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Saturday, March 20, 2010

Life is like playing a violin solo in public....

'Violinist' - Wandalin Strzaleski, 1855-1917

......and learning the instrument as one goes on.
- Samuel Butler, 1835-1902

At the age of seven I was given the choice of violin or piano lessons; I chose piano as at that age I heard the noise of the violin much like a cat meeowing! After nine years of tuition, the love of classical music was firmly ingrained. Over the years I went through several stages from rock to country but never hard metal, as that genre came in the years of struggle as a single mother with two toddlers and they were my priority. I didn't own any LPs, a record player and can't even remember a radio in those days; just a small television set, so music was lost to me. My piano was gone also; gosh, I was miserable!

My love of violin came much later when things were happier. I had re-married, life was good and one of my favourite things to do was to haunt antique or second-hand shops to search for special items to decorate our house. Most of the antique stores smelled of Tudor Rose and, invariably, a chamber ensemble was playing softly in the background. I knew most of the tunes and what stood out was the soulful violin. I'd look for an empty cassette near the player to surreptitiously write down the title. If the person behind the counter looked approachable (most were snooty!), I'd cheekily ask what was playing.

I haven't posted music on éclectique for quite some time and it's about time; so here is the Purcell Quartet playing Henry Purcell's Pavan in G Minor.

19 comments:

Wanda..... said...

My granddaughter Amanda had several years of piano lessons, I loved going to her recitals. Thanks for the lovely, calming violin music, Alaine. It was a nice way to relax before bed.
...Wanda

alaine@éclectique said...

Wanda...thank you so much; I see people reading and moving on - violin isn't everybody's cup of tea!

Nancy said...

Love the quote and the music. How lovely to be able to play two instruments. I'm at a loss to even carry a tune!

alaine@éclectique said...

Nancy, you're so kind but I only play piano! Wish I could play violin but I'm very happy to settle for and appreciate it played beautifully.

We've had a lovely afternoon of chamber music here, both of us on our computers!

Unknown said...

Hi Alaine,

I would listen to the music but it is only streaming in bits and pieces, which is most frustrating. Must be my connection or overloaded memory! Violin music can be reminiscent of caterwauling but I love it when played sweetly. A very appropriate quote at the beginning; every bit as embarrassing too!

karen said...

Antique shopping is so much fun...especially if the music is right! Glad you found music you love once again. Music is at the core of my being...although I did try to take piano lessons in my 30's it wasn't very successful. I think I enjoy listening rather than playing. Thanks for the clip.

Betsy Brock said...

What a lovely story! ...and the quote above is nice, too! I love all kinds of music, but classical is extra special!

alaine@éclectique said...

Derrick...thanks for trying anyway. It's most frustrating when that buffering happens. I purposefully downloaded one that was working all the way through for me. Yes, some violin clips I looked at were awful; I certainly appreciate the masters.

alaine@éclectique said...

Karen...so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I still love 'antiquing' but these days I don't need any more; I'm at that stage of wanting to give it away!

alaine@éclectique said...

Betsy... thank you. I love it playing softly in the background as I go about my daily tasks...♪♪♫..♥a

Teri said...

Alaine--I fixed the link. I left you a message in the comment section in case you go back to read it. I love you blog. I was actually here yesterday and meant to become a follower but ran out of time bouncing around at all the places I like to visit. Thanks for your comment. I love the one in your sidebar by Einstein. Wow...isn't that the truth! I read your story about the violin. Nice! I really think you underestimate yourself in regards to your writing. Come...join Willow's Magpie Tales blog. You will be glad that you did. And, so will I!

alaine@éclectique said...

Teri... thank you, I'll go back to the link on your blog to find Melanie.

You are already a follower! I do the same thing, forget, then I'll go to my list on my Dashboard and find these blogs I've been neglecting!

Vagabonde said...

I like to go to antique shops and flea markets. I rarely buy anything anymore because our house is too full, but I may buy some vintage postcards. I like Purcell and have a couple of “records” 33 size. That is the problem because now my husband’s Bose does not play records, just CD, so I don’t listen to them very often.

Lyn said...

Studying music was lost on me, never practised(piano)..but I've always been an expert at listening..it was good to hear the Purcell again..thank you!!

alaine@éclectique said...

Lyn...When I was looking for a suitable clip to put here (not too long!) I found some beautiful Purcell pieces and the Purcell Quartet is excellent.

Delwyn said...

Hi Alaine

My question was to ask if you played the violin but I see you have answered that above...
years ago when one of my kids took up the violin I decided to join her lessons...bad idea...I have little ear for music and it was impossible for me to work out where the notes were on the violin neck! and I am sure the 'violin neck' has a real name!

I hope you still play the piano and get pleasure from your talent.


Happy days

alaine@éclectique said...

Hi Delwyn...it's nice to hear from a fellow Aussie (well, half Kiwi ☺)! Yes, that long thingy is the fingerboard and when it leaves the 'body' it's the neck from there upwards. No, I didn't learn violin; I taught myself guitar many moons ago but it hurt my fingers so much that I didn't persist and gave it to my son.

Yes, I do sit down occasionally and play piano and, before I know it, a couple of hours have passed. I still love it.

Teri said...

Alaine---Duh...you were right...I WAS a follower already. After I wrote that I checked and there you were but you weren't listed in my blogroll on the right column so I fixed that! Now, I can click on your blog anytime I am drifting about. Hey...here is the link to Egmont's site. www.theartistwithinus.blogspot.com He has taken all the photos for the book "The Art of the Trout Fly". I found in on Amazon and ordered it just a few minutes ago. I thought you might be interested in it since your talked about your husband tying flies.

alaine@éclectique said...

Teri...I couldn't publish your comment, as I was getting an error message but cut and pasted it but then to the wrong post!

I told my hubby about the book and he has the first edition! He also has the first edition Judith Dunham's other book, "The Atlantic Salmon Fly", the tyers and their art. Photographs in this book are by John Clayton.

I've favourited Egmont; I love what he's done as a gift for his wife! I've also dabbled in calligraphy; loved it but carpal tunnel got in the way.