Posted by Leland on September 06, 2002 at 19:37:23:
In Reply to: favorite moment? posted by ck on September 05, 2002 at 16:56:23:
Part of what I'll label a "musical moment" is a stipulation of sorts -- that it be part of a certain performance, either recorded or live. If it's simply the notes, then to me, it's a "compositional moment", so to speak. Any genuis-level written moment can be ruined -- or raised to glory -- by the performers involved.
Personally, I'll never forget sightreading the melody part of "Zoot Suit Riot" on euph during a show where I had gone simply to see my parents perform. I went down to the pit to say hi to my mom & dad and the rest of the band, and one of the bandleaders said, "Hey, you want to play? I was going to double between euph and trumpet, but you're welcome to sit in!" THAT whole experience was a blast, sightreading written and improv stuff in a live performance in front of maybe three thousand people, and -- best of all -- as part of a show that I've watched my parents do for as long as I could remember.
Another moment was the last time we played Bach's "Chorale Prelude" in the quintet at the church I grew up with. It was the last piece we played, concluding the last season I was in the group before moving off to continue college. We always played this one well, but this time was special.
And, I'm going into a genre that some won't like to hear about...
Santa Clara Vanguard 1984, the resolution just after the company front dissolves in the closer, Copland's "Tender Land".. I have NEVER been able to just let that one go by without hitting the rewind button five or ten times.
Empire Statesmen 1997, as a member -- I have never before, or since, been a part of a performance where everything went so right, so perfectly, and with often frightening amounts of energy. It's one of those things that defies adequate description.
Anyway, back to tuba talk...