Over the Hills and Far Away...

Last night I was having trouble practicing. I was not motivated. I was sick of all the pieces I'm working on. I just couldn't take it. So I did what I usually do when I'm feeling like nothing is worth my time or effort; I watched Youtube videos of music that inspires me. After the Saint Saens Organ Symphony (no.3) (which you may recognize if you've ever seen Babe), the finale from Stravinsky's The Firebird, and a little Andre Rieu (even if you don't know anything about music, you should find this funny. Where else in the history of the world can you find an orchestra full of middle-aged women in prom dresses complete with backup dancers?) I realized something about myself.

Lately I've found myself facing the reality that my life is not a fairytale. I read enough Jane Austen and listen to enough Strauss Waltzes to convince myself otherwise, but when push comes to shove I live in Minnesota (or Ohio, depending on the month). I have to practice flute to get better, and just like everyone else on Earth, I worry about paying for everything from my internet bill to a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings. And that is why I play music. Because when I play a piece I experience a story, almost another world. It goes beyond hearing the notes or even hearing changes in color or character. When I hear or perform the right piece, I get so involved in the characters and the story and the place where it's taking place that I actually feel like I'm in a different world. Take for example Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring (granted this is only the most familiar chunk, but it's just an example). Without looking at the slideshow that goes along with the video, just close your eyes and see where the music takes you! I believe more than anything that music is the most powerful imagery device in the world. Not everyone has to see the same scene, but it is near impossible to hear this piece and not feel...something! I am so passionate about music because even in the world of the 21st century, I get to live a fairytale.

Anyway enough of that. I am spending the day getting ready (packing, practicing, you know...) to go to Malibu tomorrow bright and early! In addition to making life-altering breakthroughs in my flute playing, I will be looking fabulous every day. A new section, 'What Hannah Wears' will be added to the blog after this week!

Finally, here are the next ten books on my list!

41. I, Claudius-Robert Graves

42. Invisible Man-Ralph Ellison

43. Jane Eyre-Charlotte Bronte

44. Light in August-William Faulkner

45. Lolita-Vladimir Nabokov

46. Lord of the Flies-William Goldring

47. The Lord of the Rings series-J.R.R. Tolkien

48. Madam Bovary-Gustave Flaubert

49. The Maltese Falcon-Dashiell Hammett

50. Middlemarch-George Eliot