Mostly it's just simple notes and scales in a scratchy and uncertain hand, but for some reason I just love to listen to her.
It doesn't matter that it's not concertos soaring to the heavens, or grief-stricken gypsy wails.
That she is putting bow to string is all that matters.
And on that note, for several months now I've had an earnest and genuine yearning to pick up the clarinet again.
After all these years, I suddenly want to play the instrument that dogged my childhood.
Perhaps it's because I've grown older; I've come to realize how versatile the clarinet really is.
The self proclaimed "very difficult man" Artie Shaw is a wonderful example of a clarinets use in the jazz world, but the classical world has it's own repertoire of famous music and equally famous musicians.
Maybe it's just because I remember some of the warm, full sounds that I could elicit from the clarinet that call me back.
Or perhaps it seemed like speaking a different, more melodic language that encourages me.
At any rate, I hope my neighbours will feel as kindly encouraging towards my attempts at study as I do towards the neighbour with the violin.
(That is...when I finally get around to finding a clarinet! They seem rather elusive and expensive at the moment!)
20 comments:
Go ahead and play. Make music and enjoy it without worrying about your neighbors.
Completely agree. Just to part of the process that is music, by having the musicians around, it always triggers off the best thoughts.
Go to any music store and rent one. They should have plenty since the kids are going back to school soon. This way if you get tired of it, you didn't invest a lot but if you love it, you can invest in a good one.
Either way, have fun.
My sister played the clarinet when I was growing up, and it drove me nuts. Even if she was pretty good, which I think she was, the practicing of scales and the learning of new music was NOT fun to listen to!
-- david
I totally get the "desire to play the instrument that dogged your childhood" thing. I played cello while growing up and pretty much sucked at it and never liked it but I've been thinking I'd like to try it again now that I'm older and would hopefully be more able to appreciate the act of practicing and working at it. I have a friend who has one. I should bug her about it until she lets me borrow it.
I love the sound of music playing--especially a violin. It soothes me.
The clarinet has such a low-tone to it that calms the savage beast in us all. ;) I'll stop over with my guitar and we can all have a jam session! :)
I'm sure they will love to hear you,if I lived in your building I'd be asking you to play,lol
You've inspired me to start studying the kazoo again.
Go for it. And I think Shaw's 'Frenesi' is still superlative. And, any guy who was married to Lana Turner and Ava Gardner, has to be mightily interesting. It is a blessing to be able to play an instrument in adulthood, and I am very envious of those who can.
Ian
I love the sound of a violin, especially when it is alone. Good for you and the clarinet. You will have to post a recording for us :D
Hi Tai
If you start up again maybe you could record some of your playing with uour computer and post it for us...
Maybe you and the violinist can collaborate!
It's always more fun to learn when you're not being forced.
Hey Tai!
I too enjoy the sounds of a violin. Hauntingly beautiful in sure hands...
My uncle plays clarinet in a police philharmonic orchestra...He also teaches...He's really good and can hold his breath for several minutes when we go swimming...(Not sure if he's good at the clarinet because of his huge lung capacity, or if he has a huge lung capacity from playing the clarinet)...
I hope all is well, Tai.
Take care out there and best of luck in acquiring a clarinet in the near future!
Your Pal,
Zambo.
I've always thought the world would be a better place if everybody knew a second language and could play a musical instrument. I'm working on the language, but I'll admit I've never mastered an instrument. I plan to try again in a couple of years. So far I've played the trombone in high school, the electric guitar (but only took a few lessons), and tried the harmonica, but my dog hated that one. Now I'm leaning toward the bass guitar or drums - I'd love to make music AND be able to pound on stuff.
I used to play the clarinet as well! And the guitar and banjo too. Music is so wonderful!! I would love to find the time to play again.
I remember having a neighbor that played the guitar and piano in her appartment.
I could never hear enough. In fact it started me playing the guitar.
I never saw that neighbor besides in the staircase, but I'll always be grateful that I heard the noises she produced. Even the worst sounds where always like honey to my ears.
Of course, the other neighbor didn't see it that way... But it's like that with life. One person's happiness is the other one's sorrow.
Catch the clarinet. And have fun with it. I find the older I'm getting (I'm only 26 mind you) the more I understand subtleties in music. You'll definitely appreciate it.
Cheers!
I played the clarinet in gradeschool. Loved it. Until my debut at a nursing home when it squeeked and honked my way through a song despite my best efforts. I was horribly embarrassed and stopped in the middle of my song. I stormed off stage, threw it in it's case, and never touched it again. I think it's time to try again...
Hi Tai~
My daughter, Joanne, has played the violin for the past 5 years and is part of a string quartet.
Music soothes the savage beast within us, so get back into it with your clarinet and start making some music.
If you have the time, as well, please take a look at Joanne's blogsite http://www.petloverswelcome.
blogspot.com
Thanks and take care of yourself,
Enid
I tried picking up my flute and playing it and WOW ... I totally sucked. I wish you much better luck than I had!!
I think you should go for it. I play the accordian, and for the life of me, don't understand why my parents started me on such a monster of an instrument. But, I still love the sound of it, and occasionally I do get the craving to pick it up and play again. I actually lost my childhood instrument in a house fire in 1998, but had the good fortune to be the recipient of a donated instrument from a friend, which I then traded up for a better used model. I sit in the evening, playing and trying to re-familiarize my fingers with the keyboard - enjoying ever minute of my musical musings. You just do it, you hear?
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