I personally believe a musician can interact with guests and be inviting while reading music.
"I offer you 5 hours of professional, appropriate, memorized repertoire. You want your professional to interact with your guests, be inviting, approachable, and ensure your guests feel welcome! For weddings/events that may require special music, there would be sheet music on the piano as the only exception."
I also think that musicians nowadays need to be more versatile than ever, and that it isn't a reasonable expectation to request memory at all times from them.
Picture from http://www.youdidntdidyou.com/Photography_Blog/2010/04/22/wynyard-hall-weddings-its-about-the-brides/
Couldn't agree more, Geraldine! And let's not forget that some of the "greats" have played from the score, notably Sviatoslav Richter. When I heard Leon McCawley playing Mozart's late piano sonatas last weekend, he used the score (though it was clear he wasn't using it that much!). It did not detract from his performance in any way (he did not have a page-turner, preferring to turn for himself). If anything, it made him more approachable, as it proved that he is, like the rest of us, only human! :-)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree! I think it creates more stress and anxiety to have that expectation from society or certain important individuals. Just as we all learn differently, as performers we are entitled to our own sense of style, and for some that may include performing with the score. I would rather do that than not perform at all because I lack the time to memorize.
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