GRACE 5/5: I had the difficult work of playing “catch-up” today having missed Monday and Tuesday! Those were some LONG fugues to read through all in one sitting. Oof! At least he’s parading through the keys in a manner that makes logical sense to my mind and fingers, which makes it much easier to change between one key and the next.
The 4th prelude does indeed have those dark, broody vibes I enjoy. [Ed. 🙂 ]
Snapped a shot today of my music stand which is looking weird and broody as usual (attached). Somehow whenever I play Shostakovich it just makes me want to play the Prokofiev Capriccio (which really needs some work, so I should say I want to practice it more).
Having Bob’s picture on the piano feels especially appropriate this month. I reached out to one of my fellow UMBC Psych grads ([name removed]) who worked in his lab and told her that I’m playing Shostakovich and thinking of Bob this month. I suggested she could listen along (not necessarily inviting her to join our discussion, just as a way to “join us” in a manner of speaking as a way to connect with his memory) and it seems like she is listening to it as she studies for exams!
HELEN: 5/5: Grace, thank you for this poignant message. Your image is below, which is nearly overwhelming for me today. Beautiful juxtaposition of Bob and Shostakovich. What you didn’t know: Rachmaninoff was my mother’s favorite composer, and so a favorite of my father’s, and I just played Anderson & Roe’s Rach 2/Eric Carmen mash up into his ear, as he is doing the work of leaving life.
Wondering if we’ll hear from Katie today. Â Girl, this is your Prelude & Fugue, and a favorite of mine, like a quality lemon curd.
