Musical Notes and Thoughts

This past Friday, December 8, I gave my first serious music performance in many years, to a small group. As expected, it had some weak moments, but overall, it went well. Indeed, if I were to do a larger recital at the same performance level, I’d be pleased, although sonic improvement would be better.

It was a worthwhile experience. I got valuable feedback, and will be making some changes in terms of how I present the pieces. Most importantly, with rare exceptions, I’ll include at least a brief explanation before playing each piece (a given with gospel presentations, but an open question on the chamber recital side).

One unexpected surprise: although it had its weak moments (it is brutally  difficult to play on bass), I’ll be looking to include Faure’s “Elegy” in gospel presentations. It is a sad lament about death and includes outbursts of anger, and ultimately, resignation. It portrays only too well death apart from Christ. Faure originally intended it to be the middle movement of a cello concerto, a concerto that he neer wrote. While a few transcriptions exist for it on double-bass, I am unaware of it ever being played in concert by a bassist (it is not on YouTube).

As mentioned before, I’m more concerned with presenting the Gospel, and people sensing Christ’s love/their need for Christ, than the quality level of my playing (although it can’t be an impediment either).

Next up will likely be a few more private performances for small groups, before attempting to tackle performances for somewhat larger audiences.