On the Importance of Music

Yesterday I was invited to perform at a small recital at the home of my piano teacher. She is a woman of my age (76'ish) who has reduced her teaching load from lots of kids to three or four adults. Twice a year we gather in her living room and play for one another. She plays, too. This ritual is called "group" so as not to frighten us with the word "recital." No guests are allowed with the exception of her husband, but he is banished upstairs. If he listens, at least he listens unobtrusively. Afterwards tea and coffee along with scrumptious tidbits are served and husbands allowed on the premises. This year we played Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, Clementi, and others. Our musical talents are all over the place. Mistakes are made, but no one cares. What is important is that we are trying our best, arthritic fingers and all, to honor the music and to share it with one another. "Going to a concert at the Kennedy Center is one kind of musical experience," observed one guest, "but this is something special."

What's in the Air?

There is definitely something in the air this fall, as the cold air is finally making its entrance. And it's not only about the unusual weather. For lack of a better word, I'll call it "Trump-itis." I'll admit that I'm not a fan of his, but whether you are or not, you have to admit his actions are very unsettling. Not a day goes by without a tweet or an announcement of some kind that is demeaning to someone or that is intent on systematically destroying every idea put forth by the previous administration. I didn't expect a Republican president to agree with a Democrat, but this destruction seems perverse to me. Destruction for destruction's sake. And it's all so mean-spirited. Is this what our country has become? Have we lost the ability to discuss and compromise with respect for all? I truly fear for our future.