I tell of my day-to-day experiences in a funky Japanese town from my American viewpoint. This blog could also be called 'Bizarro World', 'Notes From Kyushu, a Smaller Island', or 'Teaching English in Japan: Smash Your Ego in 10 Easy Lessons."

Thursday, May 18, 2006

'G String' offers solution to troubled musician


Tonight in preparation for the orchestra concert on Sunday, we got a look at the encore piece. It is Bach's Air for the G String.The arrangement isn't on the G string(sorry to disappoint the G string fans out there ; ) ), it's on the A, which created stress for me.
I said before that I'd like to upgrade my instrument, but I still have to play on the one I've got in the meantime. And the problem it has is that it's got scoliosis, a very slight bend in the neck which throws the instrument out of alignment. And that seems to disturb the tone of the instrument, which over time has become more important to me. So tonight, while playing the Air, I suddenly knew what I had to do. I have to take out a loan or borrow money to make this upgrade. There's no point in waiting for years--if I do, my ability to play will just decline.
I got the address of one of the violin shops in Fukuoka City, and as soon as I have the chance, I'll head there to start my search for the violin of my dreams. It won't be a Strad, but it will be just right for where I need to go with music.
You might be able to help me get closer by sending infomation about taking out loans for instruments or how to find the right violin(/bow), or someplace you really think I ought to go to test some out.
Meanwhile, enjoy the cheesy midi version of Bach, and the cheesy but true story about the violin of all our dreams.

6 comments:

DoneCheap DoneRight PC said...

Good luck on your search and I can't wait to see some juicy pictures of you and your new "G-String", later jet....

Blu~

jetblossom said...

thanks blu, i won't disappoint! ; )

an update on this evening's concert: Figaro was well-received by the audience, and a good choice to start the show.
The Weber Bassoon Concerto was a standard, and therefore playful and cute rendition by the soloist.
The conductor's skillful interpretation of Pictures(click on 'midi'), however, caught me off guard and quite moved. His tempos brought the pieces alive in their moment--quite liberal, definitely professional, possibly genius. I was really impressed with the pictures he was able to paint through us, due to his sensitivity and artistry.
The trumpet, sax, and bassoons did really well in their solos. The tenor horn was a bit weak.

I was feeling a little lonely with no one to talk to about the music after the concert, but now that I shared at least potentially with someone, I feel, well, at least that I was there and a part of it tonight.

Anonymous said...

Tokyo would be a likely place to look for a new violin. Also, when you come to the states in August, you may have time to search in PA, where there are violin specialists in Phila. Your former violin teacher may have ideas!! Good luck & GO FOR IT!

Anonymous said...

Given the money you'll need to spend, the (hopefully) years you'll be playing it etc. - would it make sense to make a trip to Tokyo to do your shopping? I would imagine they would have a much bigger selection there...

DoneCheap DoneRight PC said...

ya' know when it comes to music I love it in all forms....even though I'm dumbfounded technically but you know I could read or listen or just be lost in your stories about all of it for some crazy reason. Keep it coming jet whatever you got to say....just lay it on us or me or whatever or whoever, you know what I mean.....I hope.....

I've have been more reclusive than I like to be during my stay in the sticks, but things will be back to normal pretty soon and I will be cursing you with my classic and notorious cathedral comments before ya know it.....I hope all is well and you are able to get a grip on that "G-String" soon, I can't wait to see it, later...Blu~

P.S. It seems like the searching alone will be a journey worth telling and remembering....

jetblossom said...

Anonymoi--I searched out some names of shops in Tokyo today on the web, but came up with very few... I've got a friend going in a couple of days so I asked if she would help me do a little 'research.'
And anonymous 1, the last someone said "GO FOR IT" to me, I listened and here I am living in Japan. Thanks for the support. : )

And blu, I'm glad you are enjoying and thanks for the vibes. But I thought you said you weren't going to get bit by a snake out there!! Take care!!!