My Russian friend's comment on my pianism: "It's better than drinking vodka."

Did she mean for you or for her?

If the former, a lot of us are in that boat—and I will admit that I consumed more alcohol during my pianoless periods. (I think there's a connection, but it's a vicious circle: drinking because you're not playing, and not playing because you're drinking.)

If the latter, that's quite a nice compliment!

Steven

For me. It was decidedly uncomplimentary. I'm not a drinker but perhaps I should start.

Some people think, "It's better to have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." I suspect that's true, but those aren't the only choices!

Piano is healthiest. It's soul satisfying—and ever so much better on the liver. (For the brain, a mixed bag. But I've come to the conclusion that it's easier psychologically to play than not play.)

I remember you saying that you find more gratification in playing a piece yourself than from hearing it performed by a professional. I don't know if I ever told you before, but I really relate to that.



Steven

I dont understand this thread...

I only drink vodka on Holidays or if it's not a special occasion. :p

Frycek, I would take that as a compliment!! vodka to russians is like jack daniels to the southerner. It is excellent to them, so in essence i got that your friend was saying that your pianism is above excellent!!! that would be my interpretation:)

What she meant was that the only value my "hobby" has is that it keeps me out of trouble.

Well, I think that's terrible. Our hobbies don't need to have extrinsic value.

She has no way of knowing what value it holds to you. (And if she does know, it makes her remark all the worse!) Dang.

Steven

Frycek-
Had she just heard you play, when she made that remark?

She's never heard me play. She's just being a Russian. She believes the only people who are allowed to play Chopin have studied at a Russian/Polish conservatory since they were toddlers. She's also a failed violinist at same.

Frycek, well I like my interpretation better. Maybe she taking out her own frustrations on you?? I dont know but that was not a nice thing to say.

I personally think you are an excellent pianist:)

Well, there you go! Take her projections with a grain of salt, and by no means take it personally.

I say, drink Vodka AND play the piano! Why does it have to be one or the other?

I think that "the only people who are allowed to play Chopin have studied at a Russian/Polish conservatory since they were toddlers" is even more revealing.

Steven

Ahhhh people and their little opinions. I guess she's just not your target audience, for the same reason that I could care less if a hiphop fan doesn't care for my playing.

Too bad her violin isn't keeping her out of trouble.

"With friends like these, who needs enemies?" (Rodney Dangerfield, I think)

("bottle in front of me/frontal lobotomy" is attributed to Tom Waits btw)

Frycek,
There are two possible appropriate responses to someone like that...

"What on earth gave you the idea I care what you think?"

or

"BITE ME"

pick one (or both)

The problem is the old dear meant it in the kindest possible way - - (thud of heavy irony here)

Sounds like she is bitter and maybe even jelous. Some people just can't find joy in other people's happiness. Her opinion is just her opinion. At least you have a whole bunch of supportive people at PW.

I knew someone like that. She was always putting down people who studied music or were musicians. She said say the only way to make it in music is to write jingles or commercials. She couldn't understand people making music just because the love it.

When I told her I was taking up piano again she suggested I try a different instrument. Apparently she had 8 years of lessons and lugged around a digital keyboard everytime she moved, so she thought I should pick something smaller to play (ok? people usually pick and instrument because they love it-not for its size). Well after 8 years of lessons you'd think she'd be REALLY good. But I heard her play and she could barely play a christmas tune from her fake book. Also she was bragging that not many people can play greensleeves. UH? Greensleeves? After 8 years? Hmmm? Yeah definately a bitter person.

It sounds like a cultural artifact to me. Our wonderful au pair, who was from the Czech Republic, marvelled that anybody can do anything they want for fun in the US. For example, girls without a "dancer's body" take dance for years, recreationally. An adult can begin an art class with no experience.

When she was growing up in Czech, only kids that had a demonstrated aptitude or talent for an activity were encouraged to do it. Avocations, she said, were not really encouraged.

Data point of one, so YMMV.

Regardless of where it came from, though, sorry her comment caused you pain.

I think you're right about the cultural artifact.
As for causing me pain, not so much pain as a sort of bitter amusement.