Every Tuesday afternoon, I drive out to Hartland, VT, to take piano lessons with Pierre Fournier. He is impossibly patient. Being terrible at being terrible, I am not so patient. I am also a very nervous and poor performer, so I leave little sweaty fingerprints on his piano keys, and, occasionally, I lose my head all together and forget how to count or how to move my fingers. Still, despite all evidence to the contrary, Pierre assures me I’m making progress and encourages me to persevere.
But even if I never make it out of my level one book, I will still want to take weekly piano lessons from Pierre (aren’t you excited, Pierre!?). You see, Pierre is not only a wildly talented pianist and teacher, but he is also an inspiring gardener. His gardens are magnificent – structured but boisterous, rioting with color and texture.
I usually arrive early or stay late just to sit in Pierre’s gardens. I’ll mentally rehearse my latest piece (Perhaps you’ve heard of “Frère Jacques”? It’s played by all the greats…), and I’ll pretend that my gardens look like Pierre’s.
Note: When I asked Pierre if I could blog about his gardens, he actually told me that I could post pictures and claim the gardens as my own. I was sorely tempted.
But I remained strong. So even if I excel in neither gardening nor piano, at least I’ll always have my character.
Those gardens are stunning; does Pierre Fournier frown on trespassers?
Let's duet on chopsticks … or, what was that other one … oh yes! Heart and Soul.
This is delightful in every possible way. Thank you for posting the photos and your "musings." I think it was Michel Angelo who said "Genius is infinite patience" so please carry on with the lessons!
xox
Anne
Great post, Keri! Even though I play with all windows and doors closed, I get reports that people hear me practicing as they run, cycle, or play though on the golf course. It's no different in music school when you have students ripping through their best excerpts in practice rooms on both sides of you. Stay in the zone. Michael Z
Great up-beat, cheery, post and I agree, Pierre is a fabulous gardener and an even more fabulous person.
Thanks,
Carol Egbert
Keri,
Pierre and Richard are great pals of mine (ours) and we love them both madly. Their gardens are a delight and have been for many years. This year they are hosting the UU Church choir party (in July.) I can't wait for this year's visit to the gardens. Has Pierre told you of his gardening outfit? Ask him.
Joby
Joby is VERY bad to bring up the topic of the gardening outfit. But then……it's Joby.
Anyway Keri, if you will play “Frère Jacques” for us, we might invite you to our choir party.
–Patsy
Joby is indeed "VERY bad" and often exhibits a strong penchant for naughtiness. On the other hand it would be disingenuous of me to deny that a recent houseguest, observing me weeding through the kitchem window, referred to me as "Adam"……….
I think the gardening outfit is fantastic. We're thinking of doing something similar at the Blue Horse…