How to Measure Up

Putting your ‘practice’ out in the public eye can be a risky thing to do. After all, my recorded-at-home wonder of the #24 is right next to Heifetz’ glitzy 1940’s production with accompaniment.

So, does it measure up? Well, for me it depends on my mood. Sometimes I can look at the performance as a flow of intention. When I am in that space – usually when I’m relaxed and rested – I see a marvelous focus, intensity, and expense of energy toward specific goals.

I can see, and sense the energy behind the commitment to each technique encountered, the musical intention of each variation, and the ability to shift mood on a dime. Oh, yes, not to mention a sense of respect for anyone who CAN hang in there for 11 mind/body tweaking variations.

And then there are times when I just see…

You don’t need to hear that part. A comment identifying that tired, unsympathetic, got-to-show-how-much-you-know state of mind has already been deposited on the YouTube posting of the performance.

Bottom line is, however, I want to you go over and watch the performance. But please, be rested, relaxed, and on good terms with your significant other before doing so.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. I mentioned I’m having a French week yesterday. It continued with the film recording session I played. Maurice Jarr was the composer. Does ‘Doctor Zhivago’ mean anything to you? He wrote the score for it. Part the best French connection of all is Kreutzer. He is the man to connect the dots from Jean-Joseph Mondonville to Maurice Jarr. Come put your playing on the ’Super Efficiency Diet’today.