11.16.13

     These violinists played music that was beautiful and emotionally moving.  It is a different experience to hear stringed instruments compared to vocal or piano performances. Feeling and connection to the music and its sound can be seen all over the musicians faces.  For most of the song, their eyes remain closed.  They have memorized, and internalized, the music.  I enjoy seeing this internalization the most, and when I draw their faces, I try to capture this essence of their art. Most of the musicians played known classical greats-Bach, Beethoven, Brahms.  One violinist, a young woman named Amy Hillis, played 'Dancer on a Tightrope,' a piece by Sofia Gubaidulina.  To me, this piece sounded more modern and expressive-more 20th Century.  Also, I seemed to be hearing Asian influences reminiscent of Noh and Kabuki music.  Spare, spine tingling notes that build and shatter consciousness, that shred the sensibilities.  Music as threat and horror.  You feel the imperative to flee, but fascination and curiosity keep you riveted to your seat.  The emotions were rawer, anxiety-inducing, dramatic, with a terrifying edge at moments.  Brilliantly performed by the violist and accompanied by a pianist, Kevin Korth, who plucked the piano's strings like a laid out harp, and who used a glass jar to distort the sound in ear-bendingly skittish ways.  I was too mesmerized to draw, and wished I could have made a video recording it or taken jpgs.  I was tempted, but it is prohibited.  'Dancer on a Tightrope' will have to live in my memory, where I hope it won't be forgotten.

Part of my finger got caught in this frame.  On the Bart again, taking jpgs of passengers.  Here is a musician on his way home, I suspect, from an evening busking on the streets somewhere in SF.  Possibly 16th & Mission, where a horde of poets, musicians, and street performers congregate at night.  I like the silhouette this fellow makes, all dressed in black from head to foot, with guitar strapped to his back and black milk crate his portable stool.  Music in his heart.  I hope he had a memorable evening.

adjustable piano bench - sfcm