This is a tribute to one of my favourite composers and music legends of our time.

George Gershwin defined American folk music in the early 20th century with his brand of classical, folk, blues and jazz melodies. The style of his compositions was whimsical yet classy, emotional yet humorous.

Most of all, his tunes were simple and yet, full of substance.

Full of substance because his works captured the emotion and imagination of the music world at the time. It was music about beauty, music about life and it touched us all because above all, it was music above love ~ simple endearing love. With this formula, his music has stood the test of time and up till this day, musicians the world over are still jostling to come up with the best interpretations.

I enjoy playing Gershwin because his music allows me to be who I am. He gives me inner-strength in self-belief, and flexibility in creativity. He allows me to wander beyond far away places to my heart's content and until it is finally time to come home. I am in a dream, a wonderfully melodious dream where beautiful sounds evoke emotions and memories. It's like a past lover suddenly coming back to being upon a beautiful and familiar fragrance. Because of this, Gershwin is wonderfully addictive and truly intoxicating.

I do not attempt to contemplate which of his tunes are my favourites. They are all special in their own way. However, my favourite picture of the legend is one of him with his brother Ira and Fred Astaire at the piano. This picture is hung on the wall of my study and it makes me smile everytime I look at it. Three immensely talented and beautiful beings at play.

My regret is that Gerswhin died at a young age of 38 in 1937. Just how much richer will our lives be had he stayed for a little while longer? My consolation is he left us with a beautiful legacy whereby his spirit comes alive within me each time I am by my piano.

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How to Play Piano in 1 Day

This is an excellent introduction to learning the piano.

I would highly recommend this course because it emphasizes the development of aural skills. Too many beginners are eager to "get stuck into playing" without firstly understanding the basics of a scale, musical intervals, developing a sense of timing and tempo and basic exercises for the fingers. Within a day, you will have learnt to play a scale, which is the base for playing a melody. It teaches harmony in a far different way compared to how I was taught. Good harmonisation and chord progression is the basis for good musical arrangements.

Food Symphony ~ Life Parallels of a Gourmet Chef and Orchestral Maestro

• If music is the food of love, play on. ~ Shakespeare

  One would necessarily agree that we need food to sustain our daily lives. But food only nourishes our body and music soothes our heart. However, the combination of good food and good music nourishes our soul.