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So, I've been to Vermont and back again. I had offered to play for funerals, schedule permitting, since I left, but there's a short list of folks whose services I particularly want to play; one of those passed on last week.
I made arrangements to stay with friends Tuesday night so that I could practice this morning. That meant I had time on the way up to drive around my old area for a couple of hours. I drove past the house, of course, but also visited a lot of my favorite nature spots. It was wonderful to walk at the places I love again, but very painful too. I love Vermont more than anyplace I've ever lived. Though I am enjoying exploring my new area, and am finding beautiful places, it's just not the same; way too many people here, especially.
I stayed with my beloved Plourdes, and had lots of time with the children. Lillian has gotten over being shy with me, and interacted with me quite a lot. The older girls had prepared my guest room, so I had Disney princess sheets, a Winnie the Pooh blanket, and the prettiest nightlight I've ever had.
The funeral was particularly intense for me because more than ever before, I was playing for the family. I am far closer to the widow and (grown) children than I was to the deceased; and they are music lovers, so I knew they were taking advantage of the speakers in their waiting area to listen even to my prelude. I was able to time things so that I played one special request as they were waiting to enter. And the soloist lost herself in the moment; it was amazingly moving.
Playing was really extraordinary for me in other ways, too. The wonderful instrument, marvelous acoustic, really amazing hymn singing... I lost myself for much of the service too. And... more than half of those in attendance were from outside the church, and had never heard me before... and I sensed that they were listening, far more than is usual. There was chatter, which I totally understand at such a gathering; but it was very quiet, and died away entirely as I reached the final moments of each piece, and while I started the next. I have a sense that my music was actually noticed, not just background... it's a nice feeling. And someone hummed along audibly when I played a setting of "Shall We Gather at the River."
Then afterwards, much time with old friends, and many hugs, and then the lovely drive home. Very tired now, very glad I went.
I made arrangements to stay with friends Tuesday night so that I could practice this morning. That meant I had time on the way up to drive around my old area for a couple of hours. I drove past the house, of course, but also visited a lot of my favorite nature spots. It was wonderful to walk at the places I love again, but very painful too. I love Vermont more than anyplace I've ever lived. Though I am enjoying exploring my new area, and am finding beautiful places, it's just not the same; way too many people here, especially.
I stayed with my beloved Plourdes, and had lots of time with the children. Lillian has gotten over being shy with me, and interacted with me quite a lot. The older girls had prepared my guest room, so I had Disney princess sheets, a Winnie the Pooh blanket, and the prettiest nightlight I've ever had.
The funeral was particularly intense for me because more than ever before, I was playing for the family. I am far closer to the widow and (grown) children than I was to the deceased; and they are music lovers, so I knew they were taking advantage of the speakers in their waiting area to listen even to my prelude. I was able to time things so that I played one special request as they were waiting to enter. And the soloist lost herself in the moment; it was amazingly moving.
Playing was really extraordinary for me in other ways, too. The wonderful instrument, marvelous acoustic, really amazing hymn singing... I lost myself for much of the service too. And... more than half of those in attendance were from outside the church, and had never heard me before... and I sensed that they were listening, far more than is usual. There was chatter, which I totally understand at such a gathering; but it was very quiet, and died away entirely as I reached the final moments of each piece, and while I started the next. I have a sense that my music was actually noticed, not just background... it's a nice feeling. And someone hummed along audibly when I played a setting of "Shall We Gather at the River."
Then afterwards, much time with old friends, and many hugs, and then the lovely drive home. Very tired now, very glad I went.
