Sunday 14 October 2012

The accompanist


Shirley, who is closer to 90 than 80, and a diabetic, accompanied 'The Neighbours', as they entertained the residents of an aged-care facility on Friday. Note the absence of music!

12 comments:

Joan Elizabeth said...

To the musically talented the music is inate. For me I need the music written and then I am not a great "reader" of it. I wish I had the talent.

Jo said...

wonderful photos!!

Jo said...

Hi Julie, what a wonderful post! I'm a pianist and was an organist for our church for 38 years. I always have the music open on the stand but do not follow it, so I can relate to Shirley who is actually "listening" to be able to accompany! Amazing!

Gunn said...

I really like the way you have created this!

Stefan Jansson said...

Nice series here Julie, I really like the photo with Shirley's hands.

EG CameraGirl said...

So wonderful that she still shares her talent.

Jim said...

Great post.

Anonymous said...

I can just about hear it now. My friend does this for events and is always appreciated.

Fill your mind with Mind Stuffers

Kay L. Davies said...

I loved the older musicians who came to entertain at the care facility where my dad lived. I'm sure this must be as much a treat for Shirley as it is for the residents, to be healthy enough to go out to play for them.
I am pretty much tone deaf, with no rhythm, and could never learn to read music, but I know how much I enjoyed playing tapes and CDs for "Name That Tune" in Mom's wing of the facility. I was invited to come back and do the same after Mom died, but found I just couldn't, because I cried like a baby. What a wimp I am.
K

Julie said...

Jo: I am so glad you recognised the tilt of Shirley's head as 'listening'. Indeed, she was, and a most perceptive listener, slowing when necessary, louder when required. These shots were taken during a rendition of 'Bless this House' by a bass member the group (not really a choir).

Julie said...

Kay: Music is such a deep experience, and lyrics and tunes resonate deeply within our beings. Something is playing all the time in the communal areas where my brother resides. Often post WW2, but pre-Elvis.

Julie said...

Gunn and Steffe: I like to tell a story with my images, so thank you for recognising that. And Steffe, I am as attached to hands as you are to tattoos.