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The Unwanted Gift

Parker Lee was on stage signing with that voice of his which could make opera arias so special that few would deny that his was talent of a rare kind. It was on this occasion as he sang the role of Othello in the Met that he felt the presence of all those who through out his career had supported him at times even more than he had himself. How this moment was a glorious one for him not only as a professional singer but as a person was something that perhaps only he truly felt though his sister Kim had a hint. As it had been her who through the gift she had given her brother so many years ago had inspired him (perhaps in directly) to become the great opera tenor he now was.

 

It was not so much that the particular performance he was giving had any significance to anybody other than himself but it had been 20 years since that day on which he received the gift from his sister that had changed his whole life and the direction it was going in and all those who had influenced his career were there. This including his first signing teacher. She being Getty Albert whom he at first had referred to as "Frau Hitler" given her strict work ways which he would later learn to appreciate.

 

Naturally with this day being of consequence to him many other people whom he had studied with at New York School Of Music had come that included Getty's son Bill along with his friends yet this was a special occasion for other reasons. One of them being that several members of his family had come who did not make it a habit of attending the opera such as his father Terence, who had named him after the great Charlie Parker. This in the hope that he too might become a Jazz saxophone player like his father had wanted to be though never became; as his was to be a good but never an outstanding Jazz pianist. Jazz being the kind of music he had hoped his only son would take up not only as a hobby but as a profession; like he had. Terence for his part still giving performances in several of New York's Jazz night clubs.

 

Apart from Parker's father and sister, it was also his mother and friends (with whom he grew up with) who had come to this performance so important to him. After which he decided to have a party at his Park avenue apartment to which all those who were near to him had already been invited in order that he might celebrate that present he had received so many years ago by telling them how it had led to his becoming an opera singer.

 

Othello was the role he so much cherished as it allowed his passion to flow though not for reasons that he might be jealous as this moor was but because this was a character who like himself was black. It was not that he had anything in him that opposed playing Caucasian characters like Macbeth or Tristan like he had done so many times in the past but there was something about playing a character of his own race which he felt brought out something in him that other roles simply did  not. Of course these traits being the leader he felt he could be and not desires to kill his loving wife who had been so for many years as well as being his trusty manager along with mother to both his children; Othello and Teresa . They too being in attendance on this most special of occasions in their desire to not only see their father perform but to be able to decide if opera was something either of them cared to follow as a career. This given that they both were thinking of following careers in music though were not really sure weather or not to enter New York's School of Music or perhaps study Jazz somewhere else. As for Othello he was very much impressed with opera though was not really sure if his voice could handle such roles. Teresa for her part was younger than her brother by one year and was even less decided than her brother as to not only what kind of music to take up but weather to take it up at all. As she was concerned it would mean having to make too many sacrifices regarding her time which she could see she would not have much of if she were to take up music as a profession.

 

Chapter Two

 

 

The opera came to an end as Othello, the part he was playing killed himself after having taken the life of Desdemona, whom he had believed to be unfaithful only to find out it had been but a trick of not only the man he thought to be his friend (Casio) but of his own mind. It was moments like this which he in part lived for. The audience getting up out of their seats to applaud in the thunderous manner they always did and the throwing of roses on stage as all the members of the cast came out to take their curtain call. This being done in an order that saw the singer with the smallest role came out first to be followed by those with bigger roles with him being the one to come out last to join the rest of the cast who had thrilled another audience. There was a certain comradeship that never failed to develop between himself and those who performed along side him that he always appreciated as one of the best things regarding his profession of opera singer.

 

It being something he cherished almost as much as he did any other part of what he did; knowing how he and those around him (some of which had been strangers to him at the start) had just combined all their talents and skills to come up with a performance that had truly dazzled an audience. It to a certain extent was something that had become even routine to him given it took place night after night yet despite this he had never seized to enjoy it. Specially on this night which already meant so much to him given how it commemorated that day on which he had received what he at the time dubbed "the unwanted gift".

 

All followed as it should that night with James Levine coming on stage and taking his bows along with the rest of the cast who had performed so admirably yet in mist of all this joy it was Parker's mind that drifted back to the past so many years ago. Almost leaving his body that went through the motions of bowing though he had drifted to the point where it all began so many years ago at that CD store he worked at. He had been working since the start of the school year, this being his senior year to not only have money for his own pleasures such as going out with his friends but so he might get a Christmas present for both his mother and father.

 

Parker had worked hard and saved his money and using the discount he could get from the CD and audio place he worked at, he decided to get his parents as well as to a large extent himself; a state of the art Pioneer stereo with a CD player. This being something relatively new at the time as it had come out just five years prior and though still expensive the price was slowly coming down. It leaving him the possibility that he might purchase his family a stereo that would allow them to fully enjoy the sound of music in their home. This something which he hopped would be even more appreciated in a household like his; where his father was a musician.

 

Parker had truly picked out a stupendous stereo yet as he looked at it now wrapped (in several packages) under the large Christmas tree in his parent's living room he suddenly started to feel in a way sad as he sat with his girlfriend, Jennifer. It having been the two of them who had just wrapped it up after having just brought it home in a taxi; hoping to have it done while Parker's parents and sister were out doing some shopping of their own.

 

Jennifer and Parker had not been together in intimacy for a long time. This despite the fact that they had known each other for sometime; given they had been in the same school since the 8th grade with this being both their senior year.

 

Jennifer for her part was what many would consider to be an attractive African American young lady with most of the features associated with her race. Her having looks that even many a white young man in her school tended to admire. As she did in many ways resemble Angela Davies. Jennifer and Parker who at 18 were the same age, in reality did not start dating till the start of the school semester. As she had finally taken notice of he who had always in some way or another been after her till she at last decided to give him (who at first she was not all that attracted to) a chance to delight in her society for what would be the first of many a date to follow.

 

Jennifer at first had found Parker to be average in appearance with very little to distinguish him apart from his being tall (182 cm) and a voice which he would often use to sing the songs he played on his Walkman which in reality he did well though very few of his school mates appreciated. It given the fact that none of them with the exception of Jennifer were in to Jazz as he was to the point of knowing just about every singer in this category of music. It being Jennifer who had even taking to liking jazz more due to her relationship with Parker than any kind of love for this sort of music which she would eventually get to appreciate for its own value and not just the one who would eventually become her husband.

 

Jennifer who even noticed a certain sadness about Parker as he sat on the sofa saying nothing as if lost in contemplation with more than merely the fatigue from having worked most of the day and carried home a stereo but as if he felt something was not as it should be. Jennifer for her part had known Parker for quit sometime by then and had come to realize that if there was something troubling him; it would not be a matter of too much time going by before he came out and said what it was. Her naturally knowing it was nothing she could have done yet was curious to know what it was that was occupying his mind other than the fact that they had made plans to join their friends to take in a film of the season.

 

"You know Jen, I've been thinking that I should be getting something for my sister Kim for Christmas. You know she might be upset that I didn't get her nothing, after I got well my our parents an expensive stereo and you a nice… oh" Parker stopping as he spoke. Jennifer laughing " You were going to blow the surprise you tried so hard to keep from me well don't worry guess I'll just have to wait to find out what it will be but that seems like a good idea why don't you get her something for this season? After all tis the you know what…" Jennifer replied in her form that was so relaxing and soothing as both sat next to one another on the sofa feeling the company of the other as they enjoyed a minute of brief romance while getting ready to go out again in to the winter's cold of December.

 

"That it is Jen but I feel I should get her something even if she is probably not going to get me anything but just the same just a little would be ok but what? I don't even have so much left over but still I feel I should make the effort just the same." Parker replied almost seeming to feel better after having said what his mind held. "Well, you know it all depends on how much money you wanna spend and what she wants and I think it is a great idea to get your sister something even if she doesn't get you anything though who knows she may get you something after all…". Jennifer spoke to be interrupted by Parker "Yes, I know tis the season so what you say we stop by over my place of work where I plan to get her a CD of some kind of music she listens to. I don't know Michael Jackson or something like that though I am not sure what she is in to anymore.". Jennifer enjoyed being with Parker and there was something about him that seemed wise in the way he found solutions where others did not yet on this occasion it seemed to her that he was planning something which she herself could feel but not put her finger on. "Oh, I see! You wanna use your discount at the store to get your sister a present?" Jennifer replied as she put on her jacket and Parker did likewise. "And what is wrong with that and besides I used the same discount to get one of your presents as well as this stereo for my parents."

 

Jennifer and Parker were ready to go back out again and with the idea of going to where Parker worked before it closed it was Jennifer who said "Well at least now I know that you got me something connected to music. I just hope it is something we can listen to romantically.". Parker started toward the door followed by Jennifer who did not need to be told it would be wise to leave now as later might not give them enough time to go to all those places they needed to for the evening. Parker for his part was feeling pleased that he for the first time in his life had a job that allowed him to be as generous in this time of year as he had always wished to be; for he in truth was well paid. Parker also feeling the joy of the season and his decision to buy his sister a present as he kissed Jennifer on the lips as the two of them made their way out of his parent's apartment on the upper eastside of Manhattan.

 

 

Chapter Three

 

 

 

Jennifer and Parker walked down the street dressed in their winter attire to keep them warm in this season of Christmas joy in the city and what a delight it was to walk hand in hand as they passed the shops and all those places; so nicely decorated yet as they walked it was Parker who had to figure out something in his mind. What to get for his sister? Should he get her a CD but then again he should also get one for himself and with his money now not so abundant, specially after having bought Jennifer a present and the Christmas season coming this would not be so easy. He of course could purchase a CD for his sister but what would he listen to on that HIFI he had just got for the whole family if he were not left with enough to purchase something for himself. Of course there was also the factor that the New Year's was not so far of which would mean he should have some left over for any expenses that might arise from that night; most noted for the many parties held in its honor. It was then as he and Jennifer walked to the music store where he worked that he opted to employ the tactic he had been considering all along but was not sure if he should apply. It being to buy a CD for himself or a set of them which he would give his sister which she most likely would not like but this was not the point; for in all this he would be able to listen to the CDs he had given her as a present.

 

It would be like killing to birds with one stone as he would be giving his sister a present and getting to hear Miles Davis; his favorite jazz musician. How many times had he looked over that collection of Miles Davis CDs only to consider it too expensive yet now he had a reason other than himself to spend on it. He would be cultivating his sister or so he could always tell her if she were unhappy with it and ultimately even if she hated it as such were chances that she would he still would get to listen to his favorite music. Of course there was always the very small possibility that she might like it but even if she did not what did it matter since to the best of his knowledge she was not going to be getting him anything anyway. She like himself also had a job but had said nothing about getting him a present and seeing the way she spent money on cosmetics and clothes was the indication he used to insure himself that it would be wise not to expect anything from his dear sister on that Christmas.

 

Jennifer and Parker entered the place of his employment where he was instantly recognized by those he worked with yet as he said hello his mind was occupied on that Miles Davis compilation he had set his mind on. He could almost see himself sitting in the living room of his parent's apartment listening to this great jazz musician on that HIFI he knew would so much please his father. In all this however it would be unfair to say that Parker had purely selfish intensions; since it could turn out that his sister would also become a jazz fan. After all he too had not always been a jazz fan and as a matter of fact it was not till his father gave him some of his old records that he became one so why was it so unconceivable that sister would also end up gaining a love for jazz?

 

Jennifer however did not hide her surprise if not her total distaste for his idea to purchase this kind of music for Kim which she knew Kim was almost certain to end up detesting. This given how she knew her contrary to his brother's believe to have ears that were friendlier toward the sounds of Michael Jackson than any jazz musician; specially one whose music was complicated to say the least and far from what one could dance to.

 

Jennifer however for all her wanting to say something regarding what he had purchased for his own sister refrained from saying anything in the store since the whole matter of selecting and paying for the CDs in question had been one of a few minutes. This due to his working there and not having to stand on the long lines of the season. Jennifer also not even being sure weather or not this compilation of CDs which she had clearly seen Parker buy was for Kim.

 

Naturally once outside the store and on their way to meeting their friends, Jennifer did declare in no uncertain ways that she was against that idea of Parker giving such a gift to his sister. Jennifer's thoughts being expressed in the following words "Are you sure getting your sister music by Miles Davis is a good idea? I mean she doesn't like Jazz stuff or are you sure that CD ain't for you by any chance so you can listen to it?". Parker for his part looked away from Jennifer as he feared the look in his eyes would give away that he had been caught yet he did have an argument he felt he could try on Jennifer and should it convince her than why should it fail to do the same with Kim? It was with this thought in mind that Parker started his attempt to try to convince in a voice that sounded as if its speaker was not even sure if he would be believed; as the following words came out "Listen, I think my sister should experience new things and new ideas. After all what is an older brother for if not to broaden his sister's horizon to new ideas and cultures. I mean parents sometimes buy their children educational games which they perhaps even know their children won't like so much but they get them in order to you know…". "You mean bring some culture and learning to their children?" Jennifer interjected seeing his point but not really agreeing as there was one small factor he had not seen or perhaps had not wanted to and it being what she mentioned after he replied "Yes that is it. See you see what I am talking about." "Yes but there is just one slight difference and it being that these parents get these things for their children not with the hope of being able to use them when their children are not being occupied by them!" which was precisely what Parker did not want to hear.

 

"Ok, so I am going to be listening to it too but is that a crime? I mean sometimes girls give each other things and use them, for instance I don't know perfumes and stuff or guys give each other footballs which they will also be using, so what is the big deal that I get her some CDs I also like and it ain't like she is gonna be getting me anything so what's that big deal?" was Parker's reply which really did not convince Jennifer but at least left her believing that he might have in fact some selfless reasons for this present which he intended to give his sister. "Ok, you get your sister what you want, that ain't my business but I just don't want any Miles Davis or Charlie Parker CDs or I am gonna be really pissed and besides I got you something I know you will like, you even said so." Jennifer replied which made Parker glad he had not bought any such presents for the romantic acquaintance in his life.

 

Jennifer and Parker went to the cinema and saw the film they planned to see with their friends and the evening went by like so many others yet the anticipation of Christmas was in the air. It being what they felt in their joy at being together and sharing their society during this most special time of year.

 

Chapter Four

 

Christmas morning in the Lee household came and went that year as it had done so many times before with little to distinguish it from all those that had been and would be yet there was something that made it outstanding or at least in the mind of Parker's sister, Kim. It being her who had spent what to her was a considerable amount of money in getting her brother a present she was sure he would like as how many times had he mentioned his tastes which included music books like the one she got for him. Kim had even on one occasion visited a book store in the company of her brother and marked how he commented on what it would be like to have the book she had so lovingly bought for him.

 

Kim so much wanted to see the look on her brother's face that she even waited to open her presents just so she would not miss out on seeing how her brother would react to getting a present her instincts told her he would never have expected to get from anybody; least of all her. Kim looked on and as she did one could sense more enthusiasm from her than from her brother, who received a grand surprise as he opened one of the grandest presents his life had known till that moment. It was the encyclopedia of the greatest jazz musicians who ever lived. The look on Parker's face was one that made not the least effort to conceal its almost total joy as his eyes read the title of the book he had so much wanted yet would never have in all honesty bought for himself; thinking 50 dollars was simply too much money to ever spend on a book. This being regardless of how much he wanted it.

 

It was after having seen his present that Parker with enthusiasm turned to his sister, crying out "Open yours and see what it is!". Kim had not expected to get a present from her brother as to her way of seeing matters she would be making as much use of the stereo which her brother had bought for the family. She however was joyful as she opened her brother's present. As in all truth she had not expected anything for herself, given how they had not talked about what presents (if any) they would be exchanging. Kim opened her present slowly (not wanting to tear in to the paper) with more curiosity than anything else as to what her brother might have gotten her.

 

It was however with mixed emotions that Kim welcomed her present which in all honesty she had not even expected to get yet there was a part of her that told her that she ought to be angry. Parker had given this as a present not so much to her but to himself, as she more than likely would not be of an ear to appreciate such music. All of which making it clear that it would be he and her father who would be listening to this CD collection and not her. She however had received something yet in a way felt she had not though this she would not say; for she was all too aware that her parents would refer to her as an ingrate.

 

Kim however for her part on any other occasion would not have reacted to this present yet she had spent what to her budget was a lot for a present for her brother and though she in a way had received a stereo that she could use; she did feel she had been cheated. It was something she could not explain even to herself yet she felt uncomfortable with the present she had received, not even knowing what to say other than "thank you" in a way that combined shyness and some confusion as to the reason for this present to someone like herself whose musical taste could scarcely have been further from this sort of music.

 

Parker in all this was too caught up in his joys of the season that included not only the presents he had given but the ones he had received to even take note of his sister's reaction. It being with a "I hope you enjoy my present as much as I know I will enjoy yours and may it bring you closer to another culture" that he spoke to his sister as he and his father went about setting up the stereo. As for the rest of the day it was spent as are most Christmas days with activities that included eating and talking and above all being together which in the case of Parker's family meant sharing the gift of music thanks to their new stereo. Parker was clearly enjoying himself listening to all the CDs he could now enjoy of what was his and his father's favorite music while Kim and his mother simply listened on; not really minding the sounds of jazz.

 

Kim however all the while could not figure out how to feel regarding her brother's gift which she knew full well she would never enjoy. As this was not what she liked yet on the other hand she knew of no real reason to be angry. She after all had purchased her brother a present not expecting anything in return yet she did feel that after having spent so much she should have gotten something. This to the point of sensing in herself that perhaps no present would have been better than this present, for to her it was almost like giving somebody who had a very long beard a shaving kit. In all reality it would be unfair to say Kim was furious at her own brother for giving her something she did not like as she would have use of the family stereo yet there was something in her that longed to repay her brother in a similar fashion. She could always say she did not wish her brother to listen to the CDs he had given her but then again her father could also say that he did not wish her to use what in fact was his stereo.

 

There was something in all this that she could not get away from the sensation that something had to be done to show if not only herself that she too was capable of such antics or at least to make her brother see what he should have known and it being that just because he appreciated something; this did not mean everybody else had to. It being the case that the world held so much culture which could be treasured yet this did not mean one had to, for she in all reality could have purchased a book she would have enjoyed yet refrained from doing so; giving her knowledge which told her that her brother was of different taste.

 

It was actually during those moments of sitting around the living room, listening to the jazz music her father and brother enjoyed so much that her mind was made to get a spot of revenge for this present and though she would say nothing to imply what was coming; she would get her brother one of the same kind of present that she could claim was a part of culture. Kim however knew not exactly what it would be yet had an idea of what she had always considered to be of the so called higher culture that to her seemed so boring yet to some it apparently was not.

 

Of course to her it was also her brother's words regarding culture that had upset her to the point of wanting to say something in retaliation yet felt that perhaps wisdom dictated that the point she had to make would be best expressed in actions. Kim also much to her credit could see a certain perhaps desire in her brother to bring to her something new which might broaden her horizons yet she did feel this was something she was capable of reaching for herself without it being imposed on her. As to a certain extent it was.

 

It was at one point that Kim's mother made an observation which caught the attention of her brother in a way that made her smile to herself as it gave her the perfect idea as to what might make her brother see her point. He mother stating that the jazz music they were listening to her was as complicated as an Italian opera. This making both her husband and son reply with some indignation that Italian opera was something completely different and for those of not only another culture but race since there was no real passion in that sort of music that they as African Americans could ever really appreciate. Kim however did make an observation which to her was one she almost was certain had to be stated in the form of "but don't all people express their passion or soul in one way or another through art?".

 

It was not that she had said something that neither her brother or father had not heard before yet these words took on some wisdom at that moment that made her father stop and reflect as he replied "I guess you're right in theory but those people is just different than us that's all" with a certain degree of being in accord with her or at least in a general way. Parker for his part, perhaps wishing to show off that he was one whose cultural level was one to go beyond all boarders replied "You are right sister, there is something to all art forms that we should always try to appreciate even or specially if they are different than our own that is why I hope you will listen to Miles Davis and perhaps evolve from what you've been.".

 

It was at that moment as Kim replied "I will try to" that she knew what she was going to do and that would be to get her brother the most boring Italian opera music she could get her hands on even if she would have to spend all the money she had. She of course would have to wait till there was an occasion and her funds were reestablished yet this would not be long and even if it took till the following Christmas she would have her small revenge or at least make her brother feel as she had. As if something were to a certain extent above her or as if hers were the ways of those who required to be brought up to a high level.

 

 

Chapter Five

 

 

The following year however went by as will and have all which have been with Kim basically forgetting what she had promised herself to do and it was not till Christmas season returned that again she underwent the desire to see how her brother might react to a present of a similar nature as had been given her. Kim however did not really know what she was going to buy her brother yet it was when her mind was going through many options that music would be the clear choice. This given that this had been what her brother had given her in the hope of rising her cultural horizons or so he had said yet what would raise his was the question on her mind which to a certain extent had been answered by his comment regarding Italian opera.

 

Kim however did not know the first thing about opera other than it was a music she did not like or wish to ever listen to yet she had made up her mind to bore her brother. She would go over to a CD store and ask the salesman which music would be the least enjoyable to someone who was miles from being an opera fan.

 

It was with this goal in mind that she went to the closest CD store where she quickly made her way to the classical section. She being one who did not know the first thing about opera or even the names of any of the composers or operas had set it in her mind to ask. It did not take long for an older man to approach her and ask how he might help her in a conversation which went as follows.

 

salesman: May I help you, young lady?

Kim: Yes, I would like to buy a CD or two of opera music.

Salesman: Is there any specific composer or opera you have in mind?

Kim: Well, I don't know anything about opera but let's say I want something that is long and different then pop music.

salesman: Well, there are many operas I can recommend you but do you have any ideas?

Kim: None what so ever, that is why I need your help but let's just say this. I want to get my bother a present and I just thought opera was for him.

salesman: I see your brother is an opera fan.

Kim: No, that's not it, see my brother gave me a jazz CD last Christmas so I want to get something that I know he won't like so he can see how it is to get something you don't want.

salesman: Oh, I see. That is strange, so you want to bore your brother well let me see what is the last opera I would recommend to somebody who is not an opera fan?

Kim: Any Italian opera would be good.

salesman: Oh, I see you want Italian opera.

Kim: Isn't all opera Italian?

salesman: No, not at all, actually there is German opera, French opera, Russian opera, Polish opera and even American opera.

Kim: You telling me there is also such a thing as American opera?

salesman: Yes, there is even a jazz opera by Gershwin called "Porgy And Bess".  Have you heard the song "Summertime" by Gershwin?

Kim: Yes, why do you ask?

salesman: Well it was a part of the opera "Porgy And Bess", so would you wish to get that one for your brother?

Kim: Well, not really that might not bore him like the CD by Miles Davis he got me but tell me which opera do you think is the most difficult to listen to for someone who is not an opera fan?

salesman: Well, most people try to buy something to please somebody but let me see what could I get for him that would be not so easy to listen to and who knows he may actually like it?

Kim: I hope not but who knows. I just wanna teach him a lesson not to give me presents I don't want or that he knows are going to be for him.

salesman: I have an idea (looking inspired) of something he might like or rather not like. Come with me and I will show it to you.

 

The salesman goes first as Kim follows a few isles to where he takes out a CD which he shows his interested customer. Kim reads the title "Othello" by Verdi and becomes in way enthusiastic in a way that the salesman notices.

 

salesman: Well I hope this does the trick of boring your brother.

Kim: I didn't know that Othello was an opera, I thought it was a book by Shakespeare. I remember reading that in high school or is it the same Othello?

salesman: Actually it is. Verdi was an Italian opera composer who wrote operas based on some of Shakespeare's books. He also wrote an opera based on Macbeth.

Kim: I liked Othello and Macbeth when I was in school, I remember reading Othello again just for myself after reading it for school. You know what I think I will get Othello and who knows I may like it even if he does not or actually I hope he does not. See the truth is he gave me the jazz CD for himself so it may turn out that these CDs may be for me instead of him.

salesman: Well that is an interesting concept of giving presents but would you like to see Macbeth as well?

Kim: Sure why not I might get both of them. (salesman shows Kim CDs of both Macbeth and Othello, Kim takes a good look). Oh, look at this, isn't that that famous opera singer, what's his name?

salesman: Yes, it's Pavarotti.

Kim: Yeah, that's the one I know well actually it's the only one I know but why is he playing a black character or don't they have black opera singers?

salesman: Of course they do, there is Jesse Norman and Barbara Hendricks.

Kim: Well them I don't know but I will get these two Shakespeare stories and you know I didn't know there were black characters in opera.

salesman: Well, actually one of the most famous characters in opera was black.

Kim: Really, who was that?

salesman: Aida is another character in a Verdi opera, she was a slave in Egypt who fell in love with an Egyptian general by the name of Ramades (smiling as he sees an interest perking in his customer) but it ended tragically well like most operas do.

Kim: I heard all operas are tragedies.

salesman: Well that is not really so but most are, sort of like Shakespeare who did not only write about people dying at the end.

Kim: That's true and I wanna thank you. I didn't know there were black opera singers or black people in opera.

salesman: Well, I am just glad I helped you in your selection so which ones will you take?

Kim: All three of them and I mean the Othello, Macbeth and that one about the slave.

salesman: I think you mean Aida?

Kim: Yeah, that's the one you said and I like that name.

salesman: It would be funny if because of your CDs he became an opera fan.

Kim: Yeah, imagine that he might even become an opera singer. He was thinking of becoming a jazz singer so who knows he already has different taste in music.

salesman: Well, I hope you enjoy them at least if he does not and really they are lovely pieces of drama, so will that be all?

Kim: Yes, that will be all and where may I pay for it?

salesman: Just follow me and I will show you.

 

Kim followed the salesman thinking she would show her brother what it was like to get a present one really did not want or one that really did not fit in to one's personality in spite of how others might appreciate it. Naturally as was the case with most presents she gave she went about wrapping it and handing it to her brother just as she had done the year before when Christmas day had arrived. It however was with a completely different surprise in mind that she handed this present to her brother and as she waited for him to open it, she in a sense felt that he was helping her brother gain in culture; for she in fact was the one in the family who had a taste for literature of the sort even if not for the music that on this occasion came along with it.

 

Parker for his part opened his presents from his sister and though he was almost in shock at what he saw he did his utmost to hide any disappointment or say anything that his sister might take as negativity to this well intended or perhaps not so much so but definitely culturally motivated music. It was not that Parker had anything against opera or music that was another than jazz yet in all honesty had never considered ever buying it on CD or any other form for that matter. He even had friends who played opera at their house as some of the musicians he knew were fans and in all honesty did not find certain of its pieces so much against his taste as he might have at first thought yet was wondering as he looked at the CDs he received from his sister if "Aida" and "Othello" and "Macbeth" by Verdi would be to his liking. He for his part had never heard an opera in its entirety thinking it would be overly tiring to do so but now would have the perfect opportunity and ultimately if these CDs turned out not to be for him he could always sell them to some of his friends. He naturally hoped he could find something in opera to entertain him and it was with this in my mind that he said thank you to his sister though not as enthusiastically as he might have had it been jazz.

 

Kim had not been surprised that her brother had not said anything to put down her presents in any way yet felt he was struggling with the idea of having received something that was not really to his taste even if it was of a culture considered elevated; as was the jazz he so much prided himself in being a fan of. Parker in fact in a way was glad with what he had got even if he had not really expected anything from the one whom this year he had not purchased anything for yet had not forgotten completely in the form of a card and 5 dollar gift certificate at McDonald's.

 

Chapter six

 

Parker in all truth had received a gift he did not really appreciate all that much for what it was yet felt he would at least give them a try by listening to these CDs he had received before he decided if their fate would be to stay in his collection or perhaps he could pass them on to a friend whenever the occasion came of a birthday or something of the sort. Parker at first listened to the CDs he was given more like somebody who has been invited to dinner at somebody's house and was eating the food he had been served yet not with the zest that allows one to enjoy one's meal but the sense of politeness that makes one eat that which be not more than palatable. He on the one hand had always taken pride in being able to appreciate that which was of a higher culture even if it was not to his specific taste and this to a large degree was a way to proof to others that he was one not limited in his tastes.

 

It was with this attitude that at first Parker listened to his new opera CDs yet in them found something he had not experienced before or ever thought he would and it being a love for the passion in another form of singing and music than he had known till then. Naturally he upon hearing these CDs for the first few times found them hard to follow as not only the melodies but harmonies were not so easy to grasp yet he being one who was accustomed to music that was not so simple did not have such a difficult time adjusting his ear to that which he would eventually go on to enjoy more than he would have ever hoped.

 

At first his father was unable to understand this in him that he who had been so dedicated to Jazz was almost changing yet in all Parker insisted that his was but curiosity to compare the two forms of music yet in all he continued to listen to this which to him was a new form of music. It being to the extent that his actually transformed gradually from curiosity to admiration to liking toward adoration to the point that he even started considering taking up this sort of singing. Naturally as was expected his father was strongly against any such moves that would see his son distance himself from the music that he considered to be of his people specially toward one to which his son was not born in to yet it was Parker who told him that in fact there were many black opera singers through out the world; one of them even having stared in a French film called "Diva" which he very much came to admire.

 

It was not that Parker's father in fact had anything against his son's new found love for opera yet in all truth he had hoped his son would follow in his choice of music. This being more connected to his feeling that their was a certain sense of rhythm to jazz that came more natural to black people as opposed to classical music or opera which came with more ease to Caucasians yet in all was willing to respect his son's choice. Parker in all reality knew his father was bound to make comments about his change in taste yet all in all could feel his father in his own way respected his choice even if it came accompanied by comments that mentioned how if even white people wanted to play black music; he wanted to take from their music. These comments being met with Parker replying that music was not for or of a particular race but for any who chose to enjoy it yet this to his father was not the point for he felt it was his son's duty to continue the culture of his ancestors yet knew it was not for him to choose.

 

Kim at first felt strange that it had been her who to a large extent had been responsible for her brother's change. As she even remembered her conversation with the salesman who suggested that he might become an opera fan though this she did not take as a serious option till it became reality. Parker for his part was thankful to his sister for having exposed him to something new and though he was aware she had wanted to in part get even with him for the present he got her; he could also see how his sister's present had influenced him to the point of getting him started on being the opera singer he had become.

 

Kim eventually became Parker's manager as she too came to appreciate the opera in her own way and in what became of the now famous opera CDs; these she would get back when she eventually got the same operas for her brother on DVD. Parker suddenly was brought back to the present which included his triumph at the New York Metropolitan opera and as he sat in his dressing room (just after having had his make up removed) he thought about his life and career; both of which had exceeded all his expectations. It being thanks to not only those CDs but those who had believed in him such as Getty, who told him that one did not need to be German or Italian to sound the part of those great characters; for the passion to create them could not be found in race or nationality but sentiments for the music which he more than had.

 

Parker's had been a long journey of success and fortune yet to a certain extent it had all started on a jest on his part when he gave his sister a present he in reality had hoped to benefit from which perhaps made it all the more spectacular. All of which making him feel that he in fact was somebody who perhaps had been intended to be where he was though for the time being this did not matter for what did was his wishes to quickly join those who had come to celebrate; this which was not only his moment but to a certain extent theirs as well.

 

 

About the Author

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled "New York's Opera Society" which is now available on Amazon.