With all the ongoing Sept 11th reporting, and the horrible weather last week, I couldn't help but be down in the dumps. I was fortunately not personally effected by September 11th, but have friends who were and in devastating fashion. But, with all the reminders last week, I wanted to scream "ENOUGH!" It's just enough. It was horrible and yes, we should absolutely honor those who lost their lives, but let's do it when it's necessary to do it and not as a daily countdown leading up to the tragic reminder.
However, that being said, I did participate in a concert on September 10th with the September Concerts foundation and Art Song Preservation Society. It was a concert featuring American Composers' Songs of Hope and let me tell you- that's what I needed to hear and be part of. Plus, giving my voice to the cause really bounced my spirits back because we all need hope- and we all need to get out of ourselves and bring hope to our community, as often as we can. And by singing, the most personal "gift" I can bring, I felt that I was part of a healing community- not a depressed one that our media tries to convinces us that we must suffer from.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
A "Type A" Revelation
As I was out running and listening to La Traviata (I told you I was Type A), I was marveled, yet again- at Beverly Sills's freakish talent. Then, I scrolled to Maria Callas- again, amazing. Then, to Renata..OK! I GET IT!
But-wait- I really did get it. These singers are AMAZING. And the reason they are AMAZING is because they are SUPER STARS and the reason they are SUPER STARS is because they are AMAZING!
Why-oh-why did I have them set as the bar in school? And why-oh-why am I continuing to do this? What was/am I thinking? I am not Beverly, I am not Maria, I am not Renata or Anna or Joan. I am me! And it's pretty amazing that I can sing the same damn high notes as these ladies, and do high pianissimo sorta...almost...ok, close but darn impressive, just like them. So, can't I just leave it at that? Why all this pressure to be "just like them." THEY are amazing. I am pretty good- and I will take that any day when it comes to singing opera!
But-wait- I really did get it. These singers are AMAZING. And the reason they are AMAZING is because they are SUPER STARS and the reason they are SUPER STARS is because they are AMAZING!
Why-oh-why did I have them set as the bar in school? And why-oh-why am I continuing to do this? What was/am I thinking? I am not Beverly, I am not Maria, I am not Renata or Anna or Joan. I am me! And it's pretty amazing that I can sing the same damn high notes as these ladies, and do high pianissimo sorta...almost...ok, close but darn impressive, just like them. So, can't I just leave it at that? Why all this pressure to be "just like them." THEY are amazing. I am pretty good- and I will take that any day when it comes to singing opera!
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