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Magical Moment 524, "A Discovery"

The song from yesterday was "Chim Chim Cheree" from Mary Poppins. Quite a few guessed it right!

In keeping with the music theme, here is a piano memory of mine:
~~

When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I remember having a get together of close family at our house. I don't know what the occasion was, but my grandma brought us a gift from her best friend in Germany. It was a hand painted music box that played a little German tune. I remember it sounding fairly similar to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." 

Chairs were set up in a circle around the living room and the adults visited and caught up with each other. The kitchen was busy with food, and there was a lot of general commotion going on. I remember listening to that music box, then going to the piano, certain I would be able to play the tune. Nobody really noticed what I was doing, but I did play the song from start to finish, using both hands, with little or no trouble. Not thinking anything about it, I spun around on the piano bench, ready to go find something else to play with. But when I turned around, my mom was staring at me with her mouth open. I felt like my fly was undone or something. I had no idea what she was staring at.

I waited, feeling totally self conscience, when she pointed at me with her index finger, then tried to get the attention of my grandma, "Beth just played that song." No one seemed interested in what she was saying, and I remember her trying one more time to explain what she had seen. I protested, telling her it was such a simple melody, it wasn't as big of a deal as she thought. 

That was the first time I recall playing a song by ear. It may have happened before that, but I think my mom's reaction ingrained it into my head that it was unusual. I don't know if my mom recalls this particular incident. She always told me that she remembers me watching the movie "Top Hat" as a little girl, then going to the piano and playing a song from it called, "The Piccolino." But I think that happened after the German song.

Ever since, I've been playing piano, picking out and arranging music, and writing original music. I'm always thankful that my parents bought that spinet piano and put me in lessons. I'm thankful for all my piano teachers throughout the years and all the opportunities I've had to play. Mostly I'm thankful for whatever it is that God puts into a human...that innate interest, love, and passion for something like music. And I'm thankful that He put it into me.

Comments

TexWisGirl said…
what a great memory - i'm so glad your mother noticed your special gift as it happened. :)
People can learn to play the piano and even play it well, but not everyone can play what he hears in his head. That truly is a gift from God.
That is a talent so young. It is great they noticed your talent also...
Busy Bee Suz said…
I am also thankful that you have this innate gift....so we can all enjoy it. A very sweet memory indeed.
Tracy said…
I have and always will be jealous of the AMAZING gift you have of playing by ear. I remember you playing various things by ear I high school and was always in awe, such a beautiful gift. :-)
Leontien said…
great memory and it is good to have something you really really love! My sister used to play the piano, but she quit when she got older...

Thanks
Leontien

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