The Hardest Instrument To Play
An admirer once asked Leonard Bernstein, celebrated orchestra conductor, what was the hardest instrument to play. He replied without hesitation: "Second fiddle. I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm or second French horn or second flute, now that's a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony." (Source: James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited).
If you have ever heard an orchestra out-of-sync, then you know the validity.
This is true with life. It is not about being served, but serving.
Ditto for the church, big time.
It's true for marriage.
If one can conquer the insistance upon being the loudest instrument in the orchestra, and find sufficient satisfaction in playing his part to the best of his ability, and rejoice even when someone else gains the greater recognition- then rest assured the Conductor takes notice and is pleased.
12.29.07 (7:50 pm) [
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posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
12.29.07 (5:19 pm)
When I began playing in the High School band as a 7th grader I dreamed of the day I might play 1st chair, 1st; I detested the 'lesser' 3rd chair positions. But as I grew as a musician I learned to respect and love the harmonies and soon transfered that love to chorus where I began to sing alto in order to sing the harmony.
Interesting point you make, it takes me back to one year when I sang a duet in church and my daughter asked me why I wanted to sing 'that weird part' instead of the familiar tune and I told her it took all of the parts to make it sound good. We should all strive to play the less trivial roles, shouldn't we? Nice post :)
posted by:
Lisa (
reply)
post date:
12.29.07 (6:44 pm)
this is beautiful PD! may i borrow it and credit it to you on my blog?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.29.07 (7:22 pm)
Reply to: Lisa
It's a well used illustration. Please use it, and no need to credit me! You can come hear me use it in my sermon tomorrow.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.29.07 (8:26 pm)
This is one fine post, and truer than true.
posted by:
auntconi (
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post date:
12.30.07 (10:13 am)
Amen!
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
12.30.07 (11:28 am)
A very astute observation.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.30.07 (12:20 pm)
Reply to: FinalyFree
I spent about a month practicing with the church choir in preparation for the Christmas Cantata. The new music director tried hard to teach us to sing parts, as most of us wanted simply to sing harmony. He made a little bit of progress. This story, and your insight, help me to understand a little bit as to why the parts are so important to a good choir, as well as so many other aspects of life in general. Thanks.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.30.07 (12:22 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
Thanks. I can pretend to be astute.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.30.07 (12:23 pm)
Reply to: auntconi
So, I get an amen from my favorite choir member. Thanks!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.30.07 (12:24 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Thanks. And, with this post, I have exhausted my insight into music.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.30.07 (12:25 pm)
Reply to: Lisa
Should you read this, please let me know the web address to your blog. Thanks.
posted by:
eraserhead667 (
reply)
post date:
12.31.07 (2:47 pm)
I have always found that playing lead electric triangle is FAR more difficult...
posted by:
ggirl (
reply)
post date:
01.09.08 (11:36 am)
Amen from me, too!
