Music

My experience in Toronto in December reminded me of how important music is in my life. Without a lot of music, I'm not complete. I need the interaction with other musicians and the constant chase for the perfect performance.

A few weeks ago, a group of singers came together to begin something that I hope will be wondeful for all of us. I am conducting, a fine pianist friend is accompanying, and an enthusiastic group is ready to start preparing for a concert to be held in May.

In particular, I'm looking forward to shaping the music and phrasing to the way I feel it. This is an experience that surpasses even being in a choir. It is a search for the ultimate performance and the ultimate musical experience.

In some ways it's uncomfortable to have such a clear vision of what I want in a song. There are so many performances that just miss the mark, whether they be in inappropriate and awkward phrasing, breathing in the middle of a phrase, or just playing a sensitive bit like a march. I cannot listen to some major artists for this reason - they have wonderful voices and give fabulous performances, and yet they fall short. A little attention to detail, a little voice coaching, and the performance or recording would be glorious. As it is, I can only hear the flaws.

In our little group, I'm not naive enough to think that we will be flawless. I do think that we can express the music in a new way, produce new images, and make the music our own within the boundaries of the written score. This is the task of a director, whether of choral or instrumental music, or of a solo performer.

For the next few weeks I look forward to enjoying the task of helping them to see my vision for the music, finding their inspiration and enhancement of that vision, and presenting it in a concert.

What more could any musician ask?