Tragedy in the Skies and A Ray of Light with Brahms

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.