He added it as an encore, just for me. I saw him look at me as he was taking his bows. Then he walked to stage left, toward the stairs to exit, and paused. Then he returned to the piano to finish the story of Tony and Maria, adding a wistful tone to the song. It was so full of emotion that it made me cry.
"Oh, dear. I'm sorry to hear that."
Oh, no, it was wonderful to be so moved by the music. Trinity UMC has acoustics that are perfect for classical music, and seeing the trees right outside the windows adds to the ambience. As I told Mary, one of the patrons, I can close my eyes and get into the groove of the music, then open them and feel almost like I'm on the plaza in Siena again.
"That's a lovely memory from that trip with the nurses. Hey, what did you mean about Simon Mulligan looking at you? What's that all about?"
That's for real. I was the Upstairs Bouncer at the Church, as I called my volunteer position, and during the show I sat in the back left corner of the house. However, once I realized that he was performing personal mash-ups of the Leonard Bernstein songs, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I thought of it as "piano with momentary lapses of staid", with more serious moments suddenly careening into kicky little jazz bits! Honestly, if I could have found an area to stand and twirl, I certainly would have done so! As it was, I made do with dancing in my seat. Well, until he would finish that particular stream of music, then I'd stand up and clap mightily!!! I'm sure that's what drew his focus toward me.
"I don't doubt that. Was anyone else rising to their feet after his songs?"
No, just me. I've noticed at the Savannah Music Festival concerts, especially the classical ones, that there are certain protocols. No one stands until the very end, no matter if the piece was especially moving or particularly well-played or whatever. I felt secure bucking that protocol as I was in the balcony, where few had cared to trod. Only the house left was open for seating and the sun streaming in made that area a bit toasty. Of course, that was just perfect for me!
"Of course! (smile!) What songs did he play, besides that one from "West Side Story"?"
Hear me now: it wasn't 'just' the one song from that musical. He truly played all the songs that were specific to the tragic romance between Tony and Maria. Moreover, he did so without any sheet music, whether on actual paper or an electronic gadget, as Assaf had used. For this SMF36 concert, I felt I was given a musical as a bonus. From the staccato rhythm of the gangs in the "Jet Song" - with Mulligan actually snapping his fingers and smacking the wood on the piano frame - to the girlish glee of "I Feel Pretty", the awestruck love Tony has for "Maria", then the hopeful joy of love "Tonight", followed by the back to the reality of life in "America". Wow!!!
"Wow!!!"
That's when he stood and went to leave the stage. I'm so glad he came back and gave us "Somewhere", to complete their love story.
"Even though it made you leave tear stains in your shirt sleeves?"
I think especially because it did that. (smile!) Right place, right time, you know?
"I do. Then you had Mama's amaryllis waiting to greet you with big, happy, smiles when you returned home. Yes, Sybil Faustina would have loved that piano man."
I have no doubt that she did love the show today. Those windows let the music float right out and entertain all the Earth and sky! I'm so glad I chose this show!
No comments:
Post a Comment