QotD: Thanks for the Memories
What are the 10 most memorable music performances you've seen? (Remember, "memorable" may not be good.)
Submitted by Bill.
In the long and distinguished history of music, there is only one performance that I have found truly memorable. Yes, some people may like to focus on amazing gigs they've been too, or nights where they connected so much to the music that it went beyond anything they'd experienced before, but these such occurrences pail into insignificance next to my 1997 performance in the spring term concert with the Whitburn School Orchestra.
While some pupils excelled at their instruments, most of us were not quite so useful, but made up for what we lacked in talent with enthusiasm. So, while the handful or mercilessly smug kids who could play did, certain of the more imaginative pupils in the back row, such as yours truly decided to upstage them with raw musical passion. I raised the Clarinet to my lips, but instead of blowing proceeded to shake and swing it like Louis Armstrong playing his trumpet on Speed.
Awe. Awe. That is what people had. AWE! Or at least I think thats what that not amused, slightly irate, "you're never going to be in another concert ever again" look they were giving us meant. Yes, and what did I get for my performance? Did I get any credit? Nope. And, to add insult to injury I was sacked a month or two later for my "embouchure". Yeah, right, because that was the reason. I'm still not even convinced it's a word never mind a reason to sack your most energetic clarinetist.
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