The Concert in Mid-Atlantic

Have you ever thought about how a soloist feels before going on stage?
Robin wrote this poem on a previous trip, but as he is mid-Atlantic at the moment, and has his second guitar concert tonight, I thought I would share it with you.

The Concert in the Mid-Atlantic

Waiting in my padded cell,

And dreading the recital bell,

The summoning of execution,

From which there is no absolution,

It's outcome all depends on me,

Escape prohibited by sea,

Check fingernails are all intact,

Check nerves that are severely wracked,

Check music is inside my head,

And rise up from the cabin's bed.

ROBIN HILL

Believe me, he does actually love what he is doing!
But it is a lonely time waiting to be called on stage. For those who are as passionate about their music as Robin is, I think it is inevitable, that they will feel this way.
The skill is being able to control the tension and use it to your advantage, which, after many years experience, Robin is able to do.
It isn't quite the same when performing with Hill/Wiltschinsky, as there is a certain amount of backstage bravado going on, which helps to diffuse the tension.

It obviously worked last night as the concert was very well received and Robin has had lots of very nice comments. To add to the evening, and make it feel very special, all the audience were attired in evening dress!