LynnBlakeGolf Forums - View Single Post - Knew it, but can't do it.
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Old 07-11-2008, 09:14 AM
Andy R Andy R is offline
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Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 168
Originally Posted by Yoda View Post
The pianist was the brilliant Canadian performer, Glenn Gould (1932-1982) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Gould. In response to a reporter's question regarding his penchant for studying the musical score in lieu of extended practice sessions (with a mechanical focus on scales and etudes), Maestro Gould replied:

"The fingers have little to do with playing the piano."

Obviously, this an exaggeration and presumes the normal conservatory training and day-to-day practice routine of the world class concert pianist. However, his point was well made: Once the physical element is under control, it is the computer (the subconscious) that must be programmed -- and allowed -- to perform.

And even more to this point, the late great jazz icon Charlie Parker once said "Master the instrument, learn the changes, then forget all that @*$^ and just play!"

He was referring to improvising, which is different from Gould's genius, that being interpretation of Bach as evidenced through his performances, but the two are close enough.

I've been a professional musician for a few decades now, and absolutely feel improvisatory with my short game, but I just can't seem to get that intuitive flow through time with my long game.

I know the performance should start when you're standing behind the ball and end with your finish, but I'm not quite there yet...although, now that I think about it, just responding to this thread has provided some real insight for me. Perhaps, in the next round I play, I will attempt to be intuitive and simply "do", instead of focusing on swing keys and such.
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