Brad is an eighteen year old musician who helps the church choir by accompanying us on piano when our usual pianist is gone and by both playing keyboard and singing in the Christmas program. Impressive for his age, but I had no idea just how marvelously talented he is until this afternoon when I went to his recital in our beautiful old church. I really wanted attend and was glad I could. He just graduated from high school and plans to go to college in-state to study music.
Today Brad was both poised and strong, good looking and smartly dressed in a long sleeved shirt of a pretty dark blue, a black tie and black pants.
He began by playing Toccata in D minor by Bach on the pipe organ. I had no idea! Afterward at the reception, he said one reason he wanted to learn organ is because it is dying out. After a couple more pieces, he moved to the piano where he was accompanied by his piano teacher as his lovely baritone voice sang a few Italian opera songs. He wasn't a "showboat" but just a nice young man doing what he loves. When that set was over, the teacher lifted the lid of massive grand, propped it open, and took her seat in the crowd. Brad then introduced us to what he would be playing. Included was one of my favorites, Chopin's Polonaise in a-flat major. He was a master! Technically and emotionally on target. When he finished, he seemed to know instinctively how to bow, and if he had tails, he would have flipped them up perfectly.
How did he memorize all those difficult songs? How did he learn so much music in just eighteen years? I really don't know, but what I picked up from his proud parents and his lucky teachers is that he loved it from the time he was in first grade! He found his passion early, worked hard at it, and was in a nurturing environment. A winning combination.
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