 Landscape in Loma de Cabrera with double rainbow in the background I just came back from a trip to the Dominican Republic. One of the activities I did there was a music education mission in underserved communities through the Cheerful Hearts Mission. We were close to the border with Haiti in a little village called Sabana Clara. We would have Haitian musicians cross the border and receive instruction from the teachers that went from the United States. Every time we arrived into the location where we taught, the Haitian musicians would receive us with a joyous fanfare. They would play their instruments and sing. You could feel their happiness and how much they appreciated that we were there. I feel that even though I was there to teach, I was the one that learned the most. Throughout the days I was there, I experienced how much they love music. They feel it in their bodies, in their bones! Their passion goes beyond just words… It is as if I had been numb to music, and they had never lost it. One evening we were reflecting on the day of lessons, and one of my colleagues mentioned that they really resonated with a quote: “Being a musician is not about being a good musician. Being a musician is simply about sharing music…” This hit me very hard emotionally because being a classically trained musician, I can say with confidence that my focus has always been to improve. It seems that I had lost my way, and their passion for music and their love for connecting with it reminded me of how much I loved making music when I first started. Back then, I was not focused on being “right”. I was focused on how I felt while I played a simple melody, or followed the chords to one of my favorite songs. Back then I was amused by the smell of the wood of my guitar, by how heavy it was and how cold it felt against my arm… This feeling is indescribable… it fills your body and momentarily, when you were able to play something well enough, you felt fulfilled. I also remembered how good it felt to simply let go and not think about mistakes, intonation, etc... and just focus on enjoying and focus on the metaphysical aspect of music sharing. I remember there was nothing negative about it at all. That day, on the car ride taking us back to our hotel, all the way down the mountains, I listened to music with my headphones on. There was happy and sad music, and I felt it like I hadn’t in a long time. I am not a dancer, and I wanted to dance! I am a shy person, and I wanted to sing out loud. On the slow and sad songs, I cried a little. I even saw life differently. My love for music had been rekindled. I remembered why I had become a musician. I wanted to play guitar, I wanted to make music in that moment. When I got back to my room, I listened to Silvio Rodriguez. I listened to several songs and I couldn’t help myself but to play and sing silently (so I don’t wake anyone else in the hotel!). I played and sang “La Vida” and that feeling of fulfillment came back to me, like an old friend. For the rest of the mission, every time I made music, I was the happiest. I remembered the real reason why I became a musician… to share music and awake emotions in me and in others. Even though it is important to be a good music student and take care of accuracy, intonation, technical control, and all of that… it is even more important to not forget the real reason we are musicians. We are in a world that needs the metaphysical. In a world that is always rushing us, full of superficial things, full of insecurities and distractions. We, musicians, are those who make the world special… a place someone wants to be in. At the end of the day, we are the ones that make life worth living... I love who I am when I make music. "La vida que pende de todo La vida de cada emoción La vida en exceso, la vida de un beso La vida me ha hecho canción" - Silvio Rodriguez Carlos Bedoya, 06/05/24
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 The Supplement by Paul Rumsey If there are moments when I feel jealous of orchestral musicians, it’s definitely when I listen to Tchaikovsky. I would actually have a very hard time deciding between Symphony no. 5 and no. 6 as my favorite orchestral work, but as I write this, I am probably leaning towards no. 6. Considered by himself as one of his finest works (arguably his own favorite), Symphony no. 6 is an emotional journey that can take anyone from the most joyful moments to the deepest depths of despair and sadness. I have known this work for a while now, I studied it in music styles class in my undergraduate years, and since then, it has become one of my all-time favorite compositions. Every time I listen to it, I don’t fail to get goose bumps. The usual meaning that is given to this work comes from several music scholars that say that this work was composed as a suicide note. Although officially it is said the death was because of cholera, other sources suggest that Tchaikovsky committed suicide 9 days after conducting this work's premier. One cannot but wonder about its true meaning. Indeed, its tragic ending is a big surprise and a challenge to the usual last symphonic movement which is composed in a style that has all sorts of sparks, loudness, and brilliancy. Instead, Tchaikovsky takes us to the lowest register possible of the orchestra, and presents the theme one last time while the debilitating basses continue to lose their strength as if mimicking a dying palpitating heart. The first time I heard this work live was in a concert of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. I remember being at the edge of my seat the whole time. It was an out of earth experience. The most significant part was definitely at the end. The excruciating pain Tchaikovsky must have felt was communicated to the audience. I teared up and I my mood changed for the rest of the evening. Music can really impact you and that way… It is one of those moments that you wish you didn’t need to clap, because it honestly ruins the moment. The conductor kept his arms up, the pulse of the bow caressing the strings is no longer there, you know what is happening but at the same time you don’t. It’s special, and these moments are what make music unique. Carlos Bedoya, 10/06/23  Cristina and I at the Camden Aquarium in NJ. “Te Conozco” (I know you) is one of the songs that never fails to awake deep feelings in my heart when I listen to it. I discovered Silvio Rodriguez early during the time I was learning how to play the guitar. I immediately fell in love with his use of harmony and his masterful combination between amazing music and deep meaningful poetry. Of course I spent a lot of time learning his most famous hits such as “Ojala” or “La Maza”. However, the song that always hit me the most was “Te Conozco”. It speaks about that one person who has always been meant to complete you spiritually and romantically. I remember always thinking about its lyrics and being marveled at the thought of someone being pre-destined for you. This song describes the love of your life, someone whom you know from your infancy, someone who even though you might still not know them, they are there, growing in mind and body close or afar. They are developing experiences, and shaping their personalities and lives for the moment when you finally meet each other. Even though this was already one of my favorite songs, it took a whole new level the summer of 2016. I had been dating Cristina for only 4 months, and she was back in Europe to spend the summer with her family. I was missing her so dearly, and I was listening to music in my room. The moment this song played, I immediately realized that this song had always been about her and about how since always, Cristina was meant to be the one for me. It was specifically during the part of the song that says: “Por eso cuando te vi, reconoci mi destino” – That’s why when I saw you, I recognized my destiny. I started tearing up and since there was a big time difference, I couldn't call her because she was already sleeping. Instead, I wrote down the lyrics, I translated them, and I sent them to her as a message. Of course, I also sent her the song. I still can see myself tearing at the computer while listening to this song and writing that message. “El lago parece mar; el viento sirve de abrigo, Todo se vuelve a inventar, si lo comparto contigo…” “The lake resembles the sea; the wind becomes warm shelter. Everything is reinvented, only if I share it with you…” Carlos Bedoya, 09/06/23  "Peter's Church" in Vienna- where this specific musical moment occurred. The Concert Choir was the “flagship” choral ensemble at Rowan University. Dr. Christopher Thomas graciously granted me entrance into this amazing group even though I am a classical guitarist and I do not have extensive formal training in voice. I enjoyed it immensely and have a lot of fond memories with this group. In 2016, we did a concert tour in Vienna and Germany with works by Mozart, Brahms, spirituals and several more. Our trip was just like I dreamed it! A fun ride to the NY airport, and a 3-isle gigantic plane (2 floors!), and sitting next to my singing peers. We arrived at the Ataturk airport in Istanbul around 5:30 am on June 28, of 2016. I ate a delicious kebab for breakfast, and hung out with the guys as we waited for our connecting flight to Vienna. Everything went perfect! We arrived in our hotels, we showered, and tried to wait until later at night so that we can fight the jet-lag and acclimate as soon as possible. The next day, we ate a delicious breakfast provided by the hotel and we were watching the news at the dining area… We were astonished to find out that just the day before, the Ataturk airport had just been attacked by 3 suicide terrorists who bombed and killed more than 40 people and wounded more than 200.
 It was a hot day in May in Somers Point, NJ and I was preparing to play in a concerto competition. Scott Breiner, a fabulous organist and choir conductor, graciously agreed to accompany my performance at the piano. We were taking a break from rehearsal and we started talking about choir music. There I was, a high-school senior not even in college, thinking that I was a choir nerd and discussing how much I loved Mozart’s Requiem. Scott was gentle and his music wisdom knew how to inspire me without letting me know how gargantuan was the path ahead of me. Scott talked to me about the magnificent Durufle requiem. He talked about chant, church modes, and who knows whatever else which at the time probably completely escaped my head… The one thing I do remember, and will always remember, is that profound explanation of the ending movement “In Paradisum”. He mentioned, the whole requiem ends on a dominant 9th chord! “Can you believe it!?” he asked me while staring at me with an excited face. I barely knew what a G7 chord was at the time, let alone a dominant 9th? I remember not knowing what it meant, but I do remember feeling inspired and fascinated at the facility with which Scott described music and how passionate he was about it. His passion sparked a flame in me… I listened to the work when I got back to my house, with headphones on, and became almost addicted to the mysterious sound of the organ as it combined with the gentle voices of the choir. And it resonated in my head, the words of wisdom that so fabulously describe this ending: “Does paradise exist? Can humanity really comprehend what comes after life?”. “In Paradisum, deducant te Angeli” - May the angels lead you into paradise. Carlos Bedoya, 04/05/2023 Visit Scott Breiner's Cape Shore Chorale Website below
 It was a sunny and humid day in the historic district of Columbus, Georgia. I happened to be in the car with my dear friend Dragos on our way to the music school on that bricked and bumpy Broadway street. The car’s sound system was playing the 2nd movement of the gorgeous piano concerto #1 by Rachmaninov. The sun was hitting hard against the windshield, and my poor chevy’s AC was not enough to keep us cool on the short trip. We had arrived, and as soon as I turned off the car, this glorious climatic moment caught us by surprise. We could not get out of the car, despite the scorching heat that made the sweat drip off our foreheads as we contemplated with our eyes almost closing. The AC was off, the windows up, and we were stuck to our seats just appreciating the beauty of music. It was a well-worth it mini-torture, as this became one of my favorite musical memories next to one of the musicians I respect the most. Listen to that creamy ascending piano chromatic texture as the strings sequence an unforgettable melody. Carlos Bedoya 03/30/23  “Only One” by “Yes the Raven” (Alan Mearns) is one of those songs that finds its way into your brain and won’t leave until you listen to it for a thousand times on repeat. Alan masterfully evokes Bach and combines it with a soulful singing that leaves you wanting for more. I was driving from Florida to Bloomington one night, and I felt the need to listen to this song again, as I passed the dark shadows of trees by the side of my car. I increased the volume almost all the way to the top… the guitar flows like water. Alan’s technique is formidable and this simply perfect arpeggio pattern comforts the listener warmly like a chimney in a cabin in a rainy day. The soft voice is gently placed on top of this harmonic foundation and it just feels perfect. Every time I got around the 5th verse, the chord progression, the dissonance, the texture, and the intensity builds to a point that just takes me to bliss. I listened to this song on repeat, and I got Goosebumps time after time. Although I don’t understand the lyrics as well as I wish, the music itself is evocative and connects with you. I can’t help but make this song an important part of my music memory. I am quite sure that when I listen to this song in a distant future, there will be nostalgia and many other positive emotions. I am so glad I discovered this artist. “And when you take your bow Before that golden cow Lie like you've always done Say I'm the only one” Carlos Bedoya, 03/29/23 |
AuthorCarlos Bedoya is a classical guitarist from Colombia, living in the US. Archives
June 2024
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