Cliburn quote...

[rabbidrabbit]

Alrighty - I actually had another account here but I can't freakin log in with it and the password reminder doesn't recognize any of my email addresses.

Anyways - A few years ago I read somewhere a quote by Van Cliburn that, if I remember correctly, expressed what he felt like backstage before a concert (like it was hell - I think). Anyone recognize this and know where it's from?

[pianonut]

did he physically get hot? 

it's funny, but i always get cold. extremely cold.  i always have to warm up my hands by sitting on them or rubbing them.  of course, i don't play that many 'recital recitals.'  but, i have played in front of very large audiences for accompanying hymns, solos, and chorales.  one (many years ago now) was televised by satellite and i had these big lights shining right (it seemed) in my eyes.  another person was on the other side on another piano and we were doing the hymns in duet form.  i just told myself that it was like any other performance and don't 'freak out' over things you can't control.  I pray too, which i think helped me that day.  (if i remember right, i was pregnant at the time, and so when you are in taht condition people will forgive anything - fainting, needing water inbetween, etc.)  but, i am tough and never asked for any breaks.  i like to play the piano anyway, so i've found the more you perform, the more it just seems normal (once you get past the first note).


the worst that has happened for me is wearing constricting clothing.  always test it out beforehand.