Saturday, December 13, 2008

my first public performance

I don't "Play Out" as they say in the hammered dulcimer world - it means I only play in my studio and I never play for any kind of an audience - I have severe performance anxiety - I choke- big time -and my playing is an absolute train wreck if I think any one can see or hear me play - but at night if I am not making art I am making music-

I am mostly self taught and I just love the sound of this instrument - my Hammered Dulcimer is a Chromatic Grand built by David Lindsey of Bennington Oklahoma - I bought this one about 6 years ago when I lived in Illinois-- David had a booth at the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival in Morris Illinois - and I had to have one of his dulcimers- they have the EXACT sound I was looking for (it is bright, brassy and loud- like me- without much sustain- also like me -) my first dulcimer was a Dusty Strings ( not enough notes) so then I got a Master Works (too much sustain and too soft a voice) and then I got my Grand it is absolutely just right

Thanks to the extreme kindness and supportive remarks that my EDM friends make regarding my attempts at art - I have the nerve to post my first public performance on the hammered dulcimer - It took about 10 takes to relax enough so I could get through this short version of Carol of the Bells - just knowing I had the camera on made me nervous

anyway thanks to everyone for the kind comments and support you have shown me both on my blog and my FLICKR I am wishing you all the very best in the coming New Year

15 comments:

owenswain said...

Yup, it certainly is grand. Thanks for sharing that kind of art with us.

Sarah M said...

What a beautiful instrument, and very well played! That's one of my favourite carols. Thank you for sharing with us!

Anonymous said...

Oh WOW!!!

This is truly heavenly music, Kathleen! I have never even heard of a hammered dulcimer before, but oh, now that I know it, I can listen to it forever and ever. It reminds me a little of the Hang drum in sound ~ completely peaceful. It truly reminds me of heaven.

Thank you for taking the courage to record it and post it. You have enriched my life!

*hug*
Pippa

Lisa Adams Reed said...

What an honor to hear you play this beautiful instrument and start Sunday morning off with this song. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa

bettyfromtexas said...

Soooo beautiful!! The richness of this instrument . . . truly ethereal!! Thank you for performing for us!!!

Liz said...

A grand! How wonderful and you are great. I have a Daneman here at home at it's wonderful to play. Not a grand though but I wouldn't have any where to put it.

Liz

Ann said...

Ahhh, that was lovely. Thank you!

Barbara said...

Oh, how lovely! Thank you for that.

Liz said...

Hi Kathleen I got your comment.LOL. Yes I am a secret player of the HD love the term. On the calf you can take as many images as you want off the blog and anything else you like or email me if you want any larger ones. I have a huge database of images on my EH. I used to take promotional images for the Real Estate company I worked for. And yes I know I post too much...media does that to you.(I'm laughing here I'm an editor as well so always on the net with media releases etc). Take care and enjoy your Sunday. It's 9.43 am here at the farm.

Liz

Judybec said...

That was lovely!!!!! Thanks for sharing your musical talents!

Tracey Latorelli said...

Kathleen....Wow !

I hope you don't think it too forward of me to say..."you remind me of myself". I love music, too, but my instrument is my voice. Music brings as much peace as painting does.

Your HD is as your artwork to me - pleasing, well executed, and inspiring.

Thank you for the gift and just in time for Christmas! :o)

Warm regards,
Tracey

Jan said...

This has to be the best Holiday post I have received ever. Perhaps you should consider recording an album. I hope it would include "The Meeting House."

Taunya Rosenquist said...

I LOVE it.. the kids LOVED it too! I also played it for Dan and he said its too bad she isn't around here anymore. WE MISS YOU KATHY! we hope you are very happy in your new home! keep it up and post another song soon!

Unknown said...

Wow!I've never even heard of one of these before. You are awesome and I love that song. Playing in front of others is like standing in front of an audience and doing a speech. It's the top list on anxiety ridden things people do not want to do. I've recently started playing my sax and flute, but I wouldn't dare perform in front of anyone yet. Thank you so much for sharing. You are stunningly good! And doesn't it help you to relax after a long hard day.

Taunya Rosenquist said...

I can't help but comment again!!! I love it.. put another song on here please! we would all LOVE IT!