The Piano, and Love

The Piano has always played an integral role in my life. Unfortunately one that I've never personally conquered. But raised with a piano-teaching Mum, and with the piano placed in the room underneath where I slept, I was often awoken by piano lessons taking place in the early hours. 

Nowadays, the piano sits in the oh-so-grand place: in front of our bed. I'm so lucky to get to listen to my fiancé playing with such dedication and passion on a daily basis. 

Here's a story; within minutes of meeting him I jumped on the chance to invite him to a piano concerto, where I was planning to go alone, at the end of that same week. I don't deny that the piano held its role in connecting us. The fact that he was a piano teacher made me feel like I was home, and when I first had the pleasure to listen to him play, I think there was no turning back...  

Most mornings I start by listening to Tommy practice. I then bike to work, with head phones of what he's just played, because I want to keep listening to it. Then I start with ballet class, accompanied by the piano; of course. Piano is the accompany to my life. It's undoubtedly my favourite instrument. An infinite story can be told through it. 

This month we were to perform for the first time together. Tommy would've been playing six Chopin Etudes on the stage, and I would've choreographed and danced next to him to Chopin's score, but on Tommy's interpretation. It was very natural choosing the Chopin Etudes, because two of them I have on my "ballet bucket list" to dance, and it so happened that Tommy was practising them at that same time of submitting the application of the choreographic idea. 

I've always had my own way to listen to different accents in music. I like to sing the music through my body, and counting is something which is difficult for me. Singing Tommy's music was going to be something very special for us. I sensed it would bring our relationship to a whole new level, being able to liberate our art forms by joining them together. I would've dedicated the performance to my Grandfather, who passed when I was just one, and saved money to give the gift of music through the piano to my family. I very much hope there will be a time when our theatre re-opens and we can give light to these Etudes. 

I find it quite a shame that we don't get much of a classical music education, unless we chose to do it ourselves. Classical music gives birth and such depth to everything a ballet dancer does on stage. I want to share with you my greatest find...actually it's not really a find, because Tommy has been playing it everyday and I'm so lucky that he directs me on to all the "good stuff". This piece was written by Bach when he was losing his first wife between 1718 and 1720. It was then transcribed for piano in the early 1900's by Busoni. For me it's the most tragically beautiful story told in about 15 minutes. If you'd like to find out more about the piece you can here. 

I also invite you all to listen to one of the most tender performances of it by: Helene Grimaud plays Chaconne in D minor  

I have listened to it countless times today. If you don't have time to listen to it all, go to 6:03 or 8:31. These are my favourite parts. There's something so raw and amazing watching Grimaud's quivering, delicate hands playing such a powerful and technical piece. It also makes me feel more alive, that Tommy right now is probably playing this as I write in Tartu Muusikakool.  

Now I'm really missing being able to go and watch a live symphony on any weekend I choose. The last one I saw was of Alice Sara Ott and The Antwerp Orchestra playing in my home concert hall. If you've never been to watch live orchestra, as soon as you can, GO! You can dream and feel in any way you want. You don't just get to listen to the music, you get to see how you respond to it. It's not like going to watch theatre or a movie where you are told a story. Here, you get to choose your own story. 

I truly hope that as live art has been taken from us, we will all go back with a whole new yearning and appreciation like never before. 

On Sunday evening Tommy and I will host a mini concert from home for our neighbours and I can't wait. 

Tell me guys, do you have any pieces that have really moved you? I'd love to hear them. My favourite composers are: Rachmaninoff, Mozart and Shostakovich. If you'd like any more recommendations, feel free to ask.