Through the baluster

I must have been about 3-4 years old. My father was an amateur violist and chamber music lover, and every month or so, he hosted string quartets in the living room. I'd already been put to bed, but I would creep to the top of the stairs and try to stay hidden as I peered through the baluster and listened. I watched with fascination and listened to the likes of Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and Dvorak quartets. I wondered what could be wrong with all the players' left hands--their left hands were trembling as they played!--or so it seemed to my child's understanding. Of course my parents knew I was there, but they pretended not to see me. They permitted me to stay up and watch and listen. I loved listening and seeing the music being made right there before my eyes. To this day, I have a great love of classical music, and of the chamber repertoire in particular. It all started in my earliest childhood, in a household where classical music was much appreciated and loved, and where chamber music was played regularly.

09-12-08 by EnidFH