“Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.” ~Ludwig 
van Beethoven
Can you fathom life without music? How long has it been since you fed your passion for music at a concert that left you yearning for more?
Jacquelyne Silver’s concerts touch my soul. She makes me laugh, cry, sing, and engage with her. She will teach and entertain you. You will leave her performance with joy in your heart, a firmer appreciation for music and an unbridled love for her music. She is witty, erudite, versatile and oh so entertaining.
Jacqui was three years old when her ragtime-player father brought a piano home. They both sat on the piano bench and he taught her two chords in the bass clef. As she played a chord, he improvised the melody in the treble clef. He would say “change” when she needed to switch to the other chord.
When the exercise was finished, she said, “Okay daddy, let’s change places now.” She played back the melody he had just rendered, and told him to “change” at the appropriate time. Thus began the brilliant career of a child prodigy.
From Juilliard (on a full scholarship at the age of 15) to Broadway, her repertoire has no limits. She has worked in close collaboration with Luciano Pavarotti, Marilyn Horne, Leonard Bernstein, Andre Kostelanetz, and Barry Tuckwell, to name a few of the greats.
Jacqui pulls you into the lives of the composers whose works she performs. You leave her concerts hungering and thirsting for more knowledge about whatever form of music you appreciate the most.
In one of her performances entitled “Happy Bedfellows: The Law and Music,” she explores the connection between music and the law. “There are many famous composers who studied the law and indeed were active composers,” she shares. Tchaikovsky, Robert Schumann, Gilbert & Sullivan and Cole Porter were but a few of the attorneys whose first love was music.
Jacqui brings them to life in her lecture and music. For example, she told the story of how Robert Schumann’s parents sent him to law school. He was an intellectual and a journalist, who came to music late in life. He began writing about the law and connecting it with music. Robert fell in love with his teacher’s daughter, Clara, and after she turned 18 they were married. This remains one of the great love stories in all of musical history. He wrote a beautiful piece for children. The music represents the imagination of a child dreaming. As you hear Jacqui play Traumeria, new meaning flows into this comfortable, well-known melody.
As a very young child I was privileged to attend concerts given by Arthur Rubenstein, Myra Hess and Van Cliburn. What sets Jacquelyne Silver apart from these world-renowned artists is her breadth of knowledge and how she can jump from fascinating details and music of Frederic Chopin to Scott Joplin’s ragtime, or Emmanuel Chabrier’s Habanera. She imbues you with her passion for music—even if you don’t know the difference between a quarter and a half note!
Frederick Nietzschie states, “In music the passions enjoy themselves.” My hope is that this few minutes of sharing a creative genius with you, will spark your originality. Jaquelyne Silver has certainly touched my life and given me “wings” to soar.
To Your Creative Passion,
Dar
P.S. This Sunday, March 21, 2010, Jacqui will be performing at the Athenaeum in La Jolla, California. The Concert title is the “Creativity and Genius–the Fire Within!” She will be exploring where creative genius comes from through works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Duke Ellington, to name a few. For ticket information call 858-454-5872.
March 15th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Darlene~I really enoyed this post! You recognized a gifted woman when you saw her in concert last year. You learned her story, attended more concerts, and shared it with all of us! I can see Jacque’s passion, and yours! You were able to help us see what you can see; a gifted musician and entertaining teacher. I’m glad you gave me this opportunity to hear Jacque’s story!
.-= Linda G Cox´s last blog ..The Law of Attraction is Real =-.
March 16th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Thank you, Linda. It is truly a remarkable experience to know a creative genius like Jacqui. She re-defined music for me!
March 17th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Darlene,
This post was awesome! Music is so important in our world and to our souls! I think we might be kindred spirits when I read your feelings about music. Thanks for sharing and keep them coming.
.-= Debbie Stevens´s last undefined ..Response cached until Thu 18 @ 20:28 GMT (Refreshes in 23.68 Hours) =-.
March 17th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Debbie, You’re right—we are kindred spirits. When I read your post about playing the piano it brought tears to my eyes. Wish I could take you to Jacqui’s concert this Sunday. I know you would love her music as much as I do!
March 17th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Cousin, I would love to be going with you Sunday. I have many childhood memories of listening to your mother play as I drifted off to sleep, on those wonderful visits to your home. Enjoy it for me and I see you soon.
March 17th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I’m counting the days! Nothing would please me more than to take you with me on Sunday.
Sweet memories … Pressed between the pages of our minds …
March 18th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Hi Darlene,
Thanks for this wonderful post. I have always had a distant appreciation for music, but you have shared some insights into this world which have stirred me inside and reminded me on the power of music that can be used as a tool to grow in our lives. Thanks again.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
PS – Enjoy the concert on Sunday!
March 19th, 2010 at 10:00 am
Well Edward, I hope it has inspired you to pop a CD into your computer (or iPod) and let the music envelope you!
March 19th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Hey Darlene…music is one of the most precious gifts God has given us. I love to sit and listen to someone who has really been touched with a gift of music. You have inspired me to check out Jacquelyne Silver…Thank you!
I went to a violin concert a few weeks ago and was completely drawn in like you talk about. I was thinking about sharing that experience with people. I may just have to do that now…thanks for sharing and your inspiration.
.-= Bruce Backman´s last blog ..A Power Grab Under the Guise of HealthCare Reform =-.
March 19th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Bruce, Jacquelyne Silver is on Facebook. I hope to get a recording of her music this weekend.
Definitely share your violin concert experience. I’d enjoy experiencing it with you!
March 19th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Hi Darlene
Music is such a gift to us all and what a gift this woman has. How special it is that she can share it with everyone – that must be so satisfying. I used to work in theatre as a lighting technician and was lucky enough to view many orchestras while i worked the lights. It was always so uplifting and a privilege to be a part of the performance.
Music tames even the savage beast… i think that’s how it goes
Cheers,
Matt
.-= Matt Jones´s last blog ..We Are Only Human =-.
March 19th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Fantastic post Darnene, I must admit I’m not familiar with Jacquelyne or her music. However she certainly sounds like an extremely talented person. She is obviously a natural, born to become a musician & entertainer. I can see how much passion & emotion you feel for her. I appreciate your sharing. Cheers Toni
March 19th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Sorry Darlene, I just noticed my spelling mistake in your name. Make that ‘Darlene’
March 20th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Hi Darlene,
What a moving story! Your description brought Jacqui right here, as if we were watching her! I am especially fascinated by her pairing of education and music. Absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us.
Nancy
“Mentor Mama”.
.-= Nancy Burke Barr´s last blog ..WHO IS MENTOR MAMA? =-.
March 20th, 2010 at 6:46 am
Nancy, Jacqui has gone beyond pairing education and music. She has produced a DVD with child actors, called “History Alive Through Music.” It is her goal to educate the younger generation about American history and she does it brilliantly in this one-hour presentation.
March 20th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Darlene no wonder you were captivated by Jacquelyne Silver’s masterful knowledge and skills. From your description, she sure has brilliance.
More importantly I’m glad you said: “My hope is that this few minutes of sharing a creative genius with you, will spark your originality.” Here we are, most of us, devoting a lot of our time and attention to the internet marketing and/or network marketing fields.
In my mind your question then really becomes: What refreshing approach can I take that will totally wow my prospects/customers/tribe? To be different, to combine stuff in new ways, to make knowledge come alive!
Let creativity flourish indeed.
.-= Stew Shaw´s last blog ..Frank Kern Fail – Toys R Not Us! =-.
March 20th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Actually, Stew, I was just sharing from my heart. I wasn’t looking for a different approach. Jacqui’s music has inspired me to attain new goals in my own life.
March 20th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I love the way you shared Jacqui’s story so that as a reader, I feel as though I know her.
Music has a way of transporting us to far away places and to bring about emotions we may not have known we have. I played violin for years and my brother plays saxophone so music has played a huge part in my life.
I had the pleasure of attending a concert by Yo Yo Ma some years ago and I still remember how amazing it was. To be completely captivated by a performance is a wonderful feeling and I hope that everyone gets to experience that sometime in their life.
Enjoy the concert Darlene!
~Angel
.-= Angel Taylor´s last blog ..Learning to Have No Shame =-.
March 21st, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Darlene,
Right on my friend! I LOVE, absolutely LOVE music. It is the language of the soul. Thanks for sharing your passion for it with us here.
Krista
.-= Krista Abbott´s last blog ..Social Media Management Tools: HootSuite =-.
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:39 am
Hi Darlene,
Wonderful post and sometimes we forget how important music is in our lives. Music makes you remember the good times and also the bad. It make us smile, sing and creates a common bond between old and new friends alike. It’s actually one of the best gifts we can pass along to future generations as well.
Music has been a major influence in a lot of our lives and will continue through time.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with music and a reminder how it touches us all!
Dave and Dawn
.-= Dave and Dawn´s last blog ..More Steps to Riches from Ancient Times =-.
March 24th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Hi Darlene, I’m one for listening more than playing but I guess my passion is not here. I have tried to play, but like anything else, to be good at something you have to practice. Maybe I can take all this energy I have and apply it towards another passion. Thanks
.-= Bill Cowan´s last blog ..Tired of Feeling Tired All the Time? =-.
April 1st, 2010 at 6:25 am
Darlene, thank your for introducing me to Jacqueline Silver and her ways with music. I can imagine the thrill of music coming alive through her and her presentation. Your post sent me straight to Träumerei on YouTube where I found another great musician, Victor Borge, playing that piece in his own unique style. My parents and I used to watch him on tv many years ago. Another favorite of mine is Andre Rieu. It’s always a good day when music is a part of it. So… have a musical day!
April 1st, 2010 at 8:16 am
Oh Monika, Jacqueline is an awesome treasure! I have tried to record her music (I wanted to cry when she played Traumerei), but have not found the right venue to do so. That is a consuming goal of mine—I’ll let you know when I’ve accomplished it.
Can’t believe that Andre Rieu is one of your favorites, too. I LOVE his music. When you leave one of his concerts I don’t believe your feet touch the ground!
If ever there’s a day that feels ho hum, I crank up the tunes and start dancing …
April 17th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I couldn’t imagine my life without music. Music is my medicine. Its my redbull when I need a boost, my best friend when I’m down, and an ear when I need to vent. Music is a constant in my life. Its a power thing that transcends any and all differences and unites people. I LOVE music.
Great Post!
May 26th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Wow Darlene! This brings a lot of memories and thoughts to my mind! I, too, had the privilege of hearing Rubenstein live as well as Liberace in St. Pete, FL many moons ago! My mom was my inspiration. She was a wonderful musician and her passions for music touched all who knew her. (I wrote a memoir about her on my blog)
Have you ever seen Ruth Laredo in concert? She is a tiny woman and loves performing big music like Rachmoninoff. Throughout her performance she stands up to play in order to get the volume she needs. Truly inspiring!
I will check out Jacquelyne Silver on youtube!
Thanks!
Dayna
aka. hopebuilder