This performance was a home-coming for me – so many colleagues and friends from early on in my career, folks to whom I have looked up all my life. Although I wasn’t nervous, I do want to say that I had some trepidation about presenting to these superbly knowledgeable musicians my intensely personal artistic vision of J.S. Bach and his music. Somehow it seemed to go well and all were enthusiastic in their appreciation – phew!
In talking afterwards with my life-long friend Earl Howard – composer, instrumentalist – I started to get an idea of a new kind of sound that I might bring to the Bach works – one in which my particular violin and it’s unique sound would play a large part. More on this as the Journey of 100 continues.
I feel so blessed to have been at this mesmerizing memorizing performance. I went through all the seasons and struggles of life alongside the hope and tearful joy it also brings. Thank you for this journey, this condensed piece of living. Made even more special by not bringing in social media or recording of any sort.. just for us, bringing timelessness and unadulterated memories. So Powerful. THank you!
Shem, the music you played at Claudia’s and Mark’s flooded my mind with memories of my beautiful musical brother—as it soared and dipped and floated and surged, I traveled to places we’d been together. Thank you
Shem – it was fantastic! Wonderful to sit 5 feet away and hear this magnificent piece. I was hyper-aware of the struggle and determination in there. Beautifully played. I know you’re already in touch with Suzy Goodspeed, my wife, who couldn’t be there because she was sick, and there are plans to do this at our house in Setauket (near Stony Brook) in March. Very much looking forward to this! I want to hear it again!!!
All the Best,
Ray
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