soheilnasseri

Western classical music is very much a European tradition. It is obvious how integral it to Europeans' lives, whereas that is not the case in the USA. It has become very important in Asia lately too. When I perform in Europe, it is not unusual to have half the audience consist of young people, many of whom play instruments themselves. Since the music is usually written by local heroes who have statues, streets and piazzas dedicated to them etc, I can understand how people there might feel a closer connection, on average.

Of course plenty of Americans love classical music too, like myself!

there is no such thing as 'working too hard'. And try not to get hooked on a TV series- I am wasting way too much time on Breaking Bad. Season 5 is not that good, but I can't stop now!

about 5-6 hours in the off season (= social life) and 7-12 when a tour is approaching (no time to even shower!).

Musical performance is for me a totally spiritual and cathartic experience. I not only love music, and need music, but my soul is somehow musically-oriented. Emotions that I feel, I can express very well at the piano, and no other way.

A great performance is one where I forget about all the technical aspects of playing 100's of 1000's of notes precisely, and I just commune with the composer, in my trance, feeling what he felt when he was writing the music.

Beethoven for sure! But that piano will be destroyed fairly quickly due to the elements! (plus I would use the piano's wood to make a boat.) Music is great, but to hell with spending my life on an island!