When I was a child, I was confident that I had a future as a touring concert pianist; but of course, life had other plans! Nevertheless, throughout my long life, I have derived considerable solace from the piano and its vast and profound literature.
For most of my musical life I have focused on ensemble music, chamber music to be precise. It is less lonely, more popular, and very satisfying! Times do change (as we septagenarians very frequently notice!), and it has become much more difficult (not just for me) to assemble a chamber music ensemble. I have more and more in recent years found myself with no other option than to perform solo.
Carl Banner, in Hawaii
But what is that old expression from Br’er Rabbit: please don’t throw me in that briar patch!
Since the pandemic, I have performed 14 solo house concerts, almost all of them sold out, sometimes weeks in advance. This may have something to do with the associated potluck dinners, of course; but you know, if people didn’t like the music, they would probably rather just go out for a pizza.