Musical Offerings

I was saddened to learn of tenor Jerry Hadley's death this past week. Several years ago I had the privilege of seeing a university production of Leonard Bernstein's Candide in which he played the role of Dr. Pangloss. I believe Hadley directed the staging and coached the student singers. The young man who played Candide did an extraordinary job.In this final performance, these talented young musicians played and sang their hearts out while I sat transfixed. When the curtain fell, I knew I had been given a wonderful gift for which I was deeply grateful. Thank you Mr. Hadley.

In a similar vein, many years earlier I heard violinist Isaac Stern play with a major symphony orchestra. At the end of the concert, Mr. Stern came out on stage alone. The stage was dark except for a single spot. A friend of his and patron of that orchestra had died recently and Mr. Stern wanted to pay his respects. He then performed the chaconne from Bach's second Partita for solo violin. The concert hall was absolutely still. No one coughed and no programs rustled, as one of the world's greatest musicians played the highest of tributes to his friend. That happened over forty years ago. Bravo Mr. Stern.

One might ask why these events were so unforgettable? Each went beyond a highly skilled performance. These were moments which transcended the here and now, and touched briefly the timeless realm of the sublime.