Friday, December 18, 2009

I Never Told You...


Life is so abundant, full and rich and just incredible, isn't it? There have been so many great things happen lately that I haven't taken the time to tell you. Yo Yo Ma. Ah. I can't even type his name without smiling. That concert was a once in a lifetime event. I don't just mean because the tickets cost the earth. I mean because things will never come together in that exactly perfect way again. He was incredible! The man played for more than an hour - never with a single sheet of music. Everything, everything was memorized.

It moved me to tears as I watched his enthusiasm for music. There were times when the orchestra would be playing without him. His entire body followed the music like a sunflower follows the sun. He just swayed so gracefully toward whatever section was playing at the moment.

When he was playing, he would get so excited, so passionate, that he would pop out of his seat. Literally. He would just pop up and right back down, playing perfectly all the while. His excitement and energy made me feel kindred. I often get so excited about my passions that I quite literally can't stay still. Watching Yo Yo Ma enjoy the music he was making brought such another dimension of pleasure to my own listening. So many musicians seem to be concentrating so hard on what they are doing. I love to see musicians just let go and play with their hearts.

Watching Yo Yo Ma and the St. Louis Symphony was very like watching LaVay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers. The music is totally different, of course. It's that they all just had so much fun. Even more, the concert it was like a really good worship service at church. The music is alive; a living, breathing, growing thing and we're all along for the ride. All of us a part of it, whether we are playing, singing, dancing, or just present to live in such a magic moment.



The illustration above is by the very talented Octavian Illustration. You can buy her work here or visit her blog here. For one more delight today, click here.

25 comments:

beth said...

what an amazing christmas gift you just gave yourself with memories to last forever....

Laura said...

I have been lucky enough to see Yo Yo Ma too. I also was struck by his sheer love of playing and his love of the music. I think our souls moved in tandem. Love him!!!!! Glad you had such a wonderful experience.

Did I tell you that sometimes when I am on your blog and the music comes up to Claire de Lune I almost crack into pieces. It just moves something sacrad inside of me. Thank you.

Sue said...

I can feel your excitement right through the computer...I'm so glad you had the experience!

Sue

spread your wings said...

i love to watch musicians play with such passion. there's nothing quite like a live performance for that very reason. what a wonderful gift for you.

dulcy said...

Sounds fabulous!!!

xo
dulcy

Unknown said...

Hi Relyn,

Music is something that stirs our passions, whether happy or sad. It's great to witness live. Glad you had such a good time.

Marilyn Miller said...

There is nothing like sitting and listening to a live concert. Yo Yo Ma would exceed all imagination. What a wonderful gift of the season.

We go annually to a Christmas piano concert and I can't wait for it next week.

Anonymous said...

its something special to watch it live, innit?

Caroline said...

How lucky you were to experience that! I would love to see him in concert...I bet the energy in that hall was amazing!

Anonymous said...

so happy that you were able to see this gift this time of year. lucky you!

Patti said...

That sounds like an amazing experience...and you have the memories to play over and over... whenever you need them.

Unknown said...

I would love to sit by your fire and hear another tale. Hope you don't mind if I listen along. Stop by my garden today for my little tale.

Have a great Christmas and thanks for sharing this meaningful tale.

Kate - The Garden Bell

Char said...

what an amazing experience - i'm so glad you got to go.

Suz said...

wow thanks for sharing your excitement

ELK said...

thank you for the stunning description you gave , i drank in each word. My daughter has played cello 8 years ...it truly is a beautiful instrument. great artist link !

ELK said...

ok I just clicked on ukulele player...oh wow so cute!!! he was even doing the fingering right!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

So true! Those who play with their soul inspire us the most...

Lucky you and good for you to be able to enjoy such a beautiful moment in time.

margie said...

what a gift, any well done music concert is a gift.

susanna said...

What an experience! I never knew that Yo Yo Ma didn't follow sheet music during a performance. That's really impressive. And what a joy is must have been to not only see him play the cello but to see how the music physically and emotionally affected him while he played. I can see how it reminded you of a really good worship service. I'm glad that you experienced that, Relyn.

Roban said...

It does sound like a magical moment. Music moves me, too. Although I have no talent in that area, I have a love for music and an appreciation for the artists who can bring it to me.

Cindy said...

I am so glad you got to go and you know your passion exudes through every word. I am so glad you now have this wonderful memory. Take care.

Gayle said...

What a beautiful description you gave us of such a magical time! I love your enthusiasm!

Suvarna said...

what a beautiful and spiritual experience you've described. That is truly the thing I love most about music, it has the ability to lift and inspire us and keep us in the moment.
Have you ever heard Yo-Yo's duets CD with Bobby McFerrin? Pure Joy!
xoxoxo

Jessica said...

Seeing Yo-Yo Ma live is on my list and it is one item that I will most definintely check off!

Jaime said...

I love how you have described him... I can see him in my mind's eye. When people are doing things and are truly in their element, expressing something they are passionate about, they make it look so easy, don't they? How I would love to see him play. What a lucky bug you are!

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