Listening to Classic FM while working at home today, a Bach cello piece was played. It would normally have been delightful, but now filled me with a sense of shame.
It was played by Stephen Isserlis, who I saw perform at a concert more than 15 years ago. I was learning to play the cello and my music teacher had secured front row tickets for me and my family in the (er) renowned Dorking Halls.
But I was foolish, I was young, I was bored. I took to flicking through the programme during an Isserlis solo. He was scraping away just in front of us and (according to my Mum) glared at this impudent audience member affecting studious scrutiny of his biographical details, rather than sitting listening awe-struck. My Mum snatched away the programme and I waited for the dressing down later.
So now I can’t listen to Stephen Isserlis without a feeling I’ve let myself down, whereas really I was a bored teenager and he was the seasoned professional who must have played to tougher audiences than you find in the Dorking Halls!
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