Artists, schmartists

So here I am having such a great time updating my contact info in all these lovely websites... and since I feel like writing in my blog after such a long time, I would like to comment on the following.

There are so many musicians that "sing" well, or "play" whatever instrument well... but to find a real artist? Now that's tough!

Celia Cruz, for instance, often exhibited singing technique deficiencies. And it did not matter one bit, because she communicated so extraordinarily well with the audience!

Or how about Satchmo? That trumpet was misplayed and sounded off key quite frequently. His gravely voice was often off key as well. But how could you question Louis Armstrong's superb quality as an artist?

I had the opportunity to see actress Norma Aleandro on stage, interpreting Maria Callas in the play Master Class. Let me tell you... only very few movies can claim to have such good acting. Have you watched Norma in this movie yet?

And what about Maria Callas? Why was she famous to begin with? Maria did not have good singing technique by any measure. But she launched a revolution in opera because she actually played the part!

I was taught to study by reading only the best authors. The same thing applies to art. Good artists don't just sing in key or repeat the script aloud. They must communicate well with the audience. Only very few people can do this, and these are the only ones you should enjoy.