Monday, September 1, 2008

Gratitude - Day 153

I'm grateful for free days!

Yesterday I had no commitments, no phone appointments, no social engagements, no rehearsals, no need to set my alarm, and absolutely no reason to set foot outside my door, which was a good thing considering torrential storms took up residence all day here in London, leaving me time to surf the tele! Boy, did I need it. And boy, did I make the most of it! I actually used the day to mentally prepare a bit for the coming week, which on paper looks - well, insane, actually! But it was time to practice what I've often preached...

One thing I've always aspired to, is the idea that for a professional singer - or, I suppose, for most of us - the secret to success lies in one's thinking and one's mental approach. It has quite a lot to do with how you conquer nerves, how you handle illness, how you "take the stage" and, not insignificantly, how much you ENJOY the process. One's mental approach to this career, I think, can either make or break you. (Athletes have long ago discovered this and apply it to tremendous advantage!)

I've been saying for months now how hard this period would be, how crazy I was to agree to such a short rehearsal period for a huge new role, how tiring it will be to do a recital the day after the final dress rehearsal, etc. etc., and saying these things over and over and over to anyone who would listen. Sure enough, I arrived at the end of last week exhausted, stressed, and thinking I didn't have enough time - no surprise since I had told myself over and over how hard it would be! Well, following my own advice - I mentally "slapped" myself out of it, spent the day relaxing, reminding myself how privileged I am to sing a role in this epic opera here at the Royal Opera House, and remembering that I have prepared to the best of my ability, I'm surrounded by tremendous colleagues, and it will all come together beautifully. (Right?) But only if I ejected the mental stress, so to speak. Sure enough, after a day letting down, I had a tremendous first rehearsal with the orchestra today, and we muddled our way through the first act on stage, so slowly but surely it is all coming together. Funny how a changed outlook improves the enjoyment factor tenfold! (I'm actually starting to understand for myself why everyone raves about how great Donna Elvira is!)

So why the pictures of Lang-Lang? Because the FABULOUS BBC broadcast his wonderful performance from the PROMS on TV yesterday, which I observed in true couch-potato style! After a sublime Mozart Sonata and flamboyant Liszt, I was nearly in tears when he brought out this 9 year old to join him in a delightful Schubert duet, replete with all the delicacy and finesse imaginable! They radiate real chemistry together, and watching this 9 year old connect to something out of this world was the perfect dose of 'Ah....yes...it's all about the music" that I needed! In the end, no one cares about the mental process we performers go through - they want the musical experience to sweep them away - well, at least that's what I want. So the more mental work we can do to clear the path for the music/character/drama, I think the greater the experience for all involved! You can't tell me that these guys aren't feeling it!!!

8 comments:

Perfect 4th said...

I'm so pleased that you were able to rest a spell. You captured Lang-Lang and his piano partner "in the zone" that mental clarity provides. En boca for your performance in Don Giovanni; toi, toi, toi, too :).

John Kenneth Adams said...

Hi Joyce, I heard this concert via the Internet. Last Spring there was a wonderful documentary on Marc Yu, and part of it was a rehearsal for this Schubert Fantasy. So glad it lit up a stormy Sunday in London. The weather must be gearing up for "Don Giovanini" !! This brings all my best for a great go. Relax....its a part made for you.
Wish I could hear this! Hope to hear the Berlioz in Paris. As for Wigmore, just do what you did in Rose Hall and they will love it!!

John Adams

jennmac said...

Wow! Don and I watched a show that featured that little boy just a few months ago. He is truly amazing with his talent and passion!

Mei said...

I think artist must be committed with their job...

No commitment no fun...

Operafan said...

Dear Yankeediva!
You will definitely be ready and I know that Don Giovanni will come together beautifully, you're right!!
The picture of Lang-Lang staring at this 9-year old is striking, you definitly feel the connection between these two, amazing what music can generate...
Cheers and take care!

Robert Welsh said...

Ms. D,

This blog is true gift to your fans, especially those of us in the Philadelphia Chapter as we don't get to see many of your performances. My question is when are you going to record that song series we saw at the Sea Port Museum in Philadelphia in March? A wonderful performance it was!

Bob Welsh

PS: Wife and I saw "Rosina" at the Met and "Octavian" in SF but when will you come back to the East Coast?

Robert Welsh said...

Ms. D,

This blog is true gift to your fans, especially those of us in the Philadelphia Chapter as we don't get to see many of your performances. My question is when are you going to record that song series we saw at the Sea Port Museum in Philadelphia in March? A wonderful performance it was!

Bob Welsh

PS: Wife and I saw "Rosina" at the Met and "Octavian" in SF but when will you come back to the East Coast?

Susan said...

Hi Joyce, Days off are so precious!

You make it sound so easy to just change your way of thinking. I have the hardest time changing those "negative thought habits." People pay lots of money for cognitive therapy to learn how. So what's your secret?

Children and music ... it's so pure... I witness and experience this joy every day with my own son.

Maybe that's one way to change my own thought patterns... by experiencing it all like a child. Thanks Joyce! Um, you're not going to send me a bill for psychotherapy services, are you? ;)