Rain Today

Steady rain all day. After a delightful concert by Les Songes I walked in the rain. Drops hung on branches like little jewels.



Montreal has many underground passageways joining buildings but also letting people get to the metro without having to go outside. It let me have a respite from the rain. I'm always delighted to hear some classical music being played in public spaces. This violinist, I discovered plays both classical and pop (rock?) as well as world music. You can hear her playing with Nomad'Stones.

Day 339: Master Class

Day 339: Master Class, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I had the tremendous fortune to be in Toronto on the day that Stefano Montanari was giving a master class. Two professional violinists played sonatas by Italian composers from the early baroque times. Mr. Montanari played a sonata by Castello. All were accompanied by the Toronto Continuo Collective.

Part of the Toronto Continuo Collective

I think this was the best music lesson I have been to - as Mr. Montanari shared his musical ideas through explanations, playing his violin, singing and gesturing in the most expressive and eloquent way. I was so moved by his playing, so amazed by his pure pianissimo passages, and astounded by his virtuosic fast passages, all played to tell the story of the music in a convincing and elucidating way. His clear communication transformed the playing of the two violinists as they questioned their motives in interpreting various passages and experimented with alternate ways of expression.

I felt I had been in the presence of some musical magic. I know I, in my own way, have been transformed. Though I can never reach the heights of these players, I will be questioning more my musical interpretation and trying to go further from just playing the notes.