Rushin' Russian piano music

I've always said that I have fortunate experiences with great and influential piano teachers. Whether it was just that their styles matched my abilities and interests as a student (therefore I instinctively liked them) or whether they were REALLY good (and I liked them) is part of the hazy mist of memory. BUT, I know I learned a helluva lot during periods when I took lessons. And, with the new baby Grand in the front room (now dubbed "BG"), I have played through much of my old and familiar pieces by now. So, I'm feeling the itch to learn something new.

Something else I often realize is how circular the flow of music is in my life (yours, too perhaps?). This next little story will--eventually--tie the above thought to the thoughts below. Trust me on that, and the coffee's kickin' in so we're good....

Anyway, in my classes that I'm teaching this semester, I require one student to present a Listening Post at the beginning of each class meeting. For the Pop Seminar, it has to be an example of "popular" music of any genre that falls between 1820 and 2008. Good examples so far, for sure. For the Romanticism class, the selection must exemplify one of the seven Dualities that we defined inherent in Romantic ideology. Again, any genre/style since 1820 or so.

Last Thursday, the Romantic student played a snippet of Shostakovich's 10th symphony. It's the part of the fourth movement when Shostakovich implants his initials--D (for Dmitry), S, C, H (in Russian) into the horn section and slams the audience with his own freed identity (it was after, finally, he was able to write as he wanted and not cater to the Soviet regime. What a refief!). The student suggested the Duality was Crowd vs. Individual. Good choice. And, what a piece! It sounds like he's taking the whole continent down with him...or maybe emerging from/hovering over its ashes....tough call.

ANYWAY, on the 45-minute ride home, I remembered learning some Shostakovich piano preludes a while back (a long while, actually, *sigh*) and seeing the complete book of them when I rearranged my front room in preparation for BG's arrival. But, I have not played through these pieces. Hmmmmm. When I got home, I searched my iTunes and CDs for Shostakovich music. I have puh-lenty, but haven't listened to them in while. Hmmmmmm.

While earning my Masters in Musicology and being aware that I would (eventually) attempt the PhD, I dabbled with the thought of honing in on Russian music studies. The fact that I'm an Americanist now? Well, I'm happy with that, for sure, but Russian orchestral/piano music has always drawn in my ear and piqued the historian in me since I first learned a few of Shostakovich's piano works way back when.

What I am going to attempt to do throughout the next few months is carve out time for yet another musical hobby, which is Shostakovich. I'm narrowing in on his piano Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D Major from Op. 87 written in 1950. Having the BG begs me to do so. I am aware of several biographies/analyses of his life and works written after the bru-ha-ha of his (supposed) Communist ties and cultural influences of his music. So, I'll read those. And, I want to start collecting more audio. He's got lots of goodies out there. Hopefully an orchestra within reasonable distance of the Buff will perform something soon....fingers crossed.

This Prelude and Fugue in D Major is no easy feat. Shostakovich's music FLIES; it rushes with speed, agility, energy and passion. This particular fugue...when I look at the notes, it looks almost elementary in design on the page (If you can find a recording, I highly recommend it. Mine are performed by pianist Michaela Harel.). However, it is often a three-voice fugue (mostly two, though), so one hand is playing the subject while simultaneously playing the countersubject while the left hand introduces the subject again, and so on. It's crafted so damn well...but this sucker MOVES. The tempo reads 136/quarter note and the theme is in eighth-notes.....oy vey. But, as I listen to the recording, I can feel the energy it in and I want to play it. Simple as that. It will be worth negotiating new finger acrobatics and hours of practicing. I hope my neighbors are prepared for a little Russian in their dinner music...

So, in the 15-year time period since first playing the Prelude and Fugue No. 1 of Op. 87, I return to Shostakovich and will dust off the cobwebs around his music. I will thank my student this week for reminding me of the power of his works and reigniting my intrigue. And, of course, I'll continue as Momertator (see post from 8/6) and hope my little son doesn't mind learning about Shostakovich over the next few months (ha ha). I'm going to practice right now. I have 30-minutes. Then I have to open files for Chapter 2. As a piano student, I would play hour after hour. *SIGH* Eh, things change, yes? But, it appears that some things stay the same even if they are forgotten for a bit.

I think I'm going to like this...

Mums the word...

I have found the perfect part-time job for myself now that the Diss schedule is heating up. Another job while writing the Diss, you say? Absolutely, I reply. Here's why:

--with too much time on my hands (Mon--Fri, 8:30--3:30) while the little guy is at school, I become sort of inefficient at times. 'Tis true. During the five weeks in July/August where I had ALL time on my hands, I was able to both rationalize and schedule writing and "real" time to do this and that. But it's amazing how quickly I can burn hours not writing (but my house and side projects get the better end of that deal....).

--an ad in the town paper asked for part-timers interested in working on a farm/greenhouse in the area. I marched down there within minutes of my son's first steps on the school bus a few weeks ago. Last week, the owner called. I started on Monday.

--my shifts are M/Th/F from 9-2, allowing for a buffer zone between a late morning school bus and time to get home, regroup, and then, again, wait for the school bus. And, this extra cash will cover my car payment (funny how that math worked out so well).

--I needed something to do (that paid me to do it) in a framework of having to prep nothing, lead no one, be told what to do for each task, do it, go home. That's the jobby-job I needed, and that's what this is.

--Working in a greenhouse this large (it's a biggie) is interesting. I watered poinsettia plants for two hours on Monday. There had to be at least 5000 of these plants. For real. It was almost Zen-like. The greenhouse was cozy and humid (the air outside was damp and brisk), the continuous sound of water was relaxing, and only once did someone come to check how I was (I still like autonomy). Then I had a snack.

--I learned how to use the cash register, greeted, aided and cashed out customers. Easy-peasy. And fun. The place is filled with pumpkins, hay bales, mums, fall pansies (orange ones!), various perennials, and lots of life.

--For the last two hours, I selected various colors of mum plants to arrange 3 at a time in "mum bowls" to be out on the floor of the public section of the greenhouse. My choice. Any 3 color combos would do. I wheeled them out on a big rack, watered them, arranged them nicely, priced them, looked at the clock, and went home.

Ahhhhh.

I see a healthy rhythm of the week developing that allows for little slacking and a lot of friggin' production on my part. Yesterday, Tuesday, I prepped the material for church on Sunday, went to the gym, prepped my material for class last night, and did every errand/loose end/phone call/laundry bag/dishes/vacuuming....all of it.

Today, Wednesday, is my day to write and work on the Diss. Chapter 1 is sooooo close to being done, and today is has to get done. Cuz there is no other time to do it.

I have a feeling that now that football season is in full-swing and my boyfriend spends the afternoon/early evening hours at a friend's house on gamedays, my Diss work may bleed into Sunday afternoons. And potentially late evenings after everyone is asleep. And maybe for a few minutes when I can grab them. This is good. It will keep me on my toes and the tight schedule will breed efficiency. Yessirree.

So, that's that. Time to write. The grass can be cut later in the afternoon, the messy garage can stay that way until Saturday, and at 3pm, I will jump off The Chair with much accomplished. Let the games begin!

the loop of "work"

Several things are going on. I've got quite a list for myself...

But first, I am actually enjoying revising my Chapter 1. Today. Yessirree. Monday, however, was a bit of a shocker since I printed out the 20-page document (which I hadn't read since early May) and started reeling in its unfamiliarity even though, logically, I knew that I wrote it. As I'm reading, my inner voice begins whispering, "Did I write this?" Oh, and "what the hell am I talking about in this paragraph?" AND, "this doesn't belong here at all!!!" AND, "what the f**k does this mean?"......etc. etc. Within three pages of this mess I felt the swirly panic of adrenaline weaving its way through my little body. And then I felt like taking a nap. Ugh. Not a lot of productive stuff at the onset of a workweek.

BUT, yesterday, Tuesday, I had to prep for my Seminar in Pop Music to teach later that day. After pulling up the files I used last semester, I realized that we'd be discussing pop music (Tin Pan Alley mostly) from the Great Depression which just so happens to be the era of my Diss. I realized how fascinated I am with this era (hence the commitment to years of Momertator status...see post from 8/6). I got super excited, and after finishing the prep for class, returned with determination to Chapter 1. And, things started falling into place. For real. I will probably lose 5 pages or so as I revise, but I'm moving thoughts around, adjusting grammar, tweaking evidence, strengthening theories. Today, after a few more things get crossed off my list, I see about 3 hours ahead to do more. This feels good. I could get Chapter 1 done--all in black, done, done, done--by Friday, me thinks. What a feeling! So I "worked" yesterday doing the two things I love--research and teaching. All about music, history, and analysis. Yummy.

In high school, I was a good student. I took all the advanced courses in all the advanced things offered--sciences, math, English, history. Blah blah blah. When choosing a path in college, I deferred to the HOBBIES I enjoyed most, much to the chagrin of guidance counselors and family members who saw me becoming some power Business Executive or something (OMG, could you imagine?!?!?!). So, I went for things English and Music and got a teaching degree to boot. Over the years, various concerns and comments have been directed my way as I keep blazing a labyrinthine maze through the world of work that is anything but "traditional" and usually financially unstable. Ummmm, like my life right now. Like, I'm in 23rd grade (technically).

But I think it's working. I LIKE to analyze and learn. Music offers this. Writing offers this. Teaching offers this. And these are the things that I DO. Constantly. I like to be a bit autonomous when it comes to setting the flow of my days. I do not want to punch a clock and separate "work" time from "life" time. To me, it's all the same time all the time. And I get the feeling that I am actually doing this, even at this very moment. It's working. I'm working...

Diss Date

I had a phone conversation with my adviser recently. Now, I'm glad I left Madison to move to The Buff to work on the Diss (and develop a life), but when the academic year starts--even as I start teaching myself--I usually feel a PANG of sadness that I won't be traipsing all over campus lugging my backpack, starting new and interesting classes, and being in the hubbub of it all. Madison's campus is really really really cool, and even though it's a huge school (40,000+ students), I found my little community, nooks, patterns. Life long learner, for sure.

I am fortunate to have the adviser that I do. I have heard many many horror stories about other people in the Diss stage who struggle with many problems with advisers besides their own writing and progress. I do not have that, and am very grateful. What I DO have, however, is a "date" for completion of my Dissertation: April 2010. That timetable feels like an eternity and a snap-of-the-fingers at the same time. I will be turning 39 that May, my son will be 10. It sounds like a good year to wrap this whole sha-bang up and move into my 40s, start another chapter (ha ha), close the decade with one helluva graduation party (Bounce House for adults?).

So, Monday when my son steps onto the bus, I am planning on beginning my Diss schedule. Because I have to. In my mind, if I don't complete this friggin' book by April 2010, I will never be able to face the next decade with any dignity. Having this target date--and telling people about it so they will check up on me (hint, hint)--is very healthy for me. I'm good with tasks. It's just that this one, this Diss, is a challenge like I've had never before. Exciting and scary. Unfathomable and invigorating. Nebulous yet clear.

Anyway, the date looming ahead has reinvigorated my Diss energy. I'm visiting Madison in 3 weeks just to absorb some academic vibes and meet with my adviser and some friends. Some PhD ju-ju, so to say. By then, I will contact all Diss committee members and secure their involvement, revise/finish my Intro chapter (gulp) and rework and add to my Chapter 2. These things will get submitted to my advisor by Oct. 1. My other committee members will get the Intro/Prospectus chapter. Then, it's all up to me. Gulp.

ANYWAY, my son steps on the bus at 8:25 Monday morning. Coffee will be made and office will be organized. The Chair will be ready. I will be ready. 8:30-----showtime. Let the games begin!

Baby, it's Grand!

Well, I don't know if a 5-foot Kawai Baby Grand--black and shiny and brand new--is going overboard, but I have easily rationalized my purchase (after about 4 nano-seconds of "buyers remorse") because of how uncontrollably this piano rocks!!!!! Ahhhhhh.

I've gone through all sorts of repertoire and am amazed at two things: #1. how wonderful my hands feel playing this baby and #2. how selective and stubborn my aging brain can be while reading music that I supposedly "know."

Regarding #1--my hands, arms, and body feel so much better and at home playing this piano compared to my digital Yamaha. No comparison. My fingers fly and my technique is quickly snapping back into shape. A few neighbors have commented on their ability to hear me playing, most of which has been positive. Not only was I the first neighbor to blow up a ginormous Bounce House on the front lawn (see post from 6/25), I am the first to play a piano at levels reaching into kitchen window of a neighbor three doors down. Yahoo!!!!
I type a lot and fast. I think this has somehow quickened the agility of my hands. For real. In college, I had slight symptoms of carpal tunnel in my wrists from playing the piano, and in grad school, that returned as I dumped mass quantities of the English language onto mass quantities of Word docs. So I adjusted my body position at the computer keyboard, and I think this has positively affected my body at the piano keyboard. I see a future conference paper in the works...

Regarding #2: all of my piano teachers, at some point, required me to memorize pieces of music for performance. I eventually became really good at this. I haven't needed to memorize classical music recently nor have I sat and "practiced" in a long time. On occasion, though, or when asked to play something, I'll pull out the music for the oldies but goodies. And, I'm a really good sight reader so I'm quick as far as processing piano music. Anyway, I've noticed that since the piano arrived on Saturday, while reading the music of a piece that I'm already really familiar with, sometimes my brain freezes, and it's like I can't even recognize the notes or something. I've stopped dead in my tracks and stared at a certain passage with no friggin' recollection of how to play it or even negotiate such a mess. So, I usually back up a bit, and try again. Then it usually clicks and flows. Huh??? Maybe too many Happy Hours catching up with me? Dammit, Bud Lite! I thought we understood each other! But again, my keen ability to rationalize my worries away kicks in.....my brain is in shock of what my body is doing....playing a really really good piano for a change, yes? This, too, shall pass. OK. That works. For now.

I've decided to learn to play something completely new starting later this afternoon. I have a list of 19 things to do today (for real) and that's #14. I'm guessing I'll start early-afternoon before my son comes home. I haven't decided what to learn or what will happen to the thoughts in the above #1 and #2, but I will give it a shot.

Any suggestions for Judy's first new piece on the BG??

Piano sale! Piano sale!

Funny how days get away from us so quickly. Blogging was the first thing to take a hit once my son arrived home. Now school has started, and as much as I love being spontaneous and going with the flow, there is something to be said about having a predictable schedule. So, back to blogging, writing, and mommy-ing.

I am already nervous about what I'll be doing three hours from now. The University of Buffalo is having its annual piano sale today. One of my adult piano students (who has a real piano) received a letter from UB explaining that the crop of pianos donated by Kawai last year is ready for sale to the public "at a fraction of the cost." These "gently used" (by piano students.....I was one once...."gently" may be a stretch) babies go on sale Sunday to the general public. With this prized letter my student passed on to me, I get my own private appointment today to peruse these puppies and PERHAPS bring one home of my very own. Holy canoli, batman......

I started piano lessons at age 7. I sold that piano in order to have some cold, hard cash to move to Denver when I was 23. I bought a cool, sleek little Kawai that fit into my even littler apartment when I was 28, but sold that to one of my Denver students (who is now 20, and a great pianist) when I moved to Madison. Also while in Denver, I purchased a Yamaha P80 electronic piano, which rocks and has made me lots of money over the years. It can be placed in its case in the coat closet if I need more room around the house. I lug it to wherever I need to go with it and use it to teach my students here in The Buff. Solid piece of equipment, for sure.

The house that I live in now has a really big front room. One side is the Music Area with my keyboard, music books, CDs, etc. The other side is the Family Room type of thing. I just measured about 52-ish square feet of space JUST IN CASE there is a sweet o' baby grand that beckons at UB today. I am double-checking my finances/credit limits/monthly overhead to see what my max-out price is. If I don't watch myself, I could easily go overboard here (but that doesn't seem to bother me. A new piano!!!!)

I'm nervous because I have become used to playing on a "piano" that has a volume control button and practical mobility. I've also become used to the SOUND of my Yamaha as it comes out of my amp compared to an acoustic, "real" piano. As a kid/teenager/piano student, I would pound the crap out of my piano at my parents' house and gleefully FEEL the vibrations, reverberations, physicality of nailing whatever I was practicing. That sense is rusty after a decade on the Yamaha. What will my house sound like after today???? What will I feel like?

I'm packing a few pieces of music that I know I can just lay out as Testers for today's events: Chopin's "Raindrop" Prelude, a rollicking gospel version of "Precious Lord Take My Hand" that I use in my church job a lot, Bach's Invention #13, and--the true test of a piano's quality---Debussy's "Sunken Cathedral" Prelude. Maybe I'll throw some Rachmaninoff in for good measure.

I'm like a kid in a friggin' candy shop. I started piano lessons 30 years ago this month, I'm not moving from this house for at least a decade (if ever), and after a year of relocation adjustments and challenges, buying a piano that could stay with me for a loooooong time feels like an exhilarating and satisfying plunge. See what a nerd I am!?!??! Hee hee.

The next question is: What will be the christening piece of music that I play on my new baby??? Suggestions welcomed.

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams," said poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy (and then Willy Wanka). Sounds good to me.....