The battle of the accordion and the violin

Feeling music performed live is a unique experience that reconnects us with our primal self, the one that lived in communities where music was part of rituals and marked the key moments in the life of a group. This is why I am a firm believer that people shouldn’t take photos during concerts — unless it for professional reasons — as it breaks the emotional involvement and the profound connection with the musicians.I am, therefore, deeply annoyed by the myriad of smartphones and tablet raised above heads to (poorly) capture the performances, obstructing the view of those seated behind. Then, on a late July evening, I realised that I was also part of the problem too.

Last July,22 I went to a concert where two astonishing musicians from Sicily, violinist Francesco Nicolosi and Pietro Adragna a piano accordion virtuoso, performed a beautiful concert blending music talent and showmanship. These two photos show an example of what I mean: the smile on Pietro Adragna”s face while he ‘duels’ with his partner. First, the violin imposes itself on the seated accordion,
but then there is a reversal, with the accordion standing tall and ‘pushing back’ the violin.

I would not have been able to capture these moments if I hadn’t had a camera with me, but the price I paid was missing out on the magic of being lost in music.

So, at the end of the day, how can I keep blaming these people with raised smartphones if I am one of them? Holding a proper camera instead of a crappy image capture device (it doesn’t matter how smartphone marketing calls them) doesn’t make me any different. I was just another one who lost sight of the true meaning of what music is for.