Overture
The summer season is approaching and for me, that means the summer concert season. I try to get out to the Los Angeles Philharmonic to spend an evening seeing my favorite performers, or to the Hollywood Bowl when I want to enjoy a unique outdoor concert experience. When I think about the legendary concert performers over the years, few stand taller than the legacy of pianist Van Cliburn.
Van Cliburn was an American pianist who achieved worldwide fame in 1958 when he won the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow at the height of the Cold War. His victory at the Tchaikovsky Competition, where he performed Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, earned him instant celebrity status and sparked a wave of interest in classical music in the United States. Cliburn's career was marked by numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and honors from heads of state. He continued to perform internationally and championed young musicians throughout his life, until his passing in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.
Van Cliburn was known for being somewhat reserved when it came to media appearances, preferring to let his music speak for itself. However, he did give interviews on occasion, particularly during key moments in his career, providing insights into his life, music, and views on various topics. One topic was the value of the intermission.
In the world of music, the intermission serves as a vital pause, allowing both performers and audience members a moment to catch their breath, reflect on what they've seen and heard, and prepare for the music that lies ahead. Pianist Van Cliburn, renowned for his extraordinary talent and profound insights into music and life, once remarked,
"I've always believed that every good life should have a good intermission, and every good concert deserves one, too." - Van Cliburn
In these words, Cliburn encapsulated a philosophy that transcends the stage and resonates deeply with the rhythm of life itself.
The Symphony of Life
Life, much like a concert, is a symphony of experiences, emotions, and endeavors. It's a journey filled with highs and lows, crescendos and decrescendos. And just as a musical performance benefits from moments of pause, so too does our journey through life.
"Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule." - Samuel Butler
Program Notes: Van Cliburn often likened life to a musical composition, emphasizing the importance of improvisation, intuition, and spontaneity in navigating its ups and downs.
The Performer's Pause
During an intermission, performers step offstage to rest, recharge, and recalibrate. They use this time to reflect on the performance thus far, to address any challenges or adjustments needed, and to mentally prepare for the continuation of the concert.
"Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work." - Ralph Marston
Program Notes: Van Cliburn was known for his rigorous practice sessions and dedication to his craft. He understood the importance of taking breaks to maintain peak performance and avoid burnout.
The Audience's Reflection
For the audience, the intermission offers a chance to pause and absorb the beauty of the music they've experienced. It's a time to engage in conversation, to share thoughts and impressions, and to deepen their connection to the performance.
"The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable." - Kurt Vonnegut
Program Notes: Van Cliburn cherished the moments of connection with his audience during intermissions. He often stayed behind to meet with fans, sign autographs, and engage in meaningful conversations about music and life.
The Cyclical Nature of Life
But perhaps most importantly, intermissions remind us of the cyclical nature of life – the ebb and flow of energy, the rhythm of rest and activity. They teach us that growth often occurs not in the relentless pursuit of achievement, but in the spaces between, where we pause to breathe, to reflect, and to savor the journey.
"Life is a journey, not a destination." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Program Notes: Van Cliburn often spoke about the importance of enjoying the journey of life, embracing its twists and turns, and finding beauty in the moments of pause and reflection.
Embracing Intermissions in Our Lives
In today's fast-paced world, where busy-ness is often glorified and downtime is viewed as a luxury, embracing the concept of intermissions can be transformative. It invites us to embrace the pauses in our lives, to find meaning and purpose in the moments between the milestones, and to cultivate a deeper sense of balance and harmony.
"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you." - Deepak Chopra
Program Notes: Van Cliburn's philosophy of embracing intermissions in life serves as a powerful reminder to slow down, find moments of stillness, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
Conclusion
So, as we perform our concerto of life, let us heed the wisdom of Van Cliburn and schedule and embrace our intermissions. For it is in these pauses that we find meaning in the music, reset the rhythm of our lives, and appreciate and share the beauty of our shared experiences.
Enjoy the show!