Tour (part III) : The Musician : a Heart, a Brain and… Discipline !
Dear Readers,
I arrived last night in Quebec City. I was finally able to sleep and rest during the drive. Buses became very comfortable. It’s pleasant and relaxing. My short visit to Montreal was VERY intense. I couldn’t lose a minute as I’ll be on the road for quite a bit. And everyday reality goes on with bills, tax period, laundry, cleaning…life 🙂 !!
Quebec City is always an experience ! I almost forgot the peaceful feeling of being here. The hotel is gorgeous. We are all staying in a “Manoir” in the old city which has a distinctive charm. I’m used to standard hotel rooms, wherever I go. Such a place has its own character. How inspiring ! And I woke up and smell fresh croissants this morning !!
It’s good to meet again with the CMC team. We didn’t see each other for only two days, but I was starting to miss our crew ! When we share such intensive days on a long period of weeks, we also develop a wonderful bond of friendship.
The CMC sessions in Quebec are taking place at the music conservatory which is the province second in size, after Montreal. We were warmly welcomed by the director of the conservatory, Louis Dallaire. The coincidence of this meeting in Quebec during the CMC is special as Louis used to be the general director of the competition from 1995 to 2009. This year, he has been named Honourary Patron for the CMC in Quebec. I had the privilege to cross the whole country for two months in 2009 as a jury for the CMC during his last tour as general director. It was memorable, with laughter, stress, rushes, last minute planes, music, long drives, the Rockies and Lake Louise, good restaurants, spinach salads tasted all over the country, lots of great talents etc. etc. etc ! He was the Soul of the competition. His dedication was exceptional.
I’m practicing my violin during breaks for my upcoming concerts. At the time we were touring with Louis, he organized all the practice rooms for me in universities and concert halls. Today, he does it again but in the institution that he is leading ! Life is surprising.
Gifted people are not always necessarily born in big cities and I’m often impressed by the number and the level of talents when I’m visiting smaller cities. Today, while listening to the candidates, I could see (again !) how crucial is a healthy lifestyle in the demanding vocation of music !
Every Art has its own challenges, but music embodies so many elements. First the natural sense of style and phrasing, or the ability to create symbolic colours through the only tool of sound, untouchable and subjective, is one of the most inspiring but also very challenging element to develop. This is also what characterizes a musician ; the Sound ! It is like a fingerprint, a signature !! A deep introspection of one’s own thoughts and feelings should guide a musician in this continuous search which also reflects the human behind the artist, life experience etc.
The intellect, while analyzing a music score or performing it, is also continuously active. And feelings or emotions without a brain can never be balanced and controlled.
This concentration on stage can be sometimes experienced to such an extent that a musician can really have the impression of being away, in “another world”. When this happens, it is probably one of the strongest feeling that can be experienced.
The instrumental reflexes are conditioned. This is why a daily, intensive and well thought practice is crucial. It is like a sportsman. Such a discipline is the key to the tools which will allow a musician to “speak” through the language of music, and go beyond the sole instrumental technique.
I believe that a musician needs a heart that is able to give everything and a mental of steel. Not easy and certainly a lifelong challenge !!
Here is a special thought to my students who are working hard and progressing beautifully, and to all the young artists embracing music with passion and sincerity…
Until next time, enjoy the pictures and I thank you for your loyalty !
Laurence from the road.
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