Bringing music and joy back to the people.

@eileenleyva (27562)
Philippines
April 9, 2013 2:55pm CST
I attend piano recitals, and guitar recitals, and voice recitals, whenever there is an invitation from someone, even if I do not know the artist, because I love the music that I hear during these performances, music so beautiful it penetrates my being. I do feel sad, though, because few people are in the audience, say an average of fifty in a piano student's graduation recital. If only people know that real music is available for free at concert halls, via a student's required recital, then they would not endure the loud and deafening sounds on the radios, from boy or girl pop artists who don't even know how to read a note. Anyway, here's Ode To Joy, flashmobbed by ordinary people on the streets, because good music fills the senses, and one's whole being. http://www.openculture.com/2012/07/beethovens_ode_to_joy_flashmobbed.html
1 person likes this
3 responses
• Philippines
9 Apr 13
If you are from the Philippines then indeed people consider these things simply as "palabas". "Palabas" in the Tagalog dialect means free for all where the audience as well does as it wishes while watching. Usually "palabas" are done in an open air venue like fiestas or during holy week. So anything shown in theaters is paid for. If the show is not popular then why do they care paying for it if they have no idea of what to see. Same with film, that is why love team, romantic movies are the real box office hit. I was schooled in an arts school and worked in a prestigious cultural institution there and I just got tired of it. I am now in Europe enjoying the support, not only from the state but from the people themselves who come to see shows in the theaters or opera houses. It is part of their culture. At school, students are already taught the importance of their culture, from music to architecture, to dance and operas. It is just not in the Filipino culture really and that I accepted already but I just hope people do realize that these artists are human beings performing live. They also underwent years of training and education then days and months of practice to put up a single show. They also need to survive. Yes, it is also given for free yet no one comes. Philippines is a country full of talents, very versatile even. Everybody sings and dances but it does not mean that everybody does it with delicacy and sophistication. There is no high standard. it is a pity that Filipino artists shine in stages overseas but not at home.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
10 Apr 13
Were you schooled in Makiling? And perhaps you worked at the Cultural Center of the Philippines? No matter, I agree with you, the Philippines has not come to that level, where musicians and dancers and thespians are compensated rightly. And you are correct, too, that our artists, our genuine artists, are hailed first abroad, than in our own land. But know what, the world has recognized Filipino talent, for our talents are not just perfect pitch or perfect dance move or perfect performance, ours is natural, expressions are heart and soul. I should know, except for me, all members of my family are into music. And I, being the lover of good music, support my family, and even if I am the lone audience, which of course had never happened, I stand for ovation.I tell my family, and my friends, to continue with the passion, for in the end, it is how you expressed and shared your talent that would give you the satisfaction. Of course, the monetary aspect is important, because and artist has to live, but an artist, like Mozart, gave his all, all for the pure love of his craft.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
9 Apr 13
hi eileenleva oh thats one of my most favorite pieces ode to Joy by beethoven and i love the way they all played it in the streets music fills ths soul and it moves me to tears as that was I think one if his best pieces its timeless and people love it all over the world.
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
10 Apr 13
Hi Hatley, I love Ode To Joy, too, and I know that no matter how familiar the tune has become, especially to music lovers, this piece never fails to make people stop and listen, and feel, and think of how beautiful life is, no matter what. The children were dancing, the women were wondering, the men in awe, and everybody was enjoying a moment of joy.
• Singapore
10 Apr 13
Watched it before and it is one of my favourite flash mobs! Beautiful music and very well done by the orchestra. Beethoven composed such beautiful music and it is sad that he himself was a traumatized person, imagine someone who has brought so much joy to people (and still continuing to do so) was himself suffering so much. Same thing for many of the great composers. And yes I agree that not enough people support concerts, whether paid or otherwise.