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WHChaibun
- Adelaide Shaw |
Haibun Selections
Paul T. Conneally, Editor
Loughborough, UK
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
Adelaide Shaw
New York, USA
There is drama in the opening chords. The piano alone- six times the same chord,
beginning pianissimo, getting louder with each repetition. Then a sweeping blend
of violins and piano. I listen and forget the arduous task I'm doing, peddling
my exercise bike. The music lifts me beyond the mundane aspects of daily life.
icy sleet
on the windows -
empty bird feeder
Now an introduction of horns and
full orchestra. The piano, romantic in tone. A quiet orchestral melody.
Hollywood borrowed the melody for a film years ago. Everyone of a certain age
would know it.
I'm there in the concert hall. Spotlight on the pianist, his head bent over the
keys, fingers flying. The audience is in shadow. All still but for the
occasional cough or sneeze. Bike exercise completed, I remain listening. An
increased tempo in the third movement. Passages of piano fireworks, each note
quick, clear and sharp. I've listened to this so often I can anticipate each
phrase, each note. Then the full orchestra again, soaring with the melody and
finally closing with a strong crescendo.
with gloved hands
spilling bird seed -
sleet down my collar
