Prélude in E-Minor

Sarah's heart races as she runs hand in hand with her boyfriend Andrew towards San Francisco’s Opera House. They’re celebrating their one-year anniversary as a couple with a classical Piano Concerto that is scheduled to start at 8PM.

The night is made bright by the full moon and electric lights that shine the Greek godlike statues. The attending men and women, with the latest fashions, go up the stairways and through the doors into a big room where they chat and drink mimosas.

Antonina Petrov is the piano composer and interpreter for the concerto. She has played compositions from some of the greatest “masters” of classical music such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin.

Sarah and Andrew sit in row H seats 12 and 13. They look around and see white hair and shaved heads. They are the youngest ones there and can’t help but feel sophisticated.

The room goes silent as Antonina comes in. She bows and sits in front of the piano while the crowd claps. Then she takes a long, deep breath and starts playing Chopin’s Prélude in E minor. A few seconds into the composition, Andrew begins imitating the interpreter with his hands. Then he stands up, closes his eyes and begins moving his whole body as if he were playing the piano himself. He longs to feel stronger as the powerful melody inside his skin bursts with energy. Sarah pulls him into his chair again, but now tears start rolling down his eyes. He begins sobbing, first silently and then uncontrollably. Suddenly, Sarah joins him and also starts crying, as her emotions take control of her. The noises make everyone around them uncomfortable, but Sarah and Andrew don't care. They are deeply touched, feeling miserable and wonderful at the same time.

One by one the audience bursts in tears, making Antonina uncomfortable as she keeps glancing at the audience while continuing to play the piano. As Prélude in E-Minor ends, all the lights are turned on. The organizers are furious and decide to cancel the rest of the show by leading everyone toward the exit doors. The audience leaves the auditorium excited, alive, and deep in discussion.

I’m serious, says Sarah wiping the tears from her eyes, why must we swallow our feelings and not express them? And why do we feel uncomfortable when we see people laughing out loud or crying? I loved being able to feel without thinking about what’s appropriate for just a moment…taxi!!

A cab stops in front of Sarah and Andrew. They get in and Sarah continues, I think we experienced a great thing tonight; it made me reflect on the astonishing miracle that is to live and feel connected to other people and to music.

The rest of the cab ride seems smooth and silent to the untrained viewer, but this couple is feeling more connected to the universe than ever before; they feel relevant, like active participators of the world.

By: Susana Toro