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My requirements for good music are simple and twofold:

1) I have be able to sing along to it

and

2) I have to want to.

Seriously. That's it. I'm not picky. I like everything from Queen to Count Basie. I sing along to Hannah Montana every chance I get. (No. Not kidding.)

When I listen to live music, (which I don't do nearly enough now that I live so far away from my father), I like it to be jazz, preferably swing, but I don't care what kind it is as long as the singer knows her phrasing and the drummer understands that he isn't the star.

But classical music?

Um. No.

Not even a little.

I can't tell the difference between Bach and Mozart. It all sounds the same to me. And you can't dance to ANY of it, much less sing along.

You can't even make out to it.

But I have this pesky little classical music problem called: A SISTER.

A sister who just moved to Portland.

A sister with a degree in FLUTE PERFORMANCE.

A sister who is a highly-skilled, well-trained, professional CLASSICAL musician.

A sister I kinda dig.

Even if she is a band geek.

So when she called to invite me to her latest gig, I said yes without the slightest hesitation. In fact, I quite looked forward to subjecting my ears to two hours of raw, unfiltered CLASSICAL music. In public.

Because she's my SISTER and I love her.

And you know what?

She was GOOD.

I really enjoyed myself. I really enjoyed the MUSIC too, which shocked me more than anything else, even more than witnessing the way Audrey transformed from the goofy kid whose diapers I used to change into a performer. She's amazing in front of a crowd - confident, mature, comfortable with herself and at ease with her talent.

This is her art and I'm embarrassed that it's taken me this long to really, truly appreciate it.

My single, 24-year-old, classical musician sister is decidedly not an avid reader of 'saucy momma fiction,' but I know she can't wait to read my book. And after seeing her performance last night, I can't wait until the next time I get to see her play.

Comments

[Jen]

Awww, this is wonderful! I was never much of a classical fan myself, but my best friends from college were all music majors and are now professional classical musicians. One of them also plays the flute! Seeing their passion and their amazing performances has given me a whole new appreciation for this art.

[bethany actually]

I took years of piano lessons and violin lessons, so I had early and frequent exposure to classical music. I'm so thankful that I was able to go to live symphony performances as a kid, because experiencing music that way is totally different from hearing it on a tape or CD. There's just something about seeing the performer at the same time that you hear the music, even with "boring" classical music. :-)

[Claire]

OMG I can recommend some awesome, fun, listen-able classical music if you are remotely interested. Forget Bach and Mozart; the Soviets and Russians are where it's at.

[Brandy]

Way to go Audrey!! I saw your tweet about going last night - I totally would have gone with you, but was busy and couldn't. I love classical music! Next time you go, if you are looking for someone to go with you, let me know. Would love to see Audrey play. :)

[carrie]

I was a music major, and still have trouble digesting classical music for long periods of time. HOWEVER. You can make out to it. I did, all the time. In the top row of an auditorium, while a flautist was preparing for a recital. (she never knew we were there! 'twas AWESOME.)

[Krystal Dixon]

That was a very nice post!! Yea sisters!!!

[Elizabeth]

Oh yea, and you two totally (insert sarcasm) don't look like sisters!
Amazing how typically boring things can become important to us when someone we love about cares about it!