The average time spent on practicing for an orchestra, according to Berklee University, is 20 hours per week. The practice goes for 40 weeks on average per orchestra. That's 800 hours of practice per player. The number of expert performers ranges from 80 to 100. Using the lower range, there is a total of 64,000 hours of practice by the time we listen to the final performance. This is not counting the time spent by the conductor in practice and developing his interpretation of the piece. It does not include the time spent by the composer writing the orchestra.
Most people will listen to the highlights they are accustomed to. They will wait for the so called meaningful times in the piece. No doubt, their enthusiasm is real. However, it does shed some light on the behavior of most listeners about their misplaced appreciation for the works. That is, it is a beautiful thing to fill one's cup with inspirational moments, with all that makes us vibrate in delight and joy. This is great. For me, though, it is still an incomplete experience.
It is in the intention that we may find the strongest of inspiration and elevation. From the conceived notion of the motif, the variations in different symphonic movements, the choice of instruments per phrasing. From the vision or worldly imagery first encountering the composer, from the a tiny flower who inspired an oboe or flute above majestic French horns, or the frisking fawns evoking joyful repeated string notes.
This is the way to give and receive. With all the events and force behind a kiss, a touch of your hand. All, too, conceived in a distant time - now realized in one moment of complete bliss. I give you love like that. By the time my hand reaches for you, there was a fully populated, luscious paradise that allowed this mortal to touch you, to love you. Yes, to love like this. Offering more than notes and sounds, but all the intention from as far as my mind can gather inspiration.
We must look beyond the surface, deeper than the words and tones. It is deep in the heart where all those things are found. It really comes from a long time ago.
It is my intense, sincere and forceful offering of love that makes me more alive, fills up your cup. In turn, fills me up too. An overflowing love when both can see beyond the tones, the notes.
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