Dear Readers,
There are few words tonight as the country is trying to process this unspeakable tragedy in Washington, DC.
I was planning on sharing some new things, but:
1. I’m too upset.
2. Son 1 Cale’s in town.
3. Son 2 Aaron just moved.
4. I’m coming down with a cold.
5. I’m too upset.
Yes, I know there are tragedies every day. But this one, with all those young elite skaters on board, touched me deeply.
However, I found a bit of relief with beautiful music.
I was scrolling through Instagram to calm down, and I came across this amazing creator, Roman Deida, who takes notable historical figures, animates them, and then brings them into the 21st century with shades and cell phones; that sort of thing.
Today, a young Johannes Brahms showed up in my feed.
Whoa, baby!
Who knew that dude was so hot!
You did?
It looks like he had a hard life.
After seeing the young Johannes, I had to learn more, and that is when I came across one of Brahm’s most exquisite pieces. Intermezzo op 118 mvt 2.
As many know, I adore piano music. For example, I recently shared the fantastic young Alexandra Dovgan. Alexandra is also in this post from a year ago when she was nine!
Yes, I’m super picky about my music. Of course, I am.
There’s a fine line between expressive, tasteful, and mannered. I adore the former, and I turn off the latter immediately. However, with this piece’s bittersweet melodies, I would say that less is definitely more.
Isn’t it often that way with just about everything?
So, I listened to several talented pianists, including some of the greats, and no one I found played this piece better than Arthur Jussun. When it was recorded, he was a teenager. Today, he is 28 and usually performs with his brother, Lucas.
By the way, I don’t have a thing about prodigies. Or, maybe I do because I find their lack of pretense appealing.
While you’re listening, please enjoy a photo of my son Aaron taken last night after his plane landed in Austin, TX.
For a bit more about Aaron, I wrote a brief page here.
Please enjoy Brahms Intermezzo Opus 118, Mvt 2. I hope this music soothes your soul as much as it has mine.
That’s all for tonight. Cale just returned, and I’m going to spend some time with him.
xo,
Dedicated with love to the victims of the tragic accident in Washington, DC.
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18 Responses
That is truly the most tender and beautiful performance of that piece I’ve heard. I’ll be searching out this pianist. What connection to the music!
Thank you, Laurel. Deeply felt and appreciated. Appropriate piece for these times. Brahms Intermezzo Opus 118, Mvt 2.
Sorry – I meant Aaron! I have a friend with sons Aaron and Adam!
Hi Traci,
Actually, I wanted to name Aaron, Adam, however, I was outvoted by my wasband and four-year-old Cale.
Skating is mourning – although Dick Button, 95, had been ill for awhile, his time of passing is noted. (For those that don’t know skating, Mr. Button, a former Olympian, was a long-time announcer for skating competitions). I am old enough to recall my now-deceased Mother weeping in front of the television as another group of Boston-skaters perished in a plane accident in the early 1960’s.
I am enjoying your music selection for us – thank you Laurel. But most of all, I enjoyed the bright eyes of your Adam. May he be blessed with a calm heart, peace and protection. So glad he seems glad. Glad kid: happy Mama…
Prayers of healing to you, Laurel. And prayers of healing for all those affected by tragedy. My mom heart is breaking :[ Thank you for checking in with us and for the beautiful music. So happy for your family that Aaron is back in your lives!
Hello Laurel
Hope you are feeling a lot better. Enjoy your son’s visit. Prayers for healing.🙏❤️❤️🙏 prayers for the victims and their families 🙏🙏🙏
Both of your boys (men) are so handsome! Enjoy your time with them.
Prayers of peace and healing for you and our broken world. I loved the interview with Aaron. He has a good soul. Thanks to him for keeping up the good fight.
Your sentiments are mirrored by my own and we’ll have to have our own time of mourning for the loss of these precious people.
Aaron is a very handsome young man and I hope the future is agreeable for him and all concerned.
The gentleness of Intermezzo is perfect for the tragedy of lost lives. So nice to see how tightly you hold your sons in your heart. Rest, recover, and be healed soon.
Perfect music for a memorial. I can see a lone skater taking in the notes and releasing all their emotions through the ice.
Also, the Roman Deida AI videos can teach us the impact of a smile.
Your message was perfect today. Thank you.
Who said “When you become mom, you agree to let your heart wander around outside your body.” I am so very sad. No words. Thank you for the music – I was a Suzuki violin student. If it weren’t so late, I’d play “Ashokan’s Farewell,” by Jay Unger & Molly Mason. I’ve played it for most of my relatives’ memorial services – it has that bittersweet quality.
Dear Laurel, Thank you for sharing a lovely photo gallery of Aaron and your thoughts as you reflected on the heartbreak and vulnerability you felt as a mother contemplating the loss of so many youngsters who are victims of the devastating air crash.
You may wish to read the touching memorials for the figure skating contingent written by Dave Lease on his Instagram account @theskatinglesson . Thanks also for the recommendation for the Brahms Intermezzo.
Thank you for sharing that, Libby. I also learned that Dick Button passed away today! (the 30th) I used to love his commentary. He was the best!
Laurel…I understand you tonight! I’m so upset too! I couldn’t even sleep last night. After flying from NYC to New Orleans last night – getting off the plane to seeing people gathered around TV monitors and realizing there was a crash. It was a very sobering moment for me – especially after having just landed. Thanks for the music…I’m listening now!
From one mom to another I know what it’s like to worry about a child. It doesn’t matter how old they are. I hope Aaron continues to be well, that you have peace of mind and that your relationship with him continues to grow.