At Home: Celestial Sounds in the Living Room

Back in "the day," the great and the good hosted salons in their homes. These were occasions that were either musical or literary and might include performance or discussion. (I suppose, in a way our contemporary book clubs are a salon of a sort.) They have existed since the first salon in Italy in the 16th century. Some of the greatest works of Faure, Poulenc, Debussy and Ravel got their start in the salon. 

Photo: Sharon Emery

Over the past year or so, Rick has brought that tradition to his home with house concerts by classical musicians. His first was with guitarist Onur Alkavuklar, and it was Onur who suggested Rick ask harpist Belle Coty to perform. I'm glad he did.

Belle is a young woman who has known her mind since she was a child and when watching a harpist with her grandmother, heard the older woman say something like, "I'd love to hear you play the harp." From that time on, she was interested and when she turned eleven, her parents presented her with her first harp. She's been playing ever since.

About forty-five people packed themselves into Rick's living room to hear Belle on a frigid, snowy afternoon in January. It was a welcome respite from worry about the California fires and the political situation. For a short time, our thoughts were transported to a more celestial plane.

After the concert we mingled, guests chatting with Belle and enjoying an array of wine and refreshments. I'd been baking and punch making, Rick had a fresh batch of baguettes and cheese, and several guests added to the table with wonderful treats. The atmosphere could not have been warmer, despite the weather.

I can't stress enough how lovely it is to hear live music within one's own home, enjoying it in the company of others. Perhaps it's because we don't often do such things. Or maybe it's just nice.

Photo: Jacqie Babcock

My video technique is terrible and I have yet to begin to understand the program on my computer. (My windows 10 version was so much better!). The backlighting and my position in the room didn't make for a grand visual experience. But it doesn't affect the music one bit.

 

I hope you enjoy.

 NOTE -- An Invitation:  Rick is hosting another house concert on Sunday, April 27 -- a classical guitar duo. If you are in the mid-Michigan area (Lansing) and are interested in being notified when he opens reservations, please make sure I have your email address in the comments. The concerts are free, but it's in his living room, so we are limited to about 45 people.  

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