I am provoked to this optimistic aspiration by a cheering essay in The Spectator by James Rhodes of whom, I am ashamed to admit, I had never heard until I read his piece. He, at the ripe, well, ripe for a 'newbie', age of 35 is being hailed as a new star of classicial piano playing. Three years ago he was a patient in a London psychiatric hospital. He has never attended a musical college and never been an entrant in a musical competition except, as he admits himself, an utterly unsuccessful attempt as a teen-ager in The BBC Young Musician of the Year. He began playing on his own at the age of 7, took lessons from the age of 11 and was inspired by one teacher to try for greater things but attempted too much and in frustration gave it all up and at 18 went to work in the City. His teacher never lost faith in him and eventually he returned to the piano, still fighting his psychiatric demons and at last recognition in the form of bookings and a 6-album contract has come his way. What I particularly liked about Rhodes was his frank admision that he still lacks expertise in certain areas, in other words, even at 35 he is still learning. It is an inspirational story told with great modesty and honesty by the man himself and I urge you all to read it.
In the meantime, thus inspired, I think it is time I returned to theatre, darlings, because it can surely only be an oversight that my incredible talent has so far passed unremarked!
Talking of returns, Deogolwulf is back.
Posted by: dearieme | Monday, 08 November 2010 at 23:06
Hurrah!
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 09 November 2010 at 10:30