Category: Marketing

I wasn’t planning to post today, but I had to drop a quick note about the concert/fireside I went to last night by Josh Wright, classical pianist.

Wow.

I’ve been blessed to know many talented people in my life. I’ve known people who can create things out of nothing and turn the seemingly boring into a masterpiece. They’re crazy talented. And then…

There’s the next level up.

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I’ve been drawn to music since I was little

My mom is a composer and hymn arranger, as well as a piano teacher. My dad is a huge classical music fan and knows the classics better than most. Since the time I was born — in the womb even — I was exposed to all that music.

I started playing the piano before I can remember. I formally started lessons at five. I can play most songs. I sight-read fairly well. I love playing classical music best. I’ve taught piano for twenty years now. I write music, both religious and classical-style piano. I have perfect pitch and so does my husband. I feel somewhat confident in my musical abilities.

Until I go to a concert like that.

Wow.

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In an hour’s time, Josh Wright played — and this is just a guess — twenty million notes

At least it seemed like it.

He was all over that piano, but he played effortlessly. I’ve been to other classical piano concerts and was almost tensed up because I could feel their strain to get it right. But Josh’s music was peaceful and soothing. My favorites were his arrangements that combined classical songs with other familiar songs, like the hymns.

I appreciate Josh’s abilities so much more because I’ve attempted to play a few of the classical pieces he played. I get about three measures in before I’m whipped.

Kind of like when you watch the Olympic figure skaters, and you think to yourself, “Man, I haven’t been skating in a while. I should go.” And then you take that first step on the ice. That’s when you appreciate the magnitude of their talent.

Take this song…

I can play the first few measures. You know, all the easy octaves. :) But after that it’s over my head, or fingers, or whatever.

Crazy Liszt.

My kids loved the concert, too. (Hopefully I won’t have to beg them to practice this week.) My daughter nailed it when she said he plays with so much expression, but he doesn’t overplay. Their favorite song was the Water Song by Ravel.

Now we’re all jazzed and ready to up our musical abilities.

We’re ready to walk out onto that ice.

What’s even better is Josh is a super nice guy. Same with his wife, Lindsey, who is also a classical pianist and treated us with some beautiful Chopin. Both of them were down-to-earth and humble. Josh didn’t shy away from the spiritual either and spent some time talking about his LDS mission.

Get the CD

So, although I hadn’t planned a post today, I had to tell you to get Josh Wright’s CD if you don’t have it already. It’s beautiful. It hit #1 on Billboards Classical Music chart in just two weeks. His music takes classical music and adds the religious to it, my two favorite genres. I’ll be listening to it all day as I write my novel and work on my seminary lesson.

Good stuff!

(Also, you can pre-order his next CD, My Favorite Things. You can buy his sheet music, too, if you’re feeling daring. I know I am. Check it all out here. Or find his website here.)

Thank you, Josh, for sharing your talent!!!

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Speaking of super-talented people, come back tomorrow for more MARCH BOOK MADNESS, with Whitney-Award nominee, A. L. Sowards.

See you then!

PS) You know that little notice in the front of books about how all characters are fictional and any likeness to real people is just a crazy coincidence. Yeah. I wrote Sadie a LONG time ago. Don’t think I’m creepy. Apparently people named Josh just really love to play classical music. :)