Norman M. Schwartz wrote:

>I heartily agree!  It's one of my most treasured discs, I believe your
>describing Archiv 415 298-2 entitled "Le Parnasse Francais" with works
>by Marais, Rebel, Couperin (Sonate "La Sultane"), Leclair, Blavet and
>Corrette.

You're exactly right.  An A+ cut.  I was in a grouping of people who for
many years loved to play, weekly, on weekends, and the sad thing (for
others) is what we did to pieces like this, including the Telemann Paris
Quartet in e - the Modere expecially -- we had string players, harpsichord
and two low pitch recorders, tenor and alto.  And we played these pieces
with those, as we didn't have time to learn the violin well enough:-)

I've been wondering.  In music forums we talk about what we've heard or are
hearing.  I wonder how many musicianly types (aspiring, shameless, etc.) in
today's world hear wonderful pieces and need to try to play them.  I know
this must happen to pro's of course but the drive is in a lot of amateurs
also, I would think.  We're not awful - people would pay us to do weddings,
but definitely not career types.  At any rate I still can't love something
I hear without wanting to also play it.  This can of course lead to a lot
of frustration unless one is easy on one's self.

Are there many here who respond to music this way after listening? Or do
you find that you used to play but that jobs and time make that improbable
and most of the pleasure is in listening.  I know some people who ARE hard
on themselves and that's painful to see, as it's hard to enjoy something
when you're beating yourself up with unreal expectations.  I feel trying to
make music brings immense pleasure, and studies indicate that endorphins
are released when playing or singing and loving it.  It's said that this
helps keep the immune system up.

Well, forgive me.  It's a holiday and this reminded me of the link between
hearing and playing or singing.  For me it's been a lifesaver in many ways
but also takes time away from listening and from doing, um, housework.

Andrys in Berkeley
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