sempre con anima

It's a relief to be an artist because the nature of the profession allows one to emote in a way that's intensely personal and yet blessedly private at the same time—this is surely one of the reasons that I'm so drawn to the abstract nature of music. Though language is arguably less abstract, writing often serves a similar function; one can dance around words while unleashing messages of great intimacy.

To quote Italo Calvino: "Writing always means hiding something in such a way that it is then discovered."

The Center

"The music that really turns me on is either running toward God or away from God. Both recognize the pivot, that God is at the center of the jaunt." -Bono

Word.

Tabula Rasa

I seem to have a penchant for E. M. Forster when it comes to blog titles: my piano duo's blog pays homage to Where Angels Fear to Tread and the appellation of this new blog refers to one of my favorite (and oft-quoted) literary passages of all time:

"Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect, and the beast and the monk, robbed of the isolation that is life to either, will die."

Ah, Howards End . . . how I love this book!

"The prose and the passion" also pertains to the polarities of life and to the nature of being a musician.

Forster aside, the real point of this entry is to celebrate my foray into the vast and bewildering blogging universe. Private person that I am, I'm rather surprised at myself for entering such a public forum, but I do enjoy writing as a satisfying outlet for the many thoughts passing through my mind. This blog will most likely feature reflections on performances and travels, all sorts of nonsense, and hopefully occasional glimmers of insight!

Until next time, peace.
EJR