Saturday, January 18, 2014

Random, and sometimes frivolous thoughts, whilst listening to Bruckner

A week has passed since my adventure with the spot of ice and the orthopedic surgeon - I should be so lucky that he should be the one on emergency duty when I landed at the hospital, and have time to do the surgery on my wrist that very same day so that by midnight I was at home in my own bed!!!

I am now able to type, carefully, and play the piano, lightly, but my wrist is still irritable throughout the night, having trouble finding a restful place on the supporting pillow that allows it to pass the sleeping hours without pain. Hence my indolence during the day.

I spent the mid-day hours listening to Bruckner's 9th Symphony in D Minor as played by the Berlin Philharmoniker - live on its Digital concert hall.  I have not one moment's regret for the small amount of change it costs for a Season's ticket, paid monthly, especially when I consider the Archives that are available any time of the day or night that the desire for music overcomes one.

As I listened I watched as well, the trickle of people wandering back from intermission as the Cellos take their place before the orchestra reassembles for the anticipatory tuning up.

The conductor, my old friend Zetin Metha, somewhat greyer and his hair more subdued than when he was with the Three Tenors, but still with the old fire and charm even though his walk is more sedate as he appears to enthusiastic clapping.

The music begins and the musicians are all engrossed!! This is not the first time I have noticed how the clarinetist's eyebrows rise and fall in response to his emotional musical breaths. Nobody appears nonchalant, I think, as they whirl along with the music, -  or even in the quiet, intense parts.

Nor is it the first time I have noticed the sweetness of the violins in these quiet passages, and how lovely they are in contrast to the passion of the horns and trumpets.

I watch the distinguished flautist and wonder what he is like at home, - is he jolly?  Does he like his eggs soft boiled and his toast just so?  Is he just a mortal playing the music of fairyland, or is he Pan's cousin personified?

I remark to myself on the discreet pearl button earrings that the woman in the orchestra wear  and regret that I have lost one of my mother's small pearl earrings.

I see the surrounding instruments reflected on one of the very large horns,  making a rainbow on its silver surface.  I watch to catch sight of it again, but we are near the end of the program and I do not see it again.  In past times I would have asked Charles what the instrument would be, but now I have only to guess.  A sousaphone perhaps, do they have sousaphones in classical orchestras, or only in marching bands?

The concert is over and I go to the kitchen for a bowl of soup, bemused and still ringing with the wonderful music, full of gratitude.....and as I said, random and sometimes frivolous thoughts.

9 comments:

Penny said...

Oh Hildred, I missed your last post, I do hope all is getting better and you will eventually find a comfortable place for your wrist. I know that sleeping and finding a comfortable place for my knee was the worst thing and it took months!
We are finally having a small cool change after 5 days of extreme heat, I must be getting older as I really didnt enjoy it at all.
I love your description of your music. Much love.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

A little indolence can be a pleasant thing especially during the winter when the tendency to hibernate seems to lurk somewhere in the sub-concious. I'm sure that rest and a little gentle exercise is exactly what the surgeon would have recommended. Your thoughts as the music played reminds me of a TV documentary I saw once about the choirboys of King's College Chapel. It was a joy to see them playing table-tennis and being cheeky!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Charming post Hildred. I too didn't know about your fall - I am so sorry but pleased that it sounds to be healing well.
I loved your explanation of the orchestra - how lovely to listen, to enjoy and to also speculate.
I shall ask my friend, who is really very well informed, to read your blog and see if he can tell me what the large instrument is likely to be.

Dimple said...

I'm sorry to hear about your injury, Hildred, but glad that you are mending.
I love the old apples clinging to the tree, illumined by the winter sun, in your header. It is truly a beautiful photograph.
Blessings to you today, and continued healing for your wrist.

Dimple

Barb said...

I do love when you write these stream of consciousness posts, Hildred. They let us inside your mind, which is wonderfully engrossed and delighted by music. I was wondering if you were experiencing discomfort with the wrist. I hope it mends quickly, and you can resume complete mobility. I'm always wary of ice, but sometimes it's so darn hard to see!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

As always, I'm amazed at how beautifully you express your stream-of-conscious thoughts. So glad you have this beautiful music to "be indolent by". It's really a good reminder for all of us that it is important to have various passions and interests!.

I hope your wrist continues to heal well.

Louisette said...

Lovely explain and description over the orchestraand musiek you listen, i hope thaat you injured hand will be go beter en beter quickly

Morning's Minion said...

I would have guessed that your wrist would keep you from the piano--and from your loom--for many weeks--how wonderful that you are mending more quickly.
I enjoy watching the faces of a choir during performance--some sing with such obvious gusto--others standing ramrod straight and still.

Reader Wil said...

The way you describe all the members of the orchestra is wonderful! I can see them almost hear them before me. I wish you lots of strength and a speedy recovery of your wrist, Hildred!