This morning the Sinfonietta played a concert for the Jordanian Army Orchestra (who happen to be training at the NMC), and Jordanian Army Orchestra played a concert for us. They went first. Their program included a stunning version of "Ode to Joy" and another piece that required timpani hits on 2 and 4. It kind of blew my mind that they're getting paid for this. That this is their job - to learn to play an instrument for the first time at the age of 18 - and be employed by the Jordanian government. It was a really strange experience having come from America where good military music gigs are difficult to win. If this sounds like I'm complaining, it's not the tone I'm intending at all. It's just bizarre. Welcome to Jordan.
Post-concert, I attended a quintet rehearsal followed immediately by an Arabic lesson. During this time, one of my students, Rania, suggested that she, Fadi, and I play a trio for flute, cello, and piano. It was my favorite part of today. No questions asked. I can't remember the last time I just sat down and read chamber music just for fun. It has to be since around June when Josh and I were working on Hottetterre. Today we played Weber, and the piece was full of bizarre harmonies and mode mixtures, but it didn't matter. I really hope we continue to do this - it was so refreshing!
Tomorrow, I will write program notes on Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.
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