Piano By Patrick Mu'a
In the 'Piano' scene, we find a man who says he has never played the piano before, ends up playing with perfect precision. This scene is based on a music scholar and musician Clive Wearing. Wearing contracted the virus Herpesviral Encephalitis, a condition in which destroys the brains ability to store new memory and to remember/ conjure up previous memories in an effective manner. The part of the brain that the virus affects is the hippocampus, which is where short term memories are transferred to long term memories. For this reason, Wearing's memory only lasts for 7 to 10 seconds.
Having no recollection of playing a musical instrument, when sat in front of the piano or given a conducting baton the part of his brain that stores memory of performances or specific actions is not affected by the virus. Sadly, when the music stops Wearing has no recollection of playing the piano.
In a world where memory is heavily relied on, moments like these reminds us to hold on to those precious memories. Or reminds us to be grateful that we still have that ability to remember. It makes you grateful that we live in a generation where we have the likes of photography or social media to store these moments, the ability to go back to something and instantly connect to a specific time in your life, remembering the smell of the atmosphere, the people you were with, the feelings you felt, the laughs that were shared or the tears that were shed. For some people they don't have that privilege anymore and to be very honest that's real sad.
Live in the moment, cherish the moment, remember the moments that count.
Maybe take some piano lessons... or two... maybe take up dancing, find exercises to challenge your brain to remember. Now who wants to hear my rendition of Bach's Goldberg aria? Come to the show and see it for yourself.
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