Just today while surfing around and killing time, I stumbled upon some wonderful outtakes on YouTube of Andre' Rieu concerts. What magnificent music; from Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz" to Webber's "Don't cry for me, Argentina"! Such is the music I tremendously enjoy, things from Vivaldi to John Williams.
As a lad, I took piano lessons. Took them from a wonderful old lady who was born during the Civil War. Her studio was on Mendota, south of Foley. Once a week, off to try to impress her with my latest rendition of Chopin. Don't guess I ever did, but how I learned to appreciate the fingerwork of a master -- both her, and also Chopin.
Then, my grandfather, bless his soul, taught me the fundamentals of the flute. Carried that through Monnier Grade School to the suffering of Mr. Schevo, and on to Mackenzie High School, and the evil eye of Sam Emmer. But my God, how I loved the music we played! The Mackenzie Band and Orchestra was on par with the best in the DPS system. We played Beethoven. We played Gershwin. We played the wonderful happy music of Leroy Anderson, he of the Boston Pops.
Anyway, thanks to that foundation of sixty plus years ago, to this day I love my good music. It is not the music of four persons who never took a voice lesson whamming on three guitars and a set of drums. It is not vulgar lyrics and discordant sounds. It is not about anger and hate, as is so much of what today's performers present.
Nope, I'm a person of yesterday. I still love Gogi Grant and "The Wayward Wind", and just thinking of Doris Day singing "Secret Love" brings tears to these old eyeballs.
I just hope some of you young 'uns catch on to the music of days gone by. I hope, for you, so very much.
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