zondag 29 november 2009

one year of playing and blogging


At the beginning of this month it has been a year that I first choose to purchase a Yuu-shakuhachi. I contacted a local afficionado and he wrote me a letter back if I was certain to want to learn an instument as difficult as this one. The answer now is yes! I like that part of this flute. It holds secrets in itself and in its traditions. It seems to be a simple thing: a bamboo stick. My friend always say something like "whoa: 1000$ for a piece of bamboo!", that I can understand from a 3rd person's view of perspective...but then adds: "why don't you sell it?"...and that I will never do...
This was a wonderfull year shakuhachi wise: I learned a lot, practices a lot, meet a lot of new interesting  people, met two very different and wonderfull teachers who help me along the way. One is at the other end of the world, but with a lot of help from the technology today online lessons is possible as well!
I underwent a very energetic 4 days of summerschool and I have learned a lot of new things. Now that I am one year on the go, I notice the learning slows down more. At first there were more 'oooohs and aaaahs' then nowadays. The music or pieces I can play now are actually more interesting then in the beginning, so one reccomendation to beginners: start and keep at it.
Thank you as well to the readers up till now!! The interaction via this blog adds more depth into my playing and experience. Thanks!
For fun: I recorded Tsubaki Saku Mura to listen to. More of Fukuda Rando I recorded can be listened. I recorded this song (name doesn't come to mind) with my Edo flute.
I like to play his songs; they are quite diverse and moving.

6 opmerkingen:

Anoniem zei

Bas, those recordings are very pleasant pieces. I am inspired by how in pitch you are, your good breath control and your ability to hit that high note at the very end of the first piece.
I hope I can play as well as you do now by this time next year!
cheers,
Erin

Bas Nijenhuis zei

Thanks Erin!, I just play them, so
maybe you should too and record some songs as well: maybe you'll be surprised about your own playing!!

Anoniem zei

here's to many more years! thank you for sharing your recordings here i enjoyed them.

Unknown zei

Hi Bas!
Very nice playing.
You know, I don't understand how people spend $ 1000 on a wide screen television! (or a watch). Luckily my friend says "why don't you buy another nice shakuhachi, you only live once".
Ciao!
K

Bas Nijenhuis zei

Thanks for the compliments! And Kees, that is probably the best reason to explore more into this nice instrument.

Maria zei

Lieve Bas
Dat klinkt prachtig!
Dank je wel dat ik zo even bij je 'naar binnen' mag kijken....

Liefs, Maria (Mother of Bas)