the Moment
October 31, 2003 at 8:07 a.m.
Last night was the greatest night of my musical life.
Did you feel a shift in the tectonic (sp?) plates? Because I swear my world was changed last night.
I got to play that cool piece I was telling you about. With the Jimi Hendrix-style opening and then 4 and a half more papes of nothing but 16th notes at a 140 tempo marking - to those of you who aren't musically literate, that's freaking fast.
And REALLY hard on the body of a girl with as many arm problems as I - so when I got to the dress rehearsal today, I thought I'd take it down a notch. But he wouldn't let me. He made me play so hard, I collapsed halfway on a nearby chair when it was over - I couldn't speak or lift my arms.
I didn't know how I'd make it through the concert... or even survive until then I hurt so much. Luckily, my deardear friend Chanchal came with me and sprung into action. He helped me to my car and helped me go get a big bad of ice, and then tied bags of ice to my arms to let the swelling go down. He even poured some water down my throat so I could swallow some Advil.
Here's me mid-eating a pretzel with the ice doing it's thang.... Chanchal was cool and took some digital pics -
I just took it easy and prayed that I'd be able to get through it when the time came.
I got up there... I just can't explain the rest. People were screaming for me even before I got through the first half of the first page ... and then all the fast notes.
Somehow, I didn't really realize what was going on. I was aware of the incredible composer at my side, jamming out on some improvised ornaments he was adding to his amazing piece, and I played louder and bigger than I thought I could. My legs were spasming so much I had to keep lifting one then the other to keep from collapsing. It was like my body wanted to give into how nervous I was, but I couldn't let it. I just kept playing.... people were yelling... it was unreal.
Thanks Chan for the pics, and thanx to Dave for the photoshop fun:)
So I get done, and before I even play the last note, people are standing up, applauding and screaming. I was so shocked to get through it... shocked that I was still there.. shocked that anyone was there. I think I bowed a few times.. I stumbled off stage to my friends, and people kept screaming... then they came down the aisles to hug me and tell me they loved it... one woman was even crying. I couldn't believe it, but I really was bigger than all my pain for a moment - I was violinist, a musician.
I played tonight.
I'm so grateful for the composer - the entire concert was filled with incredible performances and incredible music. He's the most amazing musician I think I've ever encountered - check him out!!!
Chanchal was such a dear... I really had a friend again with me, helping me deal with the pain and enjoy the experience with me. And of course, he's leaving for India soon .. Just my luck:)
Anywho, right now I think I'm back on planet earth. But if I never have another concert - another success, deep down I'll know I got my share of the moment. For a moment, I was bigger than my body. I'm just going to hold onto that and cuddle it for a while. I need a good snuggle:)
SUPERCRACK is just going to float up here for while... thanks:)