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Musings
Monday, December 05, 2005
Today, I stumbled across two old friends on the internet. I was actually looking for examples of web pages when I came across the website of the university my old harpsichord mentor had moved to years ago. I discovered that he is still there, having become the university organist/harpsichordist and also the head of graduate studies in music. I remembered the many times I accompanied him as his page turner on his numerous organ recitals. He was a superb musician and his taste in music was impeccable. He taught me a lot about music and how to be expressive on the harpsichord. I miss those days dearly.
Having found Larry only inspired me to look for another dear musician friend I knew at that time but with whom I had since lost touch. Gerry was much easier to find, being as he had become quite a renowned clarinetist.
His website included clips from some of his own compositions and those of composers who had written music specifically for him to play. One clip entitled ‘Twilight’ moved me to tears. It was one of the most beautiful, haunting melodies I’ve recently heard, played with so much feeling and tenderness. I cried like a fool, staring at my computer in my office, right in the middle of the day! It was so stirring it touched me deeply. I think this is because I actually knew Gerry personally. We were friends who hung out together. And even if it were many years ago since those wonderful times, the feelings of caring and giddy memories are still there and are revived every time I hear his playing, his music, his voice - whatever floats through my heart and mind from any dear person whose life had crossed my own and perhaps even stayed for a while at some point. This is why his, as well as Larry’s music is especially personal and meaningful to me.
I must say, however, that even if I didn’t know either Larry or Gerry personally, I know I would surely want to know more about them. Even from the time I knew them some thirty years ago, they were already accomplished and gifted artists. The thirty years that have past have only made them even more so.
posted by Leslie
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