Spotlight on the soloist

Solo = alone. How strange is this profession. They do everything for you, ask you if you need anything and make sure you have it. They give you a separate room, guard you so that you can keep quiet and focused, jump around to please you, then you go on stage, 80 people watching your every gesture, listening, clapping, very enthusiastic, sometimes (afterwards) coming to congratulate you and then.... you are left alone wondering what to do in an unknown city. 

You start thinking why is it just now that your friend, whom you were about to see, is not well and cannot meet you, or why you do not have a tour manager that would always be 'at hand'...

Perhaps this is just about time to enjoy those blessed moments when you do not need to do anything, just walk around, admire the city... unless you decide to update your blog :)

If it does sound negative then that is not the intention of the author of these words. In fact, performing solo recitals is the best experience this profession can provide and for those few moments it is worth working hard, and surviving all stress. Even more so if the instruments are original 1620 Italian, and 1755 English harpsichords. This is like a time capsule to the past.. Russell Collection has tens of various original instruments and it is a unique, world-famous place, with allegedly the oldest concert in hall in Edinburgh - a magical, wonderful spot hidden amongst the noise of the big city...

(Edinburgh, 16 August 2008, after the recital in St Cecilia's Hall. A photo from the ruins of the Abbey of the Palace of Holyroodhouse)