Unleash the Majesty Within

As you know, I’ve been spending a great deal of time in a nursing care facility this week. During this time I’ve seen much that is sad and regrettable. I’ve also had some marvelous, and heart-warming experiences.

On Thursday I gave a short recital for some of the permanent residents at the facility; the ones whose condition is not expected to improve; the ones that will never return to their own homes.

As I walked into the room my heart filled with sadness, pity, and, I’m almost ashamed to say, fear.

Fortunately I caught myself quickly. I realized they did not come to hear a violinist shower them with pity, sadness, and the fear of mortality – so I began to breathe.

I also began hearing the Bach E Major ‘Preludio’ in my head.

By the time the violin reached my chin I was basking in the majesty and joy of Bach.

I let it go.

By the end of the half hour program I had moved from Bach to Kreisler to Paganini and back to Kreisler – I finished with ‘Praeludium and Allegro’.

Now, it would be less than truthful for say I changed the lives of everyone present at that little performance. A few of them, for reasons I cannot know, were beyond my reach.

For several others, however, I know by the light in they’re eyes that they received something they will cherish in their hearts for some time to come.

I have learned a great deal from this week. I have certainly reconfirmed how precious is the majestic power of ‘breath’ and focused visualization.

Kreutzer #1, the first etude I review in volume 3 of my program, is a wonderful resource for developing both of these; especially as they apply to ‘adagio’ music.

Yes, you can develop these qualities while playing Bach as well. But Kreutzer #1 is unique in stretching the limits of ‘adagio’ playing. It is, in fact, the very embodiment of ‘quietude.’

Also, don’t forget that I’m limiting the number of prepublication orders – I just can’t afford to do otherwise on this course. If you want to complete your set of all 4 volumes at a terrific discount, Now is the time to do it.
All the best,

Clayton Haslop