One early morning in Paris.

[Garth E.]

Although I don't play violin, it has had a hold on me that began back in my younger days. I was hitchhiking around Europe for a year when I was 18. That was in 1970/71. I was travelling from Albertville  to Paris and ended up the first day in the Latin Quarter. I think I found a floor to sleep on somewhere above a restaurant that evening. I remember getting up very early and thought I'd walk along a well trodden pathway by the Seine, down a bit from Notre Dame Cathedral. As I sat down on an ornate bench I noticed a well dressed gentleman take a violin out of it's case. He seemed to pause a bit, maybe to sense the acoustics as he was standing under one of the many bridges. He then began to play the most beautiful music I think I had ever heard. I thought to myself that this was the Paris moment I will always remember. I have been fascinated with the violin and those who play since then. Even then I felt I had witnessed something very special. I've been able to carry that magic moment with me for the past 50 years. I wish I had thanked that violinist for that impromptu performance. 

[Violadamore]

18 minutes ago, Garth E. said:

Although I don't play violin, it has had a hold on me that began back in my younger days. I was hitchhiking around Europe for a year when I was 18. That was in 1970/71. I was travelling from Albertville  to Paris and ended up the first day in the Latin Quarter. I think I found a floor to sleep on somewhere above a restaurant that evening. I remember getting up very early and thought I'd walk along a well trodden pathway by the Seine, down a bit from Notre Dame Cathedral. As I sat down on an ornate bench I noticed a well dressed gentleman take a violin out of it's case. He seemed to pause a bit, maybe to sense the acoustics as he was standing under one of the many bridges. He then began to play the most beautiful music I think I had ever heard. I thought to myself that this was the Paris moment I will always remember. I have been fascinated with the violin and those who play since then. Even then I felt I had witnessed something very special. I've been able to carry that magic moment with me for the past 50 years. I wish I had thanked that violinist for that impromptu performance. 

Thank you for sharing this.     However, the way that you describe the violinist and the music, did the piece remind you of anything by Tartini, perhaps? 

[Garth E.]

2 hours ago, Violadamore said:

did the piece remind you of anything by Tartini,

I wish I could say it did. 

[Rue]

What a lovely story! 

[matesic]

My magic moment came whilst on holiday in Sardinia when I heard the extraordinarily evocative sounds of a quartet of "tenores" rehearsing in a village hall. If you're thinking "Pavarotti" or "large viola", this may come as some surprise - not these guys but the exact same style

When they spotted us listening outside the door they invited us inside and gave us a glass of wine

[Garth E.]

9 hours ago, matesic said:

My magic moment came whilst on holiday in Sardinia when I heard the extraordinarily evocative sounds of a quartet of "tenores" rehearsing in a village hall

I get inspired whenever I see real talent. When someone is really good at something, I mean really good, it takes my breath away. Great share.