The Anti-Social Club

[mr music]

This a thread for unsociable people, The Anti-Social Club. Not specifically cold or unfriendly people, just people that have very few friends or with none at all (the less the better). It’s a thread for people when they have to ring up their local telephone company and find it a joy to have talk to a computer rather than a real person. It’s a thread for people who dislike reality shows. It’s a thread for people who think email is the greatest thing between the invention of the wheel and sliced bread. It’s a thread for people who would rather talk and say something in one word rather than two. It’s a thread for people who would rather have been around old composers or performers when they were alive; not to talk to them of course, but to observe. It’s a thread for people with no hidden agendas and probably doesn’t even need to be factually correct, but I think I would draw the line somewhere. It’s a thread for people who prefer to talk to dead people rather than most living people today. There's not much dialogue when we meet at The Anti-Social Club, but if you think you would like to join, then please read on.

So let me begin:

Sir Beethoven, I cannot refer to you as anything less because your music is so amazing to me. With all the portraits of you around these days it’s impossible not be scared of you. But you scare me because of your music. There is so, so much pain, which is why I love your music so much. You really gave the piano the ride of its life. I can see the pain and joy in your music. I’m planning on having a look at your Sonata no. 8 sometime in the future or one day when I rake up the courage. I would have love to have heard you play the 3rd movement of your Opus 27 Sonata or the Moonlight Sonata as it is known now, which I have read you used to play at incredible speeds. It’s amazing to think you passed on only 50 years before the discovery of recording. Although I think, it may only would have frustrated you;

Mr Shostakovich, Dmitri you were gone before I got any chance to know your music. Although I can see you on youtube now days. I suppose I can understand why you never wanted to run away from your country. No matter how bad things get where I live, I would never want to leave my place of birth. Although I have been known to complain about the weather (just a little), I wish I could move to the South Pole sometimes. And how did you ever compose with all that racket going on around you I’ll never know. When I’m going up to Heaven I want to be hearing the last few bars of the second movement of your 2nd Piano Concerto. But I thought, in my humble opinion, that was a brilliant trumpet part in your Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & Strings. It reminds me of my old band master, Loud and Noisy, but a damn nice bloke;

Frédéric Chopin, when I listen to your high-speed preludes & etudes (I carn’t play them, I just like to listen) they sound so transcendent and lift me incredibly, but I never fall into the trap of getting one of your books and try to learn them, otherwise I’d just give up. I would have like to have heard you play your Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1, it makes me be at peace with myself but then of course there’s reality;

Mr Rachmaninov or Sergei, if I may, so much to talk to you about, it’s overwhelming. You lived in a time of much confusion, turmoil and imminent chaos yet your music is filed with such passion and emotion. You even managed to escape, for want of a better word. I guess this is why your music is filled with so much realism, it’s really about you ! And I’m guessing you always wanted to return to your native country. I even read you use to send back parcels of provisions back to your native country, I’ll bet the powers that be didn’t like that much. And THANK YOU for recording all your piano concertos. But I wish digital was around when you were recording rather than those old piano rolls.

[db05]

I don't know if I count as anti-social; I actually don't mind watching reality shows sometimes.

I would love to call up some authors: JD Salinger, Virginia Woolf, Mishima Yukio and Nikos Kazantzakis. I believe Chuck Palahniuk, Douglas Adams and Paulo Coelho are still alive, though.

Dear JD,

You have the same initials as my classmate, and also the singer of INXS. Would you mind telling me what happens to Holden after Catcher in the Rye? And please tell me more about Seymour because I am too tired to read right now. Love you.

Dear Nikos,

You have the same name as my cousin (RIP). I have only watched bits of the movie, The Last Temptation of Christ, and I want a copy of the book. Also a separate copy of Saviors of God, if that exists. God bless.

Mishima-sama,

This bothered me for some time, I searched online and still I don't know the answer. What is Nansen Kills a Kitten all about? Arigatou.

[Petter]

If you are anti social, why do you feel compelled to share these thoughts with others? 

[concerto_love]

Dear Laurensia Maudyana,

Mau nggak pergi ice skating bareng Desi and teman-temannya di TA hati Minggu? TT__TT I want to go together with you since you never try it before, right? Me too...

[mr music]

I’ve never really liked baroque music. To me it always sounded like something being spat out of a computer, which is probably why I always found it difficult to learn. I know there are exceptions of course, in fact there are probably a lot. Mr Bach, many years ago I had the opportunity to play your Christmas Oratorio (on trumpet – Third, but trumpet none the less) and I must say I found this very exciting to play. But I have found now that playing trumpet as apposed to piano, to be very different even if is the same piece. Johanna Sebastian, I just received a copy of your Invention No. 13 about two weeks ago to learn (on piano). I understand this is one of your most popular. And I must say through this piece, I am beginning to understand what the deal is with this form of music (pardon the pun). With the help of my teacher I can now, with my own ideas see what it is saying. But I know I still have to learn the notes first though ! But Mr Gould you played it like you were possessed or something. Unfortunately, I cannot fully appreciate your tempo and interpretation, even if it is at the correct speed. But I guess tempo markings are just a suggestion. I guess I have only ever been exposed to Romantic music, but I intend to listen to more of this type of music.

[db05]

Thank you very much for mentioning Mr. Gould. I can understand how he didn't like being in the spotlight too much. People can misunderstand. And simply, just that endless SEA OF PEOPLE!! Argh!!!!!!!

Dear Glenn,

I think you are actually a nice guy. Nice, handsome, quiet guy who just likes to play piano not necessarily to impress people or be famous or anything. I do not have the same love for music as you do. As such, I shall be quitting soon. I love another Baroque composer (Scarlatti) but I don't intend to ruin his music by playing it halfheartedly. Everyone else is all about technique and musicality, and you know better than these people, and better than me, that the love for music counts more than those two.

[mr music]

ÉRIC ! you tricked me, but it was a long time ago. One of my previous teachers gave me your Gymnopédies (no. 1). And I could not understand it at all, and this is one of your most popular pieces. I am unable to recall the technical aspects of what my teacher said when I was trying to learn it, ie lydian, major, minor, it was a bit over my head, but I remember her explaining to me in great detail that it may one representation was dances being performed before mythical gods to honor people that died in times of conflict (I think she was reading Mythical Gods of Czarist Russia at the time). But anyway, I translated it to more recent times, WW1. And whilst my Great Uncle (whom of course I never new) returned from this so called Great War, I can hear the pain of war in this music. The ending….. it seems to me you were wanting to do something more with this. Or, you wanted the allusion that there is more but it was up to one’s imagination.

I hope you don’t mind me reminding you, but I read that you were sent back and forth to the Con (or the Conservatoire as known in your day) but were finally described by your teachers as untalented and even clumsy. Who do they think they are. And some people even downplayed your importance as a composer. I know very little of your works and although some of it appears a little unconventional, I am just so glad you didn’t listen to these idiot people and  d i d n ’ t   q u i t  otherwise I, may not have been introduced to your Gymnopédies (no. 1).

[mr music]

Thank you very much for mentioning Mr. Gould. I can understand how he didn't like being in the spotlight too much. People can misunderstand. And simply, just that endless SEA OF PEOPLE!! Argh!!!!!!!

Dear Glenn,

I think you are actually a nice guy. Nice, handsome, quiet guy who just likes to play piano not necessarily to impress people or be famous or anything. I do not have the same love for music as you do. As such, I shall be quitting soon. I love another Baroque composer (Scarlatti) but I don't intend to ruin his music by playing it halfheartedly. Everyone else is all about technique and musicality, and you know better than these people, and better than me, that the love for music counts more than those two.

Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, Glenn.... didn't like to shake hands as well, a lot like me actually.

[tds]

Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, Glenn.... didn't like to shake hands as well, a lot like me actually.

fair enough. what'd u like to shake?

[db05]

Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, Glenn.... didn't like to shake hands as well, a lot like me actually.

Me, too.

fair enough. what'd u like to shake?

I would rather give hugs like David Helfgott. 

[tds]

like in hugging strangers? u serious?

[db05]

like in hugging strangers? u serious?

Well I prefer warm and cuddly ones. But anyone would do!! At least it's not a handshake. That's so cold.

[tds]

Well I prefer warm and cuddly ones.

awwww...

[cai hong]

Wolfie-chan,
please remind me to cut my nails so I can play staccato in your sonata for my next assignment.

Best, Cai

[concerto_love]

Dear Jaya Suprana,

I hope you find me and my 'sister' and adding us to your MURI book, wakakak!!!!!


Dear Lita Liviani Tandiono,

Who said your cousin bad? She's not bad, she's really good!!!! XD U should play a duet with her and take her for your concert tour, wakakak!!!!! Perhaps... KV448?? XD Oh, another one, I beg you to teach her how to play violin since I guess she has talent... Pleaseee??

[cai hong]

Unca Addie
give your baton to me!!!

~Kyousuke Chiaki

ps : Kevin should have his hair cut!

((jk...jk...))

[mr music]

Heavens, some of these comments I think are actually very funny. I laugh sometimes. Opps, I could have offended anyone. But they do actually want me to go out and shake someone’s hand, no not really. A hand shake really means, I don’t really care how you are, that’s why I’m saying “How are you ?”. Whereas a hug could actually mean something, I guess. But sorry Glenn, sorry Sergei, it goes against our nature to be pleasant.

Now enough said, back to reality.

NB. I know I don’t have a sense of humor, but I’m wondering what some of these comments actually mean. You’ve lost me some of them. Are they in the right thread ? I never was that bright anyway. It appears you may be right Petter, I’m gona go back and just right this stuff in my journal – its more helpful.

[db05]

Heavens, some of these comments I think are actually very funny. I laugh sometimes. Opps, I could have offended anyone. But they do actually want me to go out and shake someone’s hand, no not really. A hand shake really means, I don’t really care how you are, that’s why I’m saying “How are you ?”. Whereas a hug could actually mean something, I guess. But sorry Glenn, sorry Sergei, it goes against our nature to be pleasant.

It baffles me as how concert artists can stand that kind of treatment. You practice for months/ years, play your heart out and it's awful quiet until the end. The least you get - clapping at the end, the most (as I've seen usually) - standing ovation, encore, lots of handshakes afterwards, and perhaps a nice article on the paper written by whoever (is he even a musician?).

I mean, how rude. After giving so much to music... 

This year, we made a point to stay behind after each concert to ask for autographs. You may have seen this picture:



We stayed behind to get autographs as usual, and got more than we bargained for. The artist (trumpeter) was nice. He let us take pictures with him. He saw our teacher, and they hugged. That was so unusually happy. He called our teacher "boss", lol.

This is the closest we got to a class picture.

[communist]

Dear Chopin, please do not compose, thank you.

[tds]

Dear Chopin, please do not compose, thank you.

lol

[concerto_love]

Dear... Ananda sukarlan... T_T

why?! why your competition really hard?!?!

[mr music]

It baffles me as how concert artists can stand that kind of treatment. You practice for months/ years, play your heart out and it's awful quiet until the end. The least you get - clapping at the end, the most (as I've seen usually) - standing ovation, encore, lots of handshakes afterwards, and perhaps a nice article on the paper written by whoever (is he even a musician?).

I mean, how rude. After giving so much to music... 

This year, we made a point to stay behind after each concert to ask for autographs. You may have seen this picture:



We stayed behind to get autographs as usual, and got more than we bargained for. The artist (trumpeter) was nice. He let us take pictures with him. He saw our teacher, and they hugged. That was so unusually happy. He called our teacher "boss", lol.

This is the closest we got to a class picture.

I have seen a few choice moments after concerts and used to think, But usually I used to think if this is what they get when they’re alive, what's it gonna be like when they're dead. I prefer to keep my distance though. Although I did ring a soloist the next day once to tell him how good the performance was. And I have witnessed hugging to the soloist. Although they were exceptional soloist, I did wonder about it though. But I think I am mellowing.

Agreed Db, when I studied trumpet, one of my teachers was actually a trombone player. I wont mention his name here but I could only ever call him Sir. I mean, anyone who can lip trill on top G on a bone has got to be good.

Nice picture by the way.

[db05]

Nice picture by the way.

I'm the one with the glasses and yellow jacket.

Bandies (big band musicians like trumpets, drums, etc.) are usually very friendly. I think I chose the piano over the guitar for the solitude, but it gets a bit too lonely. 

[tds]

I'm the one with the glasses and yellow jacket.

omg!!, i thought u were the one with the flower necklace

[mr music]

If you are anti social, why do you feel compelled to share these thoughts with others? 

Yes I feel you may be right, its a contradiction.

[mr music]

Dear Chopin, please do not compose, thank you.

Did you mean everything except for piano ?

[mr music]

Me, too.

I would rather give hugs like David Helfgott. 

No good, he's still alive. Mad as a fruit nut cake, but an extremely loveable chap at that. I wish I was as mad as he is.

[Petter]

No good, he's still alive. Mad as a fruit nut cake, but an extremely loveable chap at that. I wish I was as mad as he is.

I don´t think so. From what I´ve gathered he´s been heavily abused.

[healdie]

Dear Chopin, please do not compose, thank you.

you do know he is dead? and can no longer compose anyway

what is done is done all we can do is turn our backs and move foward

[communist]

you do know he is dead? and can no longer compose anyway

what is done is done all we can do is turn our backs and move foward

you do know he is dead? and can no longer compose anyway

what is done is done all we can do is turn our backs and move foward

yes i have been well a where of that for a while

[db05]

Dear *,

I thought I could come back here as if nothing happened. I thought I could continue with my life. But now I can't stand it anymore. I don't know what exactly I want. I can never... even if we talk about something as mundane as the weather, I would end up saying something wrong. It's my fault, it was always my fault. I'm not feeling overly guilty here. I know it's true, because you're not the first one. You weren't the first who's ever been annoyed or offended by me. You're not the first person I liked who I've pushed away. And I'm so sick, I just want this feeling to go away, I just want this to be over, forget everything that's ever happened, everything. Maybe I just want to die. Because there's no turning back. It's not like you can turn back time or erase memories just like that.

You don't know how I lost most of my old friends, and how even their photos were lost, when my wallet was stolen years ago. And how this forum represents most of my social life recently. How I dropped out of high school, and then college, and now I have no skills, nothing to offer the public. Unless of course, I stay in music school long enough to get a teaching license. You don't know how my entire life hangs on this, this throw-your-fist-at-the-moon chance of being a musician and instructor.

I can't lie to save my life, much less to save my face. I can't "act proper" and get along with people. I can't lie to myself long enough to live a "normal" life. I have to shut myself away. If someone sees me cry, how am I supposed to explain to him, that I'm not normal, my life's like this, and you may try, but you can't help me with the usual things? That I've seen at least 4 counselors and 3 psychiatrists, not counting the ones back in grade school, and they still couldn't figure me out? People want to help, and I appreciate that, but in the end, it hurts me all the more.

[mr music]

Dear *,

I thought I could come back here as if nothing happened. I thought I could continue with my life. But now I can't stand it anymore. I don't know what exactly I want. I can never... even if we talk about something as mundane as the weather, I would end up saying something wrong. It's my fault, it was always my fault. I'm not feeling overly guilty here. I know it's true, because you're not the first one. You weren't the first who's ever been annoyed or offended by me. You're not the first person I liked who I've pushed away. And I'm so sick, I just want this feeling to go away, I just want this to be over, forget everything that's ever happened, everything. Maybe I just want to die. Because there's no turning back. It's not like you can turn back time or erase memories just like that.

You don't know how I lost most of my old friends, and how even their photos were lost, when my wallet was stolen years ago. And how this forum represents most of my social life recently. How I dropped out of high school, and then college, and now I have no skills, nothing to offer the public. Unless of course, I stay in music school long enough to get a teaching license. You don't know how my entire life hangs on this, this throw-your-fist-at-the-moon chance of being a musician and instructor.

I can't lie to save my life, much less to save my face. I can't "act proper" and get along with people. I can't lie to myself long enough to live a "normal" life. I have to shut myself away. If someone sees me cry, how am I supposed to explain to him, that I'm not normal, my life's like this, and you may try, but you can't help me with the usual things? That I've seen at least 4 counselors and 3 psychiatrists, not counting the ones back in grade school, and they still couldn't figure me out? People want to help, and I appreciate that, but in the end, it hurts me all the more.

Db,

It sounds like you may be stuck in the Happiness Trap. I will recommend a book and send you the details. I cannot post here because it does not sound like the right forum and may smack of advertising.

[mr music]

I don´t think so. From what I´ve gathered he´s been heavily abused.

Of course I don't mean it, I was speaking loosely. Anyone who has, not just seen the movie (which, it appears controversy still exists), but has read the vast amount of literature available, would feel sorry for the guy. I probably should not have made that remark. I apologize.

I once new a trumpet player who was only 4 ft tall with only one leg. But the way he played The Flight of The Bumble Bee OMG, I just wish…. (no, I won’t say it).

[loonbohol]

I am an Anti-Social too.

You see.

Never was it known that when I start a new topic that no one ended it unhurt.

I am a fool for being a bragger.
But I have feelings for a certain Pianostreet  Member
and I am starting a Kundiman for her after the Symphony.

I am not telling who until The Kundiman is done.

[mr music]

I am an Anti-Social too.

Never was it known that when I start a new topic that no one ended it unhurt.

I usually keep my mouth shut when I have no choice but to be with people, as I dislike like confrontation (even on-line). Unfortunately, I may have been a little outspoken on some forums here and there, so I can see where you may be are coming from. The result is only trouble when more than one person intermingles.

I am a fool for being a bragger.

My moto is: Honesty is the best policy.

But I have feelings for a certain Pianostreet  Member
I am not telling who until The Kundiman is done.

Good luck with your endeavor and a reciprocated relationship. And, um, well it’s not a concern (for me anyway) that your love life is aired here (I’m sure some persons would like to know), but when your love has been professed and contracted between yourself and the other party, there will be no need to advertise such on this forum.  Otherwise, it will be more of a contradiction than me. Of course you do know this will distance you from the Anti-Social Club.

after the Symphony.

But enough twosome talk, what’s this symphony ? what’s the piece, who’s the composer / conductor, name of the orchestra etc.

[mr music]

Freddy, I was playing your Prelude No. 20 last week and it sounded like I was playing the wrong chords. In fact I was so sure I looked down to check, but I had the right fingers on the right keys

I'm still getting over this 40o heat but... some inspiration, please.

[juwaru]

I am anti-social, but if I met these people I would say...

"Mr. Liszt, thanks"
"Mr. Chopin, thanks"
"Mr. Schubert, hmmm"
"Mr. Rachmaninoff, could you hold up your hand for a second?"
"Mr. Beethoven, were you forced to write Fidelio?"
"Mr. Prokofiev, thanks"
"Mr. Scarlatti, nevermind"
"Mr. Cage,                                        "
"Mr. Godowsky, D*** YOU!!!!!!!"

I met George Crumb at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania after one of his lectures. I said, "Mr. Crumb, it's an honor." Then he signed the insert of my Ancient Voices of Children CD.

[db05]

Dear Sir *,

The other day, I wanted to kill you and everyone in class. I don't know if I will go to school anymore. I don't want to risk hurting anyone, and sure as hell I don't want to suffer these thoughts. On top of that, why? Solving this problem is as easy as knowing your perspective. Why didn't you trust me when I was happy and absolutely sure? To throw me back to being confused and doubtful. Do I need more time? Is there something else I need to realize before I can start understanding your way of thinking?

I mean, you're absolutely right about everything. One step outside of Yupancgo building, and the noise, pollution, distractions, traffic, and the empty everyday routine of people going to work, and going home tired. People have become so superficial that culture can only exist outside of civilization.

You say you don't have the time or the money for yourself. Why not drop this city life? Let's go away, someplace where we don't have to do anything unless we want to. Where we would meet only the ones we really care about, play only the music we like. Life would be so simple!

As long as I still listen to you, you can help me if you want to. He doesn't believe you can. He thinks you're a distraction. And that my feelings for you are irrational. Wait, all of my feelings are irrational to them. What is wrong with wanting to be with someone special? And wanting my own quiet space, away from all that noise? I can't change the world into something beautiful, fine. But I want my own place to be.

They want me to keep on the surface so nothing really matters. I've been there before. I had been on top of the class and well-liked, but empty. I wasn't sad, but not happy either. You know what that means? With those (what they see as irrational) feelings gone, any achievement means nothing. I could have a billion dollars, and it would feel like nothing. I could know all the secrets of the universe but not feel like it was worth it.

You know, I get it when people say I have to change my thinking. I really do. But there's a difference between sacrificing something to adjust to achieve my goal, and giving up everything I hold dear one by one. I don't see any silver lining to this. They're asking me to give up my current goals, and either try something else or continue as if nothing happened (and nothing mattered). For me to stop thinking and feeling, basically. That would take some medication. I try to stop thinking, and I can only do it for a couple of hours, except when I'm asleep of course. This time, I decided to risk it again because I'd rather not think of killing anybody. They want to rule out neurological problems first. This is taking so much longer than I expected. For the first time, I just want to take the meds and get it over with.

I just wanted to see you again today.

[mr music]

"Mr. Beethoven, were you forced to write Fidelio?"

 

I'd be too scared to most of these people. But for Mr Beethoven, I would make a great effort. As crazy as he looks I would have loved to have been his student. But it is funny to think, we are all probably only a few teachers away from Him. Fidelio, Fidlio. Unfortunately, Juwaru have to agree with you. It may have worked better if he had something different or better lines to work with. But maybe everyone was still wrapped up in the Mozart (Mr) thing (sorry Wolfe) – But then again he just probably was no opera composer. But Mr Beethoven, the music is dramatic and inspirational. I love it.

"Mr. Cage,                                        "

 

Was that the extent of John Cage’s music. SORRY, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, I’m not a fan of Mr Cage because I do not understand any of his music.

[db05]

Mr. Glass, would it get some wind for the sailboat? (It could be fresh and clean.) And who is Mr. Bojangles?

[mr music]

Freddy, I was playing your Prelude No. 20 last week and it sounded like I was playing the wrong chords. In fact I was so sure I looked down to check, but I had the right fingers on the right keys

I'm still getting over this 40o heat but... some inspiration, please.

Ok, so now it is happening with No. 4. I need a break from you. It's still 52o outside. Well no but it feels like it. But I will persist with No. 4.

[mr music]

Mr. Glass

Philip, it seems to be a phenomenon that the Jewish make the best violinists.

[mr music]

And who is Mr. Bojangles?

I give up, who is he ?

[mr music]

And who is Mr. Bojangles?

"Mr. Bojangles" is a popular song written and initially recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968 and covered since by many other artists. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band took the song to #9 on the Billboard pop chart in 1971.

The song was inspired by an encounter with a street performer in the New Orleans first precinct jail. Although this man could tap dance, the inspiration for the song was not the famous stage and movie dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson nor the New Orleans blues musician Babe Stovall.

According to Walker, a murder on the July 4th weekend of 1965 precipitated the arrest of all the street people in the area. In the crowded cell, a dishevelled old homeless man began to talk to Walker who had been arrested earlier for drunkenness. The man told various stories of his life but the tone darkened after 'Mr Bojangles' recalled his dog who'd been run over. Someone then asked for something to lighten the mood and the man obliged with a tap dance.

Walker mentions that all the men in the cell had nicknames to prevent easy identification by the police. The dancer's nickname was 'Mr Bojangles', no doubt after Bill Robinson. In his autobiography 'Gypsy Songman', Walker makes it clear the man he met was white. Further, in an interview with BBC Radio 4 in August 2008 he pointed out that at the time the jail cells in New Orleans were segregated along color lines.

[db05]

Philip, it seems to be a phenomenon that the Jewish make the best violinists.

Perhaps it's because they train fiddlers to play on rooftops?

[mr music]

Perhaps it's because they train fiddlers to play on rooftops?

Whaat?

[db05]

Whaat?

Like this.

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