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Friends,
<p>Before you jump to conclusions, like I almost did, about what is happening
here, read the story.
<p>My first response from reading Carman's email was-- What has the
world come to when some musicians will do *anything* to make the news?
Nothing is too absurd, too outrageous, too ridiculous, as long as it bumps
someone into the limelight so they can make a name for themselves.
<p>But you need to understand, this story hit me at the "wrong" time.
I awoke at 5, and since I perceived I wasn't going to be able to get back
to sleep again, I went downstairs and watched a video I rented with the
intention of showing it to my high schoolers at church this morning (I
had seen it once before). It is titled "Carpe Diem" by Tony Campolo.
I'm quite sure only a small percentage of you have ever heard the name.
He teaches against ordering our lives around nothing more significant than
making money so we can pamper ourselves and buy more toys.
<p>After watching 37 minutes of that, I come up to my computer and read
this story about Duchable. Taking what I read at face value, Duchable
(whom I've never heard of before) is not attempting to be outrageous to
make a name for himself. He has found what he does as a performer
too narrow, or maybe too meaningless, and is attempting to break out of
a ticky-tack box. And if that is what is happening, then I applaud
him.
<p>This is personal, you see. Judging from a recent PTG survey, I
earn more than most piano technicians. While I am thankful for what
I earn, the value of my life is not in that. God forbid (atheists
please ignore the reference) that I reach the end of life (I'm 56 already!)
and have nothing more to show for it than a nice house and car that make
other people think I've arrived.
<p>I want to make a positive difference in the lives of people. So
far, I think I've been on the right track, but it is possible that my inclinations
will take me farther from my wage-earning occupation. And since I
believe in life after death, I am interested not only in the now but also
in the hereafter.
<p>Pretty heavy stuff, huh? <G>
<p>Regards,
<br>Clyde Hollinger, RPT
<p>Carman Gentile wrote:
<blockquote TYPE=CITE><b> Here is a story from the BBC:</b>
<p><b>Pianist 'goes out with a bang'</b>
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<td WIDTH="203">Duchable is reportedly going to destroy two pianos</td>
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<b>French classical pianist Francois-René Duchable is to end his
career in style by destroying two pianos and burning his recital suit in
his final three concerts, it has been reported</b>
<p> The details are at this BBC web page:
<p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3044844.stm" eudora="autourl">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3044844.stm</a>
<p>Carman Gentile RPT
<br>Eureka, CA</blockquote>
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