Sunday, June 25, 2006

Music

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of watching Justin's piano recital. All the kids who performed were great. And, I'm certain all the parents who watched were greatly anxious! As I watched the fast fingers on the grand piano and the parents' eyes fixated and intent, a dark image came to my mind.

I saw a sick man in his dying bed, next to a grand piano. The man had a life-long passion with music and the piano, and specifically, with his son performing the piano. On the one side of the bed is an oscilloscope beeping faintly as the green lifeline spikes to a dignified largo. The son sits by the grand piano and plays his magic, tears in his eyes and sweat down temple. He must play, for this is his father's final wish. He must play. He must play well.

The movement of the notes flashes a life's memories through the man's mind. Each up and each down brings a quicker and shorter breath. Each panting brings more tears to the son's eyes. He must play. He must play well.

As the music climaxes, the man's breathing crescendos to a muted forte in prestissimo. On the last note, the green lifeline rests.

The audience applauds and I'm back in the hot recital room.

More music: Sunday Scribbings

6 comments:

Mimey said...

Have you seen Shine? A monstrous, gorgeous combination of piano genius-stress and illness. The scene when young Helfgott's playing frantically and not hearing a note is one of my all time favourite moments on film. Breathtaking.

And that's what I thought of while reading your scribbling.

John E. Tran said...

I've never seen Shine, but will have to see it now.

Brad said...

JT

It's good to know that I'm not the only one that has daydreams and brain leaps.

Nice images.

bg

Annie Jeffries said...

Spooky. Premonition? Hope not.

Going For Greatness said...

What a powerful image you show us with your words. I hope only that the son's performance was pleasant for his father's passing. He passed, hearing that which he loved most. It has to count for something, right?
Powerful!
Gabi

Anonymous said...

Very powerful and moving. I can hear the son playing his heart out for his father. Thank you.