I cannot begin to tell how much I miss watching live performances. With today’s incense view of technology, everything seems to be construed as authentic productions. Yes, they are authentic in the sense that real people produce them but bringing them onstage as live shows are rarely felt these days.

One day I was leisurely walking in Central Park, New York and I heard a Mozart concerto over the speakers. It was not the standard piano and orchestra version but one keyboard playing the entire score, such a rare and unique rendition. I was looking all over the park trying to convince myself it was a live performance. I was elated to have found the source, and it was a live performance indeed on a simple keyboard by a lady pianist wearing black mask while effortlessly executing this stunning Piano Concerto in A Major while the listeners surrounded her with astonishment. I was one of those lucky spectators to have witnessed a rare showcase in broad daylight amidst the noise of cars.

I consider myself a ‘puritan’ when it comes to classical music and to me anything visual is always a breathtaking experience. My imagination is stretched out when I see those fingers conquering the keys. It is because as pianist, I am constantly challenged as to how and where the fingers would go while the music is played. It is an enlightening experience to see someone else do it. Music is also a visual experience, indeed.

As I said earlier, with the bombardment of techno production, it seems authentic musical sound is altered already. Acoustic violins are replaced by synthesizers which are easily produced at the click of the keyboard or computer. How do you think virtuoso violinists react to this malady?

Sometimes it is understandable to think that today’s market of music is too commercial because the trend is commercial music. Why must everything have commercial value? Is it all there is to see? What about being true and honest with yourself and trying to respect the discipline of the art of sound. There are certainly ways by which we can compromise with the needs of the listeners but where is the limitation to this? How much patience can you endure and just pretend to compose ‘garbage’ music because it sells.

Such illiteracy. I strongly believe that music-playing should not be considered a mere hobby one can just enjoy and later drop. It requires disciplined training in so many areas surrounding the instrument. People who think they are musicians because they can sing ‘Bad, Bad Leroy Brown’ are those who are the most idiotic form of musical beings. They have no power and right to spread untrue sound even when their intentions are personal. By personal, I mean those romantic serenades that pervade in far-flung areas or a drunk singer trying to impress the world with bad rhythm or tune, for example. I hate to say that those who profess rudimentary talent become obsessive with his self-acclaimed artistry.

In a drinking spree with Pinoys elsewhere, there is always a mandatory ‘karaoke’ showcase of talented and extremely atonal singers. While the former can also annoy you with nonstop singing, the latter seems to think they are also musicians. I am always hysterical each time I am in this situation. I feel humiliated and disgusted having to waste my time listening. The worst part is that you have to clap after the song as courtesy or whatever crap of gesture you want to impart.

Singing is not an overnight thing to do. It is just like studying Physics or Law. One must learn everything before one can sing even in karaoke. Out-of tune singing brings the art to its lowest level.