Last week I was rehearsing for an upcoming concert with two other musicians, one of whom is not only a fine pianist but also a cardiac surgeon. To accommodate her schedule, we rehearsed in the lobby of the hospital where there is a fine quality grand piano. It was purchased specifically to allow for these spontaneous musical encounters by patients, staff, and visitors. As we played, people stopped to listen, watched intently, clapped when we finished a section, and a few even made a point to come over and sit down to rest and listen for a while. Unfortunately it’s all too rare for most people to experience music in their everyday lives — especially live music, up close. How smart of the hospital to recognize the value of such musical encounters on people’s health and well-being! One woman enjoyed her break and a snack on a couch nearby as we played, and when we were done she gave a big sigh and said, “You have NO IDEA how relaxed that made me feel.” Oh yes we do … we most certainly do!
1 thought on “Just what the doctor ordered”
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Suzanne, you’re just what the doctor ordered for me. I look forward to every Sunday morning. I may be up at 5:00 or 7:00 fiddle in hand, listening with one ear and practicing with the other (I know, I know, you don’t need to scold me). But since acquiring an HD radio I am able to hear Sunday Baroque much better in the evening when I am not practicing. Thank you for your program.