despite the wisdom teeth extravaganza.
7. The performance of Daphnis and Chloe last night was not as good as the French Concert at Eastman in Nov. 2004. Maybe because we only rehearsed it for about 4 days. I was all sentimental every time we played it, even last night. And I missed doing that stupid bird solo at the beginning - those harmonics were always a delightful challenge with Mario and Grace.
8. There is no 8.
1.There is only 7 days left of TMC 2006.
2. The Sessions performance went very well yesterday, thank you. There were still stupid mistakes made, but we survived and Norman Fischer seemed very happy. It is over, thank the dear Lord.
3. Hindemith's Mathis der Mahler is not an easy piece.
4. I kinda want to go home....
5. Yet love it here even though I'm getting sick of it.
6. But home should be good, despite the wisdom teeth extravaganza.
7. The performance of Daphnis and Chloe last night was not as good as the French Concert at Eastman in Nov. 2004. Maybe because we only rehearsed it for about 4 days. I was all sentimental every time we played it, even last night. And I missed doing that stupid bird solo at the beginning - those harmonics were always a delightful challenge with Mario and Grace.
8. There is no 8.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Sessions Rehearsal
This morning was the Sessions dress rehearsal. It did not go spectacularly well.
First, I accidentally turned off my alarm clock in my sleep. This happens every great once in a while, and I KNOW I had set it and turned it on last night, because I never set my alarm for 7:30 except for 9 am dress rehearsals. Second, I can vaguely remember thinking "oh, its raining - thank goodness its raining" after I turned off the alarm before falling back asleep. Anyway - I woke up at 8:15, 5 minutes before I was suppose to meet my group downstairst to head to Ozawa. That put me in a bad mood.
Then, we get to Ozawa. I like Fischer, he's a nice guy, but his perky, smiling face at 9 am after a stressful night of rehearsal till 10:45 pm and then all sorts of other issues happening was not exactly what I needed to see at 8:55 am. Good luck to David at Rice - hopefully he won't have lessons at 9 am with Fischer. If I did, I guarantee I would not be there for very long.
Next, we play the piece. Some things went fine. Other things went better than they have in the past. But yet, once again, so many things just did not work, and it seems no matter how many times we rehearse a certain section, it will never get better. It is doomed to failure. Every time.
While we were playing the second mvt, I noticed something. I don't have people's names in my part. I have their instrument, like "cel", or "vla 1" or "vla 2" or "vln 1". Even last night, when I agreed with Chrissy, the cellist, about a thing we have together, when I went to mark it in my part, I did not put her name, I put her instrument. Usually, by the end of the first week with a new group, I put names instead of instruments. And if you look at the Brahms, Schnittke, or Schumann Piano Quintet parts that are in Sibley Library, my part is full of Kitty, Kim, David, and Jonathan. My Ravel Intro and Allegro part was full of Mary, Paul, Sam, Jeffrey, Kim and David. Even last summer, I had names in everywhere. This is showing me that I have never really enjoyed or loved this group - none of their names are in my part. They did not become friends, they are remaining only colleagues. I am a little sad about it.
We finished the rehearsal, went backstage, and the violists started fighting. The first yelled at the second one, who can barely speak english and was just trying to figure out something.
I will be done with this piece on Sunday morning by 11:30. Thank goodness.
First, I accidentally turned off my alarm clock in my sleep. This happens every great once in a while, and I KNOW I had set it and turned it on last night, because I never set my alarm for 7:30 except for 9 am dress rehearsals. Second, I can vaguely remember thinking "oh, its raining - thank goodness its raining" after I turned off the alarm before falling back asleep. Anyway - I woke up at 8:15, 5 minutes before I was suppose to meet my group downstairst to head to Ozawa. That put me in a bad mood.
Then, we get to Ozawa. I like Fischer, he's a nice guy, but his perky, smiling face at 9 am after a stressful night of rehearsal till 10:45 pm and then all sorts of other issues happening was not exactly what I needed to see at 8:55 am. Good luck to David at Rice - hopefully he won't have lessons at 9 am with Fischer. If I did, I guarantee I would not be there for very long.
Next, we play the piece. Some things went fine. Other things went better than they have in the past. But yet, once again, so many things just did not work, and it seems no matter how many times we rehearse a certain section, it will never get better. It is doomed to failure. Every time.
While we were playing the second mvt, I noticed something. I don't have people's names in my part. I have their instrument, like "cel", or "vla 1" or "vla 2" or "vln 1". Even last night, when I agreed with Chrissy, the cellist, about a thing we have together, when I went to mark it in my part, I did not put her name, I put her instrument. Usually, by the end of the first week with a new group, I put names instead of instruments. And if you look at the Brahms, Schnittke, or Schumann Piano Quintet parts that are in Sibley Library, my part is full of Kitty, Kim, David, and Jonathan. My Ravel Intro and Allegro part was full of Mary, Paul, Sam, Jeffrey, Kim and David. Even last summer, I had names in everywhere. This is showing me that I have never really enjoyed or loved this group - none of their names are in my part. They did not become friends, they are remaining only colleagues. I am a little sad about it.
We finished the rehearsal, went backstage, and the violists started fighting. The first yelled at the second one, who can barely speak english and was just trying to figure out something.
I will be done with this piece on Sunday morning by 11:30. Thank goodness.
Sessions Rehearsal
This morning was the Sessions dress rehearsal. It did not go spectacularly well.
First, I accidentally turned off my alarm clock in my sleep. This happens every great once in a while, and I KNOW I had set it and turned it on last night, because I never set my alarm for 7:30 except for 9 am dress rehearsals. Second, I can vaguely remember thinking "oh, its raining - thank goodness its raining" after I turned off the alarm before falling back asleep. Anyway - I woke up at 8:15, 5 minutes before I was suppose to meet my group downstairst to head to Ozawa. That put me in a bad mood.
Then, we get to Ozawa. I like Fischer, he's a nice guy, but his perky, smiling face at 9 am after a stressful night of rehearsal till 10:45 pm and then all sorts of other issues happening was not exactly what I needed to see at 8:55 am. Good luck to David at Rice - hopefully he won't have lessons at 9 am with Fischer. If I did, I guarantee I would not be there for very long.
Next, we play the piece. Some things went fine. Other things went better than they have in the past. But yet, once again, so many things just did not work, and it seems no matter how many times we rehearse a certain section, it will never get better. It is doomed to failure. Every time.
While we were playing the second mvt, I noticed something. I don't have people's names in my part. I have their instrument, like "cel", or "vla 1" or "vla 2" or "vln 1". Even last night, when I agreed with Chrissy, the cellist, about a thing we have together, when I went to mark it in my part, I did not put her name, I put her instrument. Usually, by the end of the first week with a new group, I put names instead of instruments. And if you look at the Brahms, Schnittke, or Schumann Piano Quintet parts that are in Sibley Library, my part is full of Kitty, Kim, David, and Jonathan. My Ravel Intro and Allegro part was full of Mary, Paul, Sam, Jeffrey, Kim and David. Even last summer, I had names in everywhere. This is showing me that I have never really enjoyed or loved this group - none of their names are in my part. They did not become friends, they are remaining only colleagues. I am a little sad about it.
We finished the rehearsal, went backstage, and the violists started fighting. The first yelled at the second one, who can barely speak english and was just trying to figure out something.
I will be done with this piece on Sunday morning by 11:30. Thank goodness.
First, I accidentally turned off my alarm clock in my sleep. This happens every great once in a while, and I KNOW I had set it and turned it on last night, because I never set my alarm for 7:30 except for 9 am dress rehearsals. Second, I can vaguely remember thinking "oh, its raining - thank goodness its raining" after I turned off the alarm before falling back asleep. Anyway - I woke up at 8:15, 5 minutes before I was suppose to meet my group downstairst to head to Ozawa. That put me in a bad mood.
Then, we get to Ozawa. I like Fischer, he's a nice guy, but his perky, smiling face at 9 am after a stressful night of rehearsal till 10:45 pm and then all sorts of other issues happening was not exactly what I needed to see at 8:55 am. Good luck to David at Rice - hopefully he won't have lessons at 9 am with Fischer. If I did, I guarantee I would not be there for very long.
Next, we play the piece. Some things went fine. Other things went better than they have in the past. But yet, once again, so many things just did not work, and it seems no matter how many times we rehearse a certain section, it will never get better. It is doomed to failure. Every time.
While we were playing the second mvt, I noticed something. I don't have people's names in my part. I have their instrument, like "cel", or "vla 1" or "vla 2" or "vln 1". Even last night, when I agreed with Chrissy, the cellist, about a thing we have together, when I went to mark it in my part, I did not put her name, I put her instrument. Usually, by the end of the first week with a new group, I put names instead of instruments. And if you look at the Brahms, Schnittke, or Schumann Piano Quintet parts that are in Sibley Library, my part is full of Kitty, Kim, David, and Jonathan. My Ravel Intro and Allegro part was full of Mary, Paul, Sam, Jeffrey, Kim and David. Even last summer, I had names in everywhere. This is showing me that I have never really enjoyed or loved this group - none of their names are in my part. They did not become friends, they are remaining only colleagues. I am a little sad about it.
We finished the rehearsal, went backstage, and the violists started fighting. The first yelled at the second one, who can barely speak english and was just trying to figure out something.
I will be done with this piece on Sunday morning by 11:30. Thank goodness.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
So the yoga gala was interesting. The food was very good, etc etc, but for some reason, I was slightly annoyed by a lot of it. All the people who played though were very very wonderful. Maybe I felt weird because I wore my recital outfit. Too many memories.
There are less than 2 weeks left. How does this always happen?
Which means there are a little over three weeks till my wisdom teeth get pulled. Ouch.
There are less than 2 weeks left. How does this always happen?
Which means there are a little over three weeks till my wisdom teeth get pulled. Ouch.
Friday, July 28, 2006
All things happen for a reason.
Carter is done. Congrats to the singers - I know there is no way I could have ever memorized my part. I am very in awe of them all.
Today was the first time ever I was drunk before 7 pm. I am sober now, but it was an interesting experience.
David has his MacBook. He is my first official Mac convert. I am very very proud.
Too much going through my head at the moment. Tomorrow will be better. The Gran Turismo concert is tomorrow night at 6pm in Ozawa. It promises to be very very good!
Carter is done. Congrats to the singers - I know there is no way I could have ever memorized my part. I am very in awe of them all.
Today was the first time ever I was drunk before 7 pm. I am sober now, but it was an interesting experience.
David has his MacBook. He is my first official Mac convert. I am very very proud.
Too much going through my head at the moment. Tomorrow will be better. The Gran Turismo concert is tomorrow night at 6pm in Ozawa. It promises to be very very good!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
4 days. Happy thought.
Tomorrow night is the US premiere of Elliot Carter's opera, What Next?. The composer, age 98, will be there. I, plus a few others, will be playing and singing. James Levine is conducting.
Last night was so much fun! I love TOP. And - David and I both got our pictures taken with John Williams, who is a very very nice man. He asked me my name, what I play, etc. I should have brought one of my (several) Star Wars soundtracks. Alas, I did not know he would be here and I would be able to get a picture. Maybe next time.
Tomorrow night is the US premiere of Elliot Carter's opera, What Next?. The composer, age 98, will be there. I, plus a few others, will be playing and singing. James Levine is conducting.
Last night was so much fun! I love TOP. And - David and I both got our pictures taken with John Williams, who is a very very nice man. He asked me my name, what I play, etc. I should have brought one of my (several) Star Wars soundtracks. Alas, I did not know he would be here and I would be able to get a picture. Maybe next time.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Cool Weather, Gran Turismo, TOP
Last night I slept with a sheet AND a comforter. I loved it. I love blankets and curling up in them. Thank goodness this particular heat wave has come and gone. I'm sure it will not be the last before the end of the summer, but today was such a beautiful day without being hot - lots of sun but a nice breeze. I don't think I could ever move back to the south, even if I have already lived there for over a third of my life. I am officially a northern girl.
Currently I am working on Gran Turismo, "A Piece for Eight Virtuostic Violinists" by Andrew Norman. From the article, it would seem he already has a good career going, and this piece is the most fun I've had since the Schumann Quintet performance. Plus, something I have noticed but I doubt others have - 4 of the 8 violinists in this group are either alumni or a current (Ruby) Eastman student. Me, Boram Kang, Melissa Chung, and Ruby Chen (who was so sweet after my Mozart quintet performance yesterday - "Heather! I'm so proud you're in my studio!" - except unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, actually, no longer - anyway). That is making me very proud. David and I only have exactly three weeks left together - and we talk of CCE and Kim and Kitty every day - and I am starting to feel homesick already. Very silly. (sigh) I will miss Eastman.
Tomorrow is TOP (Tanglewood On Parade)! I always look forward to it, every year I have been here. It is such a fun day. And all finished off with 1812 Overture and John Williams! Tomorrow morning we shall have rehearsal with the maestro himself. Maybe I should ask him if David and I can have a picture with him???
Currently I am working on Gran Turismo, "A Piece for Eight Virtuostic Violinists" by Andrew Norman. From the article, it would seem he already has a good career going, and this piece is the most fun I've had since the Schumann Quintet performance. Plus, something I have noticed but I doubt others have - 4 of the 8 violinists in this group are either alumni or a current (Ruby) Eastman student. Me, Boram Kang, Melissa Chung, and Ruby Chen (who was so sweet after my Mozart quintet performance yesterday - "Heather! I'm so proud you're in my studio!" - except unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, actually, no longer - anyway). That is making me very proud. David and I only have exactly three weeks left together - and we talk of CCE and Kim and Kitty every day - and I am starting to feel homesick already. Very silly. (sigh) I will miss Eastman.
Tomorrow is TOP (Tanglewood On Parade)! I always look forward to it, every year I have been here. It is such a fun day. And all finished off with 1812 Overture and John Williams! Tomorrow morning we shall have rehearsal with the maestro himself. Maybe I should ask him if David and I can have a picture with him???
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Mozart Weekend Review
Mozart this morning was actually fun, and people seemed to enjoy it.
Don Giovanni last night was very very very VERY good. I loved it. It was so long, but still - the final scene when the Commandor drags Giovanni down to hell always gives me chills, even when I watch it in the movie Amadeus (where it is filmed in the original theater where it was premiered).
Had a lovely lovely lunch this afternoon with David's sponsors. Very nice. Almost fell asleep during it. Mozart really took it out of me this weekend. I did not even go to the Requiem concert, which is a little sad since it is one of my favorite pieces. The last time I heard it live was here, actually, during my second summer at BUTI. I came back here and kinda regretted it, but then fell asleep so fast I guess I needed the rest. It will not be the last time I can go here Mozart Requiem. That also now puts an end to Mozart weekend. Yet the 250th year is far from over - I have a feeling there is still more Mozart in my future until 2007. Does anyone know who has a big year for 2007? Hopefully someone good.
Don Giovanni last night was very very very VERY good. I loved it. It was so long, but still - the final scene when the Commandor drags Giovanni down to hell always gives me chills, even when I watch it in the movie Amadeus (where it is filmed in the original theater where it was premiered).
Had a lovely lovely lunch this afternoon with David's sponsors. Very nice. Almost fell asleep during it. Mozart really took it out of me this weekend. I did not even go to the Requiem concert, which is a little sad since it is one of my favorite pieces. The last time I heard it live was here, actually, during my second summer at BUTI. I came back here and kinda regretted it, but then fell asleep so fast I guess I needed the rest. It will not be the last time I can go here Mozart Requiem. That also now puts an end to Mozart weekend. Yet the 250th year is far from over - I have a feeling there is still more Mozart in my future until 2007. Does anyone know who has a big year for 2007? Hopefully someone good.
Friday, July 21, 2006
The picture did not turn out as hoped. But it is staying. End of story.
And oh my goodness. This will be hilarious. As in, hilariously fun.
And oh my goodness. This will be hilarious. As in, hilariously fun.
Yoga Wisdom
Since Kimberly is sharing what yoga wisdom she is learning in Oregon, I will share one that I actually did like yesterday night in the masteclass:
"Realize that sometimes the brain is inferior to the heart."
Take that for what you will. But I appreciated it quite a bit.
My sympathies to Mary and Daniel Keener, for the loss of their bird, Cecil. He (or her? I can't remember if that was ever figured out) was the source of many good stories after Mary's visits to Colorado back in C house. It is sad that Mary and Cecil were finally becoming friends, and he passed on.
Time to catch the bus for the main grounds.
"Realize that sometimes the brain is inferior to the heart."
Take that for what you will. But I appreciated it quite a bit.
My sympathies to Mary and Daniel Keener, for the loss of their bird, Cecil. He (or her? I can't remember if that was ever figured out) was the source of many good stories after Mary's visits to Colorado back in C house. It is sad that Mary and Cecil were finally becoming friends, and he passed on.
Time to catch the bus for the main grounds.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
Its hot.
Really really hot.
So hot, that 8 violinists decided to rehearse outside today instead of an old, fire-trap barn.
I think TMC needs to seriously invest in air conditioning for Miss Hall's.
Oh - and I got REALLY annoyed by something else today, which will remain nameless. If you ask me personally, though, I will tell you.
Really really hot.
So hot, that 8 violinists decided to rehearse outside today instead of an old, fire-trap barn.
I think TMC needs to seriously invest in air conditioning for Miss Hall's.
Oh - and I got REALLY annoyed by something else today, which will remain nameless. If you ask me personally, though, I will tell you.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Elektra Is Done
So, as the title suggests: Elektra is done. It was incredibly hot up on stage, and the guys were allowed to take off their white dinner jackets and black bowties. So what does James Levine do? Comes out onto the stage wearing black dress shoes, black tuxedo pants and: a blue polo shirt, the same one that he wears every day (I'm not positive that he wears the same one everyday; it is quite possible - and very hopeful - that he has several blue polo shirts and rotates them). All the while, the poor MET men singers wore jackets and ties. I don't get Levine sometimes. He is brilliant, etc etc etc, but he just does not look the part of brilliance. It is true - you can't judge a book by its cover.
The concert did go well, and of course, people went crazy the minute we played the last two sixteenth notes (b-flat, c natural for the violins). Felicity Palmer was by far my favorite as Elektra's mother. She was absolutely fantastic. Alan Head was Orestes, and also amazing. Afterwards there was a nice party thrown by the BSO for us at the Highwood Manor. Now - I have been here many many years, and have never been in this house. It is a small mansion on the walk between the Shed and Ozawa Hall. I have always wanted to go in there but its usually only for the big fancy parties for all the rich donors. So that was fun. Then we came back here. The End.
This morning was the usual 10 am Sunday concert. On it was Elliot Carter's A Mirror On Which to Dwell. They played well, and we clapped, and low and behold - there was Elliot Carter himself, 98 years old, walking upstage. He is the most adorable little old man, and seemed so happy to be up there. He's narrarating Stravinsky's History of a Solider (can't spell the French title) with Milton Babbitt and John Harbinson for TOP. Very nice.
Time for a shower. I've been in two different lakes in less than 10 hours.
The concert did go well, and of course, people went crazy the minute we played the last two sixteenth notes (b-flat, c natural for the violins). Felicity Palmer was by far my favorite as Elektra's mother. She was absolutely fantastic. Alan Head was Orestes, and also amazing. Afterwards there was a nice party thrown by the BSO for us at the Highwood Manor. Now - I have been here many many years, and have never been in this house. It is a small mansion on the walk between the Shed and Ozawa Hall. I have always wanted to go in there but its usually only for the big fancy parties for all the rich donors. So that was fun. Then we came back here. The End.
This morning was the usual 10 am Sunday concert. On it was Elliot Carter's A Mirror On Which to Dwell. They played well, and we clapped, and low and behold - there was Elliot Carter himself, 98 years old, walking upstage. He is the most adorable little old man, and seemed so happy to be up there. He's narrarating Stravinsky's History of a Solider (can't spell the French title) with Milton Babbitt and John Harbinson for TOP. Very nice.
Time for a shower. I've been in two different lakes in less than 10 hours.
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