Just Keep Playing!
Going with the flow of life this week, there was a unexpected turn. I was asked to play the piano for a Retreat at church. Having encountered the tsunami query, a myriad of thoughts and ideas raced through my mind as I mulled over practicing and playing with as few mistakes as possible. Ever my own worst critic, I bemoaned each wrong note played. One of the first things learned when playing a music recital is to keep on going even if there was a mistake. Just keep playing. These words resonated in the back of my mind as I took a deep breath and giant leap of faith that my piano-playing hands would not fail me. People would not notice I told myself.
It was a good that the Retreat spanned four week nights. Each day, I practiced and practiced hoping it would go well. Judging by comments and reports, it did go well and my preparation and practiced paid off. Whew!
One of my favorite quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe came from his work Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship and goes as follows: “One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, so speak a few reasonable words.”
The photo which inspires today’s poem came from my talented niece Sally who lives in Costa Rica where she also posts the photos on her blog. Perhaps you will hear some melody when you see her photo as I frequently do.
The Language of the Spirit
Universal language, liquid art.
Mystical and magical alike.
Mankind’s sense of belonging.
Music brings peace and ends strife.
Trying to convey the feelings
which music affords is both
confounding and yet enlightening.
Where words fail, music begins.
Sweet, soothing, harmonious
and collectively touching one’s
soul. Our very essence and
reason for being. Just keep playing!
Note: Thanks to Sally and her inspirational photos and blog Life in Costa Rica. http://rosedevi.blogspot.com/
Dr. Mary Ann Niemczura 
Beautiful moon!
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Yes it is. I love the composition of her photo. It seems as if I can reach out and touch it. Thank you. 🙂
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So happy the recital went well, Mary Ann.😀 When my son started playing keyboard the first thing he learnt from his lovely teacher was to always keep going, even if you make mistakes – advice that he’s followed diligently through many concerts. Such serene beautiful photos from your niece and finally to your poem in celebration of music. I love this, light, ethereal. The start of :
‘Universal language, liquid art.
Mystical and magical alike.’
Is so eloquent and moving.
Wishing you a a lovely weekend….here a sunny crips cold day, couldn’t ask for more!
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Thank you for your kind words, Annika. I think all teachers tell that to their students when a recital is coming up. The photos my niece posts from Costa Rica inspire poetry. Of course, you know my love of music. Perfect combination this week. We too await lake effect snow this weekend and a big drop in temperatures. That’s ok with me. Enjoy your weekend as well. ^__^
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Great post! I love the photos as well 🙂 very nicely written I am glad you had the opportunity to play at church! I am sure you did very well.
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Thank you, Emily. I am glad I stepped up to play when asked. We received applause at the end of the 4th night. Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
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Liebe Mary Ann,
dein Streben nach Perfektion und deine anscheinend unerschöpflichen Inspirationen sind bewundernswerte Gaben die Du hast. Bleib aktiv für Glück und Zufriedenheit.
Alles Liebe und Gute ,auch für deine Familie
wünscht Dir
Dein Arno
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Lieber Arno, ich glaube, Menschen streben immer nach Perfektion. Aber Menschen sind nicht perfekt. Es ist ok. Ich bin trotzdem zufrieden. Schoenen Sonntag noch. Viel Spaß. Deine Mary Ann ^__^
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I’m glad to hear the recital went well. It seems preparation and practice really do pay off in the end. 🙂
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Sometimes practice pays off; you are correct. I remember one recital as a high school student when my teacher said it somehow seemed shorter than usual. Had I repeated a certain part? I had forgotten completely and was just so happy it was done and over with. So “just keep playing” paid off for everyone with a shorter piece to listen to. All these years later, I still recall her comment to me. What teachers say can be very powerful.
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That’s a nice anecdote. A good teacher is worth his or her weight in gold (although not literally, of course).
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One of the first things music teachers tell their students is to “just keep playing” even if they make a mistake. Not to pick on our son, I recall one funny recital he performed at a local library when he was about 8. He either lost his place or made a mistake. Suddenly he stopped playing and smacked his forehead and was frozen in place. Then his piano teacher approached him from behind and whispered to him to start over. It went well. We all recall those recitals and probably every wrong note we played. Most in the audience never notice if you “just keep playing.” I think that works for many things in life as well. Who really notices after all?
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“Keep going” is very good advice, but I think it must have been very cute when your son smacked his forehead. I hope you managed to capture the moment on film.
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No recollection but perhaps I did capture the recital. I can see his disbelief that he couldn’t remember the memorized music. I can relate to that all too well. Happy blogging.
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Thank you and you too! 🙂
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
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Beautiful photos!!☺👌
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Why thank you for noticing and for your comment. Happy blogging to you! 🙂
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My pleasure ☺ Happy blogging to you too☺
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My pleasure.
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