There are several memories that I have of my grandfather, at that time all of us cousins feared him quite a bit...
The “bear”, of whom we imagined the worst possible things, after a few years since my decision to take music seriously and become a professional cello player, became my teacher for composition, harmony, counterpoint, etc.
The speed at which he conveyed his music teaching was impressive, it was clear that I was not used to his timing...
He became aware of that and patiently guided me by hand along the road ahead of me in music.
The exercises and figured bass that he gave me as assignment for the next day were many and I was barely able to complete half of them. I also had to do assignments for the high school that I was about to complete.
One day, filled with doubts on “parallel fifths” (basic harmonic sequencing rule), I realized how limited I was by the teachings of the professors I had at the conservatory of music.
Therefore, worried with an obstacle which was mostly in my imagination but afraid of making a big mistake in front of him, I told him:
“...but this cannot be done, there are two parallel Fifths!”
He answered: “But who told you that it cannot be done?”
In addition, I continued: “The harmony professor at the Conservatory...”
Quietly and completely speechless, he suddenly took my notebook and wrote with giant letters:
“IN MUSIC ONE CAN DO ANYTHING. THE IMPORTANT THING IS NOT TO BE A ROYAL PAIN IN THE NECK!!!”
Great sentence, which served me and will serve me well all life long, that only true musician such as he was, can fully comprehend. The school system, the standard programs and particularly the stupidity of many, considered “great”, make his authentic answer even more important.
With such a system of many constraints that are imprisoning us, he made me understand what it means to be a real musician, and he taught me freedom of artistic expression and creativity in all its forms. Thank you Grandpa!
Elisabetta Renzi
Concert cellist and teacher
May 2014
