Here is something truly magical: you take your instrument, three other complete strangers, a few scores of Mozart, Dvorak and Mendelssohn and voila--the creation of music. I would nominate it as one of the most wonderful experiences in life.
Last night was the first gathering of an informal quartet with some local musicians. Although orchestra has always been one of my main activities, I have been hankering for a chamber ensemble for quite some time, and a quartet seems the standard way to go. There is probably little that can make me happier on a Friday evening than playing through Mozart's Dissonance Quartet (this is, of course, slightly hyperbolic, but at the moment it certainly seemed true). Not only was the music itself a joy, but the collaboration with other like-minded musicians was inspiring. It is becoming clearer to me (though it may be painfully obvious to those who know me well) that music and musicians must be a part--if not a large part--of my life. As a non-professional musician, this can be a bit of a challenge, but making the time for it has always proved worthwhile.
Oh viola, how good you are to me!