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<$10.03.2007$>
Dangerous Business
| First, I am happy to report that some of you are actually reading, paying attention and responding to the commentary. I have been attempting to lure you into a state of dialogue where you either say "Amen! Miles" or "Have you lost your mind, Miles?" I write to explore, to question and to test theories. Often, I intentionally push the envelope to see if you're "listening." Your feedback is the true litmus test to the validity of any given offering. In other words, I need you. This is merely an exercise in self-promotion without the benefit of your input. That said, allow me to share some of the recent reader feedback. Regarding the Beethoven quiz, Beverlee from Florida says: "I am writing concerning the "mistake" in the mention of Beethoven's Ninth. It is Beethoven's Fifth that is referenced." That's correct! Beverlee will receive CD of both Beethoven's 5th and 9th Symphonies, compliments of myself and The Dallas Weekly. Also regarding Beethoven, Jenette from North Carolina says: "The error that you made was referencing Beethoven to the 17th & 18th century when he was actually in the 19th century (fingers crossed)." While this was not the actual quiz answer, and I did not reference the actual time period during which the piece was composed, Jenette is correct. Beethoven's fifth was composed between 1804 and 1808. It was debuted in 1808 making this a 19th century composition. By the way, Beethoven was born in Bonn Germany in 1770, making him a turn-of-the-century composer. He died in 1827. I think Jenette is also deserving of honorable mention and a prize for her participation. While I'm at it, I'd like to mention a few more comments I've received from readers. They do not reference my articles, but I thought they were insightful enough to share. Regarding Cheryl Smith's series on sororities, Shana from New York says the following: "The pledging process does not, in my opinion, foster sisterhood. It is another form of division in our community. It doesn’t promote originality and individual expression." Jenah from Georgia says: "I think Cheryl Smith's reports are very accurate. I don't think men should pledge women. I was an Alpha Angel, but it was different in the early '90's. The brothers were present but had very little to do with the membership process. I for one didn't witness any forced sleeping around but I did hear rumors. I think it had more to do with the individual. I also think legacies bring an advantage to the line because they bring knowledge of the sorority culture, mission and a sense of standard with them." *** Let's take another look at Beethoven if you will, for a look at his troubled life and the lives of artisans like him. Beethoven, by today's standards, was clinically depressed and suffered from at least one major and often written about unrequited love affair. Making matters worse, by the time of his 9th Symphony's debut, Beethoven's hearing was all but completely lost; he was legally deaf when he conducted the 9th. It was reported that he couldn't hear the ovation, he could only watch and weap. The fact that artists such as Beethoven have struggled with depression, heartbreak and substance abuse is a part of the art world's mystique. Many of our most celebrated personalities have succumbed to the temptations of such lifestyle choices and paid with their lives. The names Jimi Hendrix and Charlie Parker are two names that come racing to mind like one of their eight bar solo licks. Billie Holiday lost her battle with abuses and until this day we speculate about the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of Phyllis Hyman. Perhaps we in this psychedelic world of twisted, pseudo-realities are ourselves strange fruit. It has been suggested that the life of those lost in their passion to express their often unique perspective on life is a mine field of difficulties because of an inability to balance reality with abstract perceptions. The ability to recover from the highest highs of popularity, wealth and acclaim to virtual obscurity is more than most can manage. Over the next few weeks, let's take a close-up look at some of the greats that have pushed the envelope of life perspectives only to find that sometimes the envelope pushes back. When it comes to a life dedicated to music and the arts I have one thing to say -- this is dangerous business. Article also published in Dallas Weekly |
