The last four days have been particularly joyful. Why? Because I have been immersed in watching the live webcast of the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. My piano teacher tipped me off and I am immensely grateful. I am not only enjoying every note of gorgeous music, but I get the opportunity, as all viewers do, to watch these talented pianists up close, performing their keyboard "magic". Ranging in ages from 19 - 30, each of them is bestowed with unique talents and personality. It has been fun getting to know them, both through the competition's biographical vignettes as well as their expressing themselves through their music.
The Cliburn Foundation has done a marvelous job of managing and marketing this experience. The fact that is has been made available through webcast means millions of music lovers around the world can watch. My life seems to have come to a screeching halt as I put my daily routine on hold in order to keep up with this suspense-filled and awesome musical experience. It will prove to be history-making for sure, as one competitor will ultimately rise to the top and will win a coveted tour management contract and large monetary prize. The process of whittling down the field must be overwhelming to my mind. The esteemed judges from around the world began the preliminary round by whittling 30 competitors down to a semi-final round of 12. Those 12 were then reduced to a final round of 6. That is the point at which I am now blogging. After having spent approximately 6 hours each day, the culmination is nearly in sight.
I invited my piano teacher over tonight to watch the last round of the semi-finals, and we noshed on trout pate, smoked mussels, roasted corn salad accompanied by a white wine. Good food to accompany the great music! By the conclusion of the evening, my nails were a little more ragged and we were each on the edge of our seats. The moment of selection had come. It wouldn't be easy saying goodbye to six of them but it's part of the competitive process. I noted from their biographies that each of them has had extensive performance opportunities as well as participation in other competitions around the world, so elimination is familiar to them all. But, nonetheless, it's difficult to say goodbye.
Throughout this process, I've also greatly enjoyed participating in the Twitter feed that the Cliburn Competition established. It has given viewers a chance to share their thoughts as they enjoy each recital. Moment-to-moment tweets have ranged from serious critique to amusing observations to discerning questions for Jade Simmons, the competition's "break time" moderator. An accomplished pianist in her own right, she is doing a standup job of keeping the commentary fascinating and fun. She conducts wonderfully light-hearted mini-interviews with competitors and with behind-the-scenes operators that share stories of how the production comes together. I particularly like the backstage moms - the two women that see to the needs of the performers before and after they go on stage. Whether it be refreshments, snacks or just an encouraging hug, they are there to bolster and reassure the participants. It lends a very human touch to what is otherwise a stressful environment.
The night went by quickly as we watched the last three competitors complete their semi-final round of competition. One of the new features of The Cliburn is having the competitors perform with a chamber ensemble. They are extremely lucky to play with the renowned Brentano Quartet. Competitors have a chance to show off their chamber music skills, which reveals another facet of their training and abilities.
Well, the moment arrived and the selection of six finalists was made. I had accurately selected four of the six, but was thrilled overall with the judges' decision. I now look forward to the final round with more nail biting to come!
The Cliburn Foundation has done a marvelous job of managing and marketing this experience. The fact that is has been made available through webcast means millions of music lovers around the world can watch. My life seems to have come to a screeching halt as I put my daily routine on hold in order to keep up with this suspense-filled and awesome musical experience. It will prove to be history-making for sure, as one competitor will ultimately rise to the top and will win a coveted tour management contract and large monetary prize. The process of whittling down the field must be overwhelming to my mind. The esteemed judges from around the world began the preliminary round by whittling 30 competitors down to a semi-final round of 12. Those 12 were then reduced to a final round of 6. That is the point at which I am now blogging. After having spent approximately 6 hours each day, the culmination is nearly in sight.
I invited my piano teacher over tonight to watch the last round of the semi-finals, and we noshed on trout pate, smoked mussels, roasted corn salad accompanied by a white wine. Good food to accompany the great music! By the conclusion of the evening, my nails were a little more ragged and we were each on the edge of our seats. The moment of selection had come. It wouldn't be easy saying goodbye to six of them but it's part of the competitive process. I noted from their biographies that each of them has had extensive performance opportunities as well as participation in other competitions around the world, so elimination is familiar to them all. But, nonetheless, it's difficult to say goodbye.
Throughout this process, I've also greatly enjoyed participating in the Twitter feed that the Cliburn Competition established. It has given viewers a chance to share their thoughts as they enjoy each recital. Moment-to-moment tweets have ranged from serious critique to amusing observations to discerning questions for Jade Simmons, the competition's "break time" moderator. An accomplished pianist in her own right, she is doing a standup job of keeping the commentary fascinating and fun. She conducts wonderfully light-hearted mini-interviews with competitors and with behind-the-scenes operators that share stories of how the production comes together. I particularly like the backstage moms - the two women that see to the needs of the performers before and after they go on stage. Whether it be refreshments, snacks or just an encouraging hug, they are there to bolster and reassure the participants. It lends a very human touch to what is otherwise a stressful environment.
The night went by quickly as we watched the last three competitors complete their semi-final round of competition. One of the new features of The Cliburn is having the competitors perform with a chamber ensemble. They are extremely lucky to play with the renowned Brentano Quartet. Competitors have a chance to show off their chamber music skills, which reveals another facet of their training and abilities.
Well, the moment arrived and the selection of six finalists was made. I had accurately selected four of the six, but was thrilled overall with the judges' decision. I now look forward to the final round with more nail biting to come!
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