An Old Drawing for my Father by anahata.c
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Description
I was going to wait till I finished commenting before posting again, but I wanted to post this for my father tonight. Tonight's the 2d night of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, so I dedicate this to him. I was a classical pianist for many years, and my father studied opera many years: We had that bond from the start. The 2 greatest collections for keyboard are the 32 Piano Sonatas of Beethoven, and the Well-Tempered Klavier of Bach. I played them both; and the WTKlavier---an astonishing collection of the most brilliant variety & depth (not to mention difficulty)---fill you with such cosmic scope, you feel you've traveled the universe when you've finished. One week a teacher let me use her harpsichord---the instrument Bach wrote for---and I sat in a dark empty hall & played all 48 preludes & fugues of the WTKlavier, over 5 nights. I can't explain what it's like to commune with music alone, if you've never done it: You sink into the keys, you go to the center of your being, you make love with those keys, you make love through the music, you feel you're filling the silence for the first time in creation, the music becomes prayer, meditation, and you're lifted up slowly, silently airborne; and when you look down after many hours, the whole world is beneath you. When I was done, I couldn't leave. I sat there for an hour in silence. I left those sessions unable to speak, immensely grateful for the gift of such art, and equally grateful that after so many years of playing these on piano, I finally got to play them on Bach's beloved choice: the cutting, brittle & explosive harpsichord. I then made my father a sketch---from memory---of that little instrument...It's yellowed now, and the harpsichord was actually bigger, but it was just a sketch. I found this at my father's last week, and photographed it. I present it now in gratitude. For you Dad, I re-present this snapshot of what music has meant to me, to someone who gave it to me in the first place. I'd have never done art without it---music was my start, and it will be with me to my end, and all my drawing, painting & words came from that fountain. So on this festival of lights, I dedicate this to you, with love & humility & boundless gratitude, for all your many gifts and great love...love, Mark
Comments (22)
MrsRatbag
Bravo; your father must be very proud of you. I would be if I'd had a son with your gifts and keen soul...a simple and profoundly moving image!
auntietk
Brittle What a perfect word to describe the sound of a harpsichord! The name of the instrument brings the sound, so unlike any other, but I would have been hard pressed to describe it so perfectly. I've found a recording of someone playing Well-Tempered Klavier II #14 in F#, so I can listen while I look at your image and compose my thoughts. First off, you left me speechless, my dear. Seriously. Do you know how hard it is to DO that?? The drawing, your description of what it was like to play that instrument all those years ago, the dedication to your father ... I just sat here in silence for I don't know how long, trying to figure out what I could possibly SAY after that! This is a wonderful piece of art, a gorgeous story, and a beautiful dedication. Superb!
bmac62
Simply and beautifully sketched. The words for your father come from a heart obviously overflowing with respect, love, appreciation and gratitude. My mother was an organist who also played the piano and viola. My father played the cello and any brass instrument he picked up. But their musical creativity skipped over me to my daughters. As has been said by many others, the only thing I can play is the radio:-) I had a long talk about spiritual things with my father over a period of many years. He and I saw the world differently BUT he said the same thing that I think you are saying above...he communed with angels and his higher power through his music...he couldn't explain it...but he felt it and knew it. Happy holidays to you and your family at this wonderful time of the year.
beachzz
Music is the most primal of the arts, I think. It takes so many forms, be it a drum in the jungle or this harpsichord you so elegantly present. I've strummed a guitar, plunked a few keys on the piano, but I've never really played. I do understand the feeling of losing yourself in music, however. And your dedication to your father is so perfect and so truly real, that it touches me greatly. I never had that with either of my parents, that one connection, the one bond that ties you so closely. You honor him beautifully and in so doing, you have honored yourself as well.
helanker
I am completely stunned here. Have no words.. for a while. Yes, I can say, I just LOVE your beautiful drawing. It has such a lovely grace. I am happy that I can say, I know how you can play, so it is not difficult to imagine, what you must have felt, the day you had the opertunity to play this lovely instrument, the Hapsichord. We had such one for a short time in the music publishing store, where I was educated, so I have tried it for a moment and it is an amazing instrument. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when you were playing it. Your beautiful words for your dear father are so touching, that I have no words. What a beautiful soul you are, Mark.
Mondwin
Beautiful words and done my friend!!!bravisimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
dragonmuse
Wonderful dedication. Your words are magical. I do not have much musical skill or talent, so have not ever experienced such, but your description sings to the heart.
durleybeachbum
Having heard you play I can perhaps imagine the wonder of that night! What talents you have, Mark, of words, images, music and compassion all in one person. You are astounding and we are privileged to meet you.
KateBlack10
Such an honor to witness such a beautiful dedication to your Dad. You both sound like very special people who share a wonderful and powerful bond. Your drawing is very good-
flavia49
very beautiful! great tribute!
romanceworks
How I would have loved to hear you play that Harpsichord. Music, for me, is a beautiful universal language that has always spoken to my heart. There are few things that have given me as much joy. I felt your joy, in your description, in your drawing, in your love of music, and especially for your father. The drawing resembles a child's perspective, and this is so fitting because it is the child in all of us who will always hear, play, dance, and sing. A very touching dedication, Mark. CC
sandra46
GREAT EMOTION! WONDERFUL DRAWING PS You got me: I loved Japanese and Chinese art and I copied a lot of it as a young girl. It looks it's still in the back of my soul's closet ;D
goodoleboy
Shades of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms....the harpsichord, one of my favorite conveyors of music. I have some old 33-1/3rpm harpsichord records I used to listen to all the time, that is, way back in the precomputer era. But I digress....as I do so often. A very cool sketch, plus most moving and poignant words and dedication to your father, who led you down the path of eclectic accomplishment with your musical talents, Mark. My father did not possess any of your dad's attributes in that area.
npauling
This little sketch holds such a powerful memory for you and I'm sure your father treasured it too when he has held onto it for so long. You are a true artist to get so immersed in your music and art. I feel a little like this with my garden and my art. A beautiful work.
magnus073
Mark, let me be honest and say this is my second attempt to comment on this lovely work of art my friend. The first time I was so moved and choked up, and thought it best to come back tonight. This is such a wonderful dedication, and it's easy to see the love and care that went into the creation of it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this Mark, as they made it complete. You have such a way with words and your art, and I'm sure this is one your Dad will always treasure.
novelist
I agree with magnus073, this literally choked me up, too. I miss my father, and how lovely that you can share all these memories and moments and your works of art together. I have heard you play and know what you say is true. You are so gifted, not only as an artist and writer, your music is sublime. I know I'm not out here very often lately (hopefully that will change again soon), but I wanted to stop in and say Happy Chanukah to you and saw this amazing dedication to your father. It's a great drawing. I love the lines, the simplicity that says so much and I think the patina of the drawing speaks volumes of a life well lived.
zoren
a lovely drawing, sensitive and bold. A surely loving and genuine bond you and your father have.
anaber
It is a wonder, when an old sketch, brings up so important memories in our life... it was a gift not expected!! And surely, not only for your dad, also for you! Your words tells this with such strengh straight from your heart. You shared with your memories, the wonders you could touch and reach, yet, and so beautifully, you shared YOU, yourself, simply! with us, here...and this way, you also did the most wonderful dedication to your father: both in communion. Your words are a big lesson of life, also, a big proof of love! and your drawing... is a proof of what art really is: feelings and sensations, love and simplicity!Thank you,very,very much Mark.
amota99517
This is fantastic and such a wonderful dedication. Happy holidays to you.
three_grrr
I had to go and find it and listen as well, youtube has it on harpischord .. It somehow makes this drawing even better. I can see you sitting there .. in the quiet darkness, with just a light on you, playing .. I love this. I love the thought behind it. You are one very lucky man to have the father you have.
faroutsider
This is another posting that aptly summarises everything that you are - simple, sublime, and overflowing with the warmest compassion imaginable... Wishing you a belated Happy Chanukah, my friend.
myrrhluz
Such a beautiful narrative, drawing, and dedication. A wonderful celebration of the love of music that your father introduced to you, and that now you can share together. I have never played, but I have felt music enter deeply inside of me, feeling it soak into every square inch of my body and making me lighter with its presence. Reading your words, I can almost feel that presence coming out of my fingers. What a marvelous thing. I love your drawing! It has simple and graceful lines, and seems to invite the viewer in, to listen or perhaps to play. A wonderful gift for your father. Thank you for sharing your words, and drawing with us.