A DIVINE DUET

Have you ever wondered what happens when a beginner musician meets a world-class musician on the same stage?

Twenty-two students and three teachers just returned from the Generations in Jazz Festival over the weekend. It was so good to see new singers and musicians play alongside world-class, experienced musicians. It was so encouraging to see and hear the young and the old, the novices and the masters, play together.

The Generations In Jazz weekend reminded me of a classic story often told of a Polish mother who was eager to encourage her son’s musical ability. To inspire him, she took the young boy to see a performance by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the legendary Polish pianist, composer, and statesman. 

After they were seated, the mother spotted an old friend and walked down the aisle to see her. Her son saw the opportunity to explore and went through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing.

The curtains opened and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. The mother saw her little boy sitting at the piano, innocently playing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Right at that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." 

Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the boy, and he added a running obbligato (a beautiful melody over the top).

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a simple, basic piece of music into a wonderfully creative, unforgettable experience. The audience were so mesmerised that they couldn't recall what else was played on the night. Only the classic, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

I think in life we often try to play our part alone, pushing ourselves as far as we can (sometimes out of pride or stubbornness), but we aren't meant to do life alone. It’s meant to be in a good relationship with God and others. Just as the young boy needed the master to complete the melody, perhaps that’s how it is with God and us. 

While what we accomplish on our own may not seem noteworthy, the touch of the Master’s hand creates an amazingly memorable transformation.