piano and people watching

I went last night to UALR with Kaitlin to hear Davide Cabassi on piano. He is a 2005 Cliburn Competition finalist. He played Debussy

Estampes
Pagodes
Soiree dans Grenade
Jardins sous la pluie


also Brahms

Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24

After intermission he played Pictures at an Exhibition .

I had a grand time. The music was beautiful. The pianist was VERY expressive. His hair was longish and unkept. At times it was covering his face when he was bent down so close to the keys and then with great enthusiasm he would sling it back. He looked to be in pain as he played certain sections and then he was quickly smiling such a smile like he was not with us.

The auditorium we were in was wonderful and intimate. About 7 rows with 20 seats in each row. We were on the left side on row 6. We heard a women comment that she like to sit on the left side so she could see his hands as he played.

Because the setting was so intimate we became keen observers of those around us. The audience was about half college students and half senior citizens. Myself and one other lady represented the middle agers there. Kaitlin recognized several music teachers from UALR there. The art and music students share the same building. There were several senior citizen couples and then a large group of senior citizen men. I was surprised at how many. One man must have been a teacher because his hands played along with the pianist the entire time. It was impressive and beautiful to watch. One lady fell asleep and SNORED. Kaitlin had to stifle the giggles. Her husband soon woke her up.

And then there were the homeschoolers. Did we stand out like that? I saw them and said nothing until Kaitlin asked if I had seen the homeschoolers. Is it the hair or the clothes or the actions? I am not sure. Do people now see me and say " Oh, she must of homeschooled , look at those shoes" Let me know if they do!