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One early morning in Paris.


Garth E.

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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. 

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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?  :ph34r:

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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

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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.

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