Play Life More Beautifully: Reflections on Music, Friendship & Creativity

by Seymour Bernstein, Andrew Harvey

Overview

When 86-year-old pianist and teacher Seymour Bernstein met Ethan Hawke, international film star, at a dinner party, the two quickly discovered they shared a common malady: stage fright. Based on his familiarity with nervousness prior to concerts, Seymour was able to provide Ethan with invaluable insight and advice. That was the beginning of a deep friendship. Renowned spiritual scholar and activist Andrew Harvey was a fellow dinner guest that auspicious night and contributed to the decision to create a documentary about Seymour exploring his unique combination of accomplished musician, teacher, and seasoned elder. The film, Seymour: An Introduction, directed by Ethan Hawke, has received enthusiastic critical acclaim. Seymour and Andrew's friendship has continued to thrive with a shared curiosity and appreciation for the intersection of life and art. The trusting conversations captured in this book meld memory with philosophy, and observations with reflections, dissolving the line between teacher and pupil. With equal parts candor and generosity, Seymour and Andrew offer a master class in playing life with our fullest, most gracious selves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781401950538
Publisher:	Hay House Inc.
Publication date:	05/23/2017
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Andrew Harvey is an internationally acclaimed poet, novelist, translator, mystical scholar, and spiritual teacher. He has written and edited such books as The Hope and The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. He has taught at Oxford University, Cornell University, the California Institute of Integral Studies, and the University of Creation Spirituality, as well as at various spiritual centers. He is the founder and director of the Institute of Sacred Activism. www.andrewharvey.netSeymour Bernstein is an American pianist, composer, and teacher. He is the subject of the documentary Seymour: An Introduction. One of the most sought-after clinicians in this country and abroad, Mr. Bernstein is also a prolific composer. He continues to perform as a guest artist with chamber ensembles and serves regularly on the juries of a number of international competitions. He maintains a private studio in New York City and is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Music and Music Education at New York University. www.seymourbernstein.com

Table of Contents

Welcoming Words from Andrew Harvey ix

Part I The Conversation Begins

1 The Film: An Unexpected Blessing 3

2 The Film: Overnight Success After 88 Years 21

Part II Music

1 The Magic of Music 47

2 Music and Shadow 75

Part III Families

1 To Forgive or Not to Forgive 85

2 The Divine and Not So Divine Feminine 117

Intermezzo: Creativity, Solitude, and Self-Love 153

Part IV Teaching

1 The Mysteries of Giving and Receiving 175

2 The Best Teacher: Sir Clifford 191

3 The Everyday Practice of Teaching 209

4 The Dance 225

Coda: Reverence for Life 241

Acknowledgments 247