Does it seem rather presumptuous and self-serving to talk about destiny? I have never thought much about it, honestly. But in trying to put my finger on why I love accompanying Thomas Beard, it hit me: I am fulfilling my destiny.
Thomas and I performed on February 16 as part of the small concert series at my church. The program was in honor of Black History Month and each selection was either composed by or for a Black American. Almost everything was new to me and I haven't practiced that intensely for a long time. (It felt good!) Thomas encourages his pianist to play a solo or two (no prima donna, this man!) and with the help of my friend Lyn I discovered a real gem. Margaret Bonds' Troubled Waters is a glorious piece-atmospheric, virtuosic, invigorating. I had my hands full, literally, and it came off very well.
But getting back to the idea of destiny...why did I feel this way with this particular program and soloist? I called on years and years of practicing, technique and experience of accompanying, from a beginning violinist who stops at the end of each measure to a choir of 70 performing the Brahms Requiem to a professional baritone at the peak of his career. Throughout all my performing experiences I've had to develop the skill of listening and second-guessing the performer or conductor. It's something I do well.
In this stage of life it's gratifying to make use of all those hours of practice and turn them into music. It is my destiny.
Those who do not understand
their destiny, will never understand
the friends they have made,
nor the work they have chosen,
nor the one life that waits
beyond all the others.
