Connect the Dots

 

Most people call them notes
or sometimes the dots.

It's a written language for musicians
that is universally understood
no matter a player's nationality.

The note shapes spell all
the musical pitches and rhythms

that anyone needs to make music.

Of course, the dots are just instructions.
Musicians still need to know

how to produce a musical sound
on their instrument too.

And to correctly prepare for a performance
sheet music must be carefully arranged in order
and secured to a sturdy music stand.

It's a universal exercise
that every musician from anywhere
learns to do before a concert starts.

This old double bass player 
sorts his music on a folding wire stand.
Leaning against a tree next to him 
is his instrument 
quietly watching the activity,
like a loyal companion.

It's a rare photo of a musician doing
simple routine preparation before a gig begins.
It's a beautiful image that invites us
to stick around and listen to the concert.

The place and time of this photo postcard is unknown.
But on the back is a printed stamp box symbol
for the CYKO paper manufacturer

which likely places this musician
somewhere in North America
at some time between 1906 to 1920.

I like his hat. 

Since we can't hear this bass player
let's listen to another one.
Here is Alexander Muravyev
playing one of his own pieces
aptly entitled "Cheshire Cat".

This is my contribution to Sepia Saturday

where a blogger's virtual desk
is often messier than a real desk.