Classical first love

I learned to play the piano while a young boy. I didn't enjoy it. I wanted to play games outside with my friends, I didn't like the practice, it didn't appeal. Gradually I passed each grade and improved. But I still didn't enjoy it. With each grade came a choice of pieces. My teacher recommended, I thought, and decided none really interested me. I plodded on. Then I reached grade 5, a grade in Britain that is, well, a long way from emotionally competent. And with grade 5 came Shostakovich. The first thing that struck me was that he wasn't German or French. He had an odd sounding name. The second thing that struck me was... everything! I was hooked. This was music that I felt a connection with, finally. Like most kids I still enjoyed the pop music on the radio at the time, but Shostakovich opened up a richer world for me. Not one of classical vs all else, but one of emotional connection vs all else. To this day he remains my favourite classical composer, and if ever I attempt to play the piano (I am long lapsed), that piece is the one that always comes back first and best.

2010-01-01 by dsch