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A sad day. Years ago I used to make sure I always caught her radio show on NPR. She seemed such a decent, down to earth person, besides the incredible talent of course.
95? Was she still playing?
gotta go practice
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Very sad. You did such a good job describing Marian in "Waltz of the Asparagus People" that I almost felt I knew her.
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Thanks, Monica. It was easy to describe such a colorful character. She absolutely sparkled.
Tim, she gave up her hosting duties of the show last year, but stayed on as Artistic Director. Her letters to me indicated that she was still playing at home. I know she had a couple of those tribute concerts recently, where she played with other artists.
"Down to earth" would be a good way to describe her, but she also had an elegance that I truly enjoyed. She loved music; she loved musicians, and pretty much dedicated her life to those two passions.
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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I know Marian was a jazz pianist, but I turn to Bach for these occasions. He seems to have a way of fully registering the feeling of such a life, which no one paragraph or profile is going to do.
It happened that I was driving to San Francisco to spend the day with my dentist, when I heard the news on NPR (so I already had plenty to cry about). They had a wonderful profile on Morning Edition, and some further mention on All Things Considered--- especially nice, because they closed the segment with a clip of Marian playing "There Will Never Be Another You."
If it should be my fate to live to be 95 (it appears unlikely), her example is a good target to aim for. I considered for many years that age 31 was so ancient and over-the-hill that it was extremely unlikely that I would ever make it that far; even less that I would ever do so vulgar a thing as to get, actually, old. But, I have had to reconsider--- and, after all, a teenager has many, very silly beliefs, which there is no point in dragging all the way through life.
Even my first piano teacher was mistaken, when she told me that if I didn't learn to play properly by the time I was 16, I probably never would. Well. Life can be longer than we think... and it doesn't pay to give up and quit trying, just because we're over 16, or just because the goal may remain out of reach.
There will never be another Marian McPartland, just as there will never be another Bach--- not exactly. Still, who can say what wonders may be in store, awaiting their time within the bosom of Nature. It is foreseeable, but only in the most general way. Who could have known that the grief of parting could be paired with the delight of creation, and the fullness of complete satisfaction--- before Bach. It feels true, whether it is, or not. Maybe I have been so sunstruck by the noon of the high Baroque that I have been deafened to most music that has come after--- or maybe, the invention of the tube amp is to blame, helped by the transistor.
I sure enjoyed Marian a lot though, and wish her well. I haven't forgotten the time when she sent flowers to Robin, with best wishes for opening night... even though Marian was performing at another venue. That one little gesture has warmed up the whole world.
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Thanks for this post, Clef. You warmed up my world with your words. Putting on the Bach, right now, hoping to be "sun-struck by the noon of high Baroque."
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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I believe it was Albert Schweitzer who used the phrase, in his two-volume biography of Bach (as well as saying many other very worthwhile things).
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Veering slightly from the topic, Jeff said he was spending the day with his dentist. Hopefully they were on the golf course!
But if not! I recently spent a half day in the dentist's chair, and it was the least unpleasant experience I'd ever had. I opted for something called sedation dentistry, which is a bit more expensive and not covered by insurance. But I'm almost phobic about the dentist, have a highly developed gag reflex, and needed a lot of work. They sprinkled a little powder under the tongue, started to clamp some nose gas thingie on me, and........I was done, with no memory of 4 hours in the chair. And he was able to finish several teeth in one shot rather than multiple appointments. It was totally worth it.
When I heard about Marian passing, I googled for the news stories, and got a rather startling surprise. Apparently I'd never seen her, though I had a memory of watching her on some PBS TV show. She looked so totally different from my mental image - I couldn't believe how badly I'd got it wrong. In hindsight I can see how her voice fit the person, but in my brain that familiar voice was associated with a very different picture.
gotta go practice
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I went to see her perform a few years ago, a rare venture out to a show I was not tuning for. She was charming.
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Here is a link to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and a little piece I wrote about Marian. They published it in their weekend "First Person" column. This is a mini version of the story in "Waltz of the Asparagus People." Happy reading. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/first-person-the-lady-could-play-700554/
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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And Today In Wedding History: "...The first production of Lohengrin was in Weimar, Germany on 28 August 1850 at the Staatskapelle Weimar under the direction of Franz Liszt, a close friend and early supporter of Wagner. Liszt chose the date in honour of Weimar's most famous citizen, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born on 28 August 1749.[1] Despite the inadequacies of the lead tenor Karl Beck,[2] it was an immediate popular success.
"Wagner himself was unable to attend the first performance, having been exiled because of his part in the 1849 May Uprising in Dresden. Although he conducted various extracts in concert... it was not until 1861 in Vienna that he was able to attend a full performance." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohengrin (opera) "...The "Bridal Chorus"... is a march played for the bride's entrance at many formal weddings throughout the Western world, ... generally known as "Here Comes the Bride" or "Wedding March" (though actually "wedding march" refers to any piece in march tempo accompanying the entrance or exit of the bride, notably Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March").
"...The chorus is sung in Lohengrin by the women of the wedding party after the ceremony, as they accompany the heroine Elsa to the bridal chamber. Furthermore, the marriage between Elsa and Lohengrin is an almost immediate failure...
"The "Bridal Chorus" is opposed by many pastors of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod because of pre-First World War Lutheran opposition to the theater and to the pagan elements of Wagner's operas. The Roman Catholic Church generally does not use the "Bridal Chorus"; one diocese's guidelines regarding the piece states that the chorus is a secular piece of music, that it is not a processional to the altar in the opera, and especially that its frequent use in film and television associate it with sentimentality rather than worship..." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridal_Chorus
Clef
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Which is why, of course, the theme from Forrest Gump has become a standard processional in ceremonies worldwide. Stupid is as stupid does.
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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As someone who hasn't played in public since high school (over 30 years ago), I hardly feel worthy to post in this thread. Heck, it's been about a year since I even bothered to read any of the interesting and amusing posts here. But I've been meaning to share this for a while, from the "Yes, That's Really What the Bride Wanted" department.
When my son was 16, he started landing the occasional wedding ceremony and/or reception gig, from people who wanted a pianist but didn't have a big budget. The following year, he played acoustic piano for a ceremony in a church that had previously been a large wooden barn. A week or two before the ceremony, the bride emailed a list of songs to play. My son forwarded it to me. He was familiar with most of the songs, but he'd never actually played any of them.
For gathering music, the first song was Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life Again." A bit non-traditional for a wedding, I thought, but maybe it's "their song" or something. Next came Billy Idol's "White Wedding." Check out the lyrics if you don't know it. Yes, this really happened. Then came a couple other pop/rock songs I've since forgotten. The processional was a recent new-agey type thing by a European guy whose name escapes me (not Vangelis).
For the actual ceremony, a friend of the bride sang and played guitar. But it was the solo piano recessional that made this the wedding I'll never forget - even though I wasn't there: Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." The driving bass line, the screaming melody, the flowers, the lovely bridesmaids, I wish I could have seen it. In this case, if you don't know the lyrics (which were NOT sung at the wedding), it's probably for the best.
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That is one wedding I would've died to be at. I'm old enough that I was watching MTV when all it showed was music videos, and that video for "White Wedding" is even more disturbing than the lyrics. I'm not laying good money down on the longevity of this marriage...
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Lurksalot, if you have more sugarplums like that... please get busy at the keyboard and keep 'em coming. Your topic, "Yes, That's Really What the Bride Wanted," has received an instant field brevet to a Category in "Wedding Jeopardy." Pretty much like Monica said--- though unlike Monica, I would have paid money to stay away, and would have taken her word for it.
I think there's a chance the bride thought she was ordering tracks for her wedding DJ, not realizing that a pianist is different.
I find myself trying to picture what was served as refreshments at the reception--- and with that, I'll stop. Gone far enough.
Last edited by Jeff Clef; 08/29/13 10:21 AM.
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As someone who hasn't played in public since high school (over 30 years ago), I hardly feel worthy to post in this thread. All of good cheer are worthy. I haven't been around as much lately, but there has never been an entry exam for participation in this thread. For gathering music, the first song was Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life Again." A bit non-traditional for a wedding, I thought, but maybe it's "their song" or something. Next came Billy Idol's "White Wedding." I never listened to the lyrics. That song was nearly unavoidable in its heyday, but with sufficient diligence and quick reflexes, one could turn the dial fast enough to limit one's exposure. It's hard to imagine a piano solo version of Whole Lotta Love; I commend your son for the effort. I'd have been tempted to put a guitar slide on the piano strings near the end. I may have mentioned this before, but we played "A Good Hearted Woman (in Love With a Good-Timin' Man)" as a first dance song a few years ago. "Beauty and the Beast" is romantic in a Disney sort of way, but always seemed less than completely complimentary to the groom. Our old wedding band played that back when it was popular, although never as a first dance. "Every Breath You Take" was rumored to be a frequently requested song also, presumably among people who don't pay close attention to lyrics. That includes a good chunk of the population, including political operatives who have famously asked to use songs like "Born in the U.S.A." and "Little Pink Houses" ("Ain't That America") in ads for their candidates. There was even a story, likely apocryphal, that a local politician thought that Randy Newman's "Burn On, Big River" was a paean to Cleveland. And indeed, with the soaring arrangement and clever lyrics "Cleveland, city of light, city of magic", you might miss that the "light" and "magic" in the lyric refer to a time when the polluted Cuyahoga river caught fire.
Last edited by gdguarino; 08/31/13 12:21 PM.
Greg Guarino
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"All of good cheer are worthy. I haven't been around as much lately, but there has never been an entry exam for participation in this thread."
Well said, Greg.
I am headed to the studio today to begin recording my Christmas album. After two months of torturing my neighbors with the likes of "We Three Kings" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" I think I am ready.
The thing is, I have a kick-butt wedding story from this weekend, but (because of the sessions) I don't have time to write it up properly. I'll get it to you later in the week. It involves 100 Russians, about 500 gallons of WODKA, and a soul singer. Oh, there's an indecent exposure incident and a rapping father-of -the-bride as well.
Joy to the world.
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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Sorry for the delay. The Three Kings are in the can and the Night is officially Silent. Hark the Hairy—oh never mind. But I have finished my Xmas recording and I think it will be quite nice.
Now for the promised story:
PART 1: Na Zdorovie!
Two weeks ago ye olde castle hosted a Russian wedding. I was not booked to play for the Russian wedding, but I dutifully showed up at the appointed time to play my regularly scheduled Saturday night gig—a two hour musical romp in the castle lobby, performing for the fine dining crowd. I love this gig. It's peaceful, calm, acoustically perfect.
Imagine my shock and horror when I stepped out of my car in the parking lot—some distance from the lobby—and heard (boomba boomba boomba, boom) the throb of techno music shaking the castle walls. I could almost feel the gravel vibrating under my feet. It was that loud.
If there's anything worse than techno music it's Russian techno music. Hoopa shoopa shoy yoy yoy—that's what it sounded like to me, although I'm sure the lyrics, had I understood them, would have been poignant and wedding-appropriate. The nuptial celebration was taking place in the back parlor— a beautiful salon that holds about 100 people for dinner. The techno band, imported from St.Petersburg, was stuffed in a corner of the salon. I was actually surprised to see a live band; from the sound of the music I was sure there was a DJ back there. Credit where credit is due— I think there must be a certain amount of skill involved in getting a live band to sound exactly like really bad electronic music. Silently, I tipped my hat to all of them. The lead singer, Svetlana, with a killer body and a steely voice, wore a sapphire-blue catsuit. A wonder in lycra.
The song ended. I stood next to the GM, peeking into the salon, and applauded, because, what else could I do? I couldn't play. I know a losing battle when I hear one, and no way was I entering into a Battle of the Bands with the techno branch of Pussy Riot. That's when the chanting started.
WODKA, WODKA, WODKA!!!!!
I noticed that the wine glasses had been replaced by shot glasses. There were hundreds of them set up in the lobby—towering pyramids of crystal reflected the candlelight, the strobe light, and the glare of the videographer's spotlight as he recorded the celebration for future generations to enjoy.
WODKA, WODKA, WODKA!!!!!
The father of the bride, sporting a white John Travolta suit, got up and performed a rap song for his daughter. The techno band accompanied him. There was not a dry eye in the house. Russian Rap, it gets you every time. Then, out of nowhere, a black singer from Berlin (a transplanted New Yorker), got up and sang "Georgia on My Mind." It occurred to me that maybe he was singing about the "other" Georgia, but I wasn't about to start a political discussion on such a sentimental occasion. Mainly, I was bewildered by the singer, whose name was Phil, and how he ended up with Svetlana & Co. at a Russian wedding in Germany. He may well have been thinking the same about me.
WODKA, WODKA, WODKA!!!!!
A word now about the outfits. If you want to see the most beautiful women in the world, go hang out at an event hosted by wealthy Russians. At this evening's event Eastern European supermodels, making comebacks from careers they never had, clung to the arms of middle aged stout men wearing good suits in questionable colors. The young women (or old girls) wore Prada, Chanel, and Versace. They were all hip bones, chiseled cheeks, and shiny long hair. Golden, glowing, perfect. Trophies, all of them.
To be continued (because I have to get dressed for my Sunday lunch gig).
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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PART 2: Na Zdorovie!
Alas, after witnessing one more Russian rap song from the father of the bride (accompanied by a slide show of the bride in her formative years), my boss pried me away from the salon door and sent me downstairs to play in the comparative peace and quiet of the castle's French Brasserie. I could still hear the clumpy thump of the bass, but I was out of range of the girl singer and the amped-up saxophone player (who had possibly taken steroids before the gig started).
I was a little mad to be sent into castle exile—it had been great fun watching the party. The dancing had just started, the wodka swilling was reaching frenzied proportions, and, well, I didn't want to miss a second of it, mainly because I knew that any shindig that featured European super models and middle aged men with lots of gold teeth was bound include an Incident or Two. But, good employee that I am, I settled into my little corner of elegance next to the wine cellar and played an hour's worth of tinka-tinka music. The guests around me sipped Savignon Blanc and took dainty slurps of their bouillabaisse. Lovely indeed, but I couldn't help thinking I was missing something by not being upstairs with all of the Action. Drat. Who wants champagne when they could be knocking back shots of Grey Goose?
Tune in tomorrow for Part 3, the dramatic climax of the Russian wedding story, which takes place in the Ladies Room.
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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Playing for FREE for friends?
For the working pianists how do you deal that. I've had a few ask me to play at their wedding and I don't want to be rude and turn them down but also don't feel respected. Should I just say that will be my wedding gift to them? Or say I can do it at a discounted rate?
I value their friendship more than the $ I would make, yet I know many musicians also face this. Everyone just wants their skills for nothing.
I've had people ask me to play for charities or dinners for free and I just tell them I have a standard rate. But some are non-profit or in fundraising mode so don't have a budget. I'll ask for an honorarium then and tell them just give me what they can.
Would like to hear my fellow pianists thoughts and experiences on this.
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I have a standard policy for this, because yes, it does come up now and then. It's a good question, Wind.
First, really good friends won't ask you to play for free—they might ask if you if you're available and what you charge, so you should be prepared if you sense this is about to happen. Please note: I am NOT talking about playing for free for the neighbor down the street or someone you know vaguely. My policy applies to good friends only. The rest of them can pay the standard rate, or a discounted rate if you're feeling generous (see below). Here are my rules:
1. Never offer to play free of charge if you are missing a paying gig to do so. For me, this means I am tied up on Friday and Saturday evenings, and during the day on Sunday. If you really want to be at the wedding and play for your friend, then be honest and tell them that you'll be missing a gig on that date, so you'll have to charge them enough to "pay for your sub." Trust me, a good friend will understand this!
2. Set limits and insist on a good piano. I always say, "As my wedding gift to you, I will play for one hour (or two) during your cocktail reception (or ceremony). It's up to you to make sure a tuned piano is there." (This sometimes cancels the whole deal, because most venues don't have pianos and renting a grand is so pricey). Anyway, put a time limit on it and make sure they are providing a tuned instrument.
3. For those "friends" who are not close (but still close enough that you feel obliged to offer them something), offer a "friendship price,". Tell them what you normally charge, then give them a nice discount. I charge a lot to play a wedding (like, really a lot), so even if I give someone a 50 % discount I am still doing really well.
Playing for free for dear friends as they celebrate their marriages? I love it! If I'm going to be at the party anyway, why not make my music a wedding gift to them? It doesn't happen all that often, and when it does, it's an honor. I think if you set limits and enter the situation with a great attitude, you'll be treated as a hero and have fun at the same time.
Hope that helps.
Robin Meloy Goldsby www.goldsby.de Available June 18th, 2021--Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life Also by RMG: Piano Girl, A Memoir; Waltz of the Asparagus People; Rhythm; Manhattan Roadtrip Music by RMG available on all platforms RMG is a Steinway Artist
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