Whenever I hear music
Whenever I hear music
You are near;
Your very essence permeates the notes
Enhancing their delight.
However distant from me
Still most dear;
Whenever I hear music
You are there.
Meg Rugg-Easey
Tag: clarinet
A Conductor Named Bryce(1969)
There was once a conductor named Bryce
Who, remounting his rostrum, said ‘Twice
‘I’ve been swept off my feet –
‘But I’m still on the beat!’
That undaunted conductor named Bryce.
Meg Rugg-Easey 1969
Music
Serene and beautiful the music flows
In measured waves around me, drowning care
When others play; but when I play it flows
Unevenly, with laboured faltering pulse,
Not beautiful and not at all serene.
With fingers tied in knots and nerves strung taut
I fight the music – more my foe than friend,
Enjoying first the battle, then the peace,
Either of victory or defeat, which one
It matters not; only the fighting counts.
‘Relax’ says Mr. Bryce ‘that phrase should sound
‘tranquil and smooth.’ (Tranquil, oh what a hope!)
‘Spread the notes out; don’t puff in little puffs…
‘Why are you playing softly – it says ‘loud!’…
‘And can’t you bring that melody to life
‘Instead of killing it? There are long gaps
‘After those trills; join them up. Try always
‘To listen to yourself and keep in tune
‘Don’t rush, sound all the notes distinctly; keep
‘Those fingers firmly down; breathe when you must,
‘Don’t burst your lungs, it spoils the even flow
‘Of the music if you gasp.’
Oh dear, I think
I’ll give the clarinet a rest and try
To play the pianola right instead.
Meg Rugg-Easey
Anniversary (1968)
A year ago two of us came
Our clarinets a-blowing,
Now there are three instead of two –
Your student band is growing!
If by next year the number should
Increase by half again
Why, then you’ld have four and a half
And that might be a strain!
Slowly we learn, as weeks slip by,
For skills are slowly won.
It’s difficult, but thanks to you
It certainly is fun!
Meg Rugg-Easey 1968
For Mr. Bryce (1967)
Almost a year has passed since first we came
Seeking your expert guidance in the art
Of coaxing from the clarinet those sounds
Melodious which it is designed to give.
Thousands of squeaks and wrong notes, sharps and flats
Unheeded or not needed; notes too long;
Not long enough; too soft; too loud; you’ve borne
With patience never-failing. Grateful thanks
For this, and for the pleasure learning brings.
We know you’re awfully busy; we scarce dare
Ask you to cope with us another year.
Small fry beside your orchestras and choirs
We are at least – you must admit it – Tryers!
Meg Rugg-Easey 1967