Rhapsody in Blue

The recent US election did not go my way.  I supported former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and though she won the popular vote, the Electoral College votes did not produce a victory for Clinton.

Since the election, I have been taking time to listen to music, that truly resonates with me, and perhaps in part with the profound sadness I feel about the direction of the country.

My daughter Sarah contacted me about the January 22nd concert of the National Symphony Orchestra, at the Kennedy Center being broadcast live over social media.  I decided to combat the blues and listen in, to a wonderful afternoon of music.

Jon Kimura Parker was the guest pianist, featured with the orchestra playing George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.  I have blogged about the musical work before, and my bold purchase of it, when I was either 12 or 13, intending to play it.

As time has worn on, I have learned various parts of the piece, and I marvel at the Rhapsody's musicality, and of course difficulty.  I am probably a true amateur in that I describe the themes as sections.  Some of the sections I have conquered, and others fall into the description of "I will probably never be able to play that."

Kimura Parker's interpretation of the Rhapsody in Blue, was the tonic I needed for post election blues.  I forgot how skilled, and gifted a pianist he truly is.  Mr. Kimura Parker has been a devotee of the Lancaster Music Festival in Lancaster, Ohio, and I have always been touched that he commits to bringing wonderful music to the rural southeastern Ohio area, about one hour south of Columbus, Ohio.  And the Lancaster Festival is to be congratulated on keeping the arts alive in such a beautiful and peaceful region of the state.

Kimura Parker has the ability to be a completely formal classical pianist, but also, with his encore - a piece by Billy Joel, completely at home in the rock n roll genre.  That versatility, makes his music a joy to encounter.

Parker was born in Canada, and is part of the incredible treasure trove of Canadian pianists, which include two of my favorites, Emmanuel Ax and Angela Hewitt.  He also is lucky enough to have a Christmas birthday, which I think adds a bit of panache to his Wikopedia biography.

Thinking back over his performance of the Rhapsody, I realize that no matter how many times you hear this piece, you can still find something exciting, that transcends whatever challenges you are going through in your life's  journey.

I think Kimura Parker made the post election blues a little bit better, and at least for that moment on January 22nd, made me pause and focus on the most beautiful and amazing instrument; the piano.

Talk in political circles, surrounds the probability that Republican led Congress will slash funding for the arts. The Kennedy Center stands as a beacon for the concept, that even in a town of budget cuts, and political wrangling, the arts will find a way.  Budgets can be slashed, and arts funding taken, but in this instance Mr. Kimura Parker still is playing and bringing music to the greater human community, one note at a time.  The arts, music, dance, poetry, literature, they call can transcend political discourse.

If you cannot hear the Rhapsody in Blue in Concert, then find it on a good CD, podcast or download and be transported to a place of comfort and peace.  You won't regret it.