Frederic Chopin, Ballade no. 1 g-minor op. 23

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GEDALIAH — MY ELDEST GRANDSON

Music, Jerusalem, and the Path of a Young Composer

My eldest grandson’s name is Gedaliah. He lives in Jerusalem, an ancient city that is the spiritual and historical heart of the State of Israel.

Today, his life is inseparably connected with music. Gedaliah is a capable young pianist for whom the piano has become not merely a musical instrument, but a special language that enables him to convey feelings, thoughts, and inner experiences without unnecessary words.

I do not wish to call him a great performer prematurely or to make grand statements about his future. True recognition comes only through many years of work, professional discipline, rigorous self-examination, and the ability to serve one’s chosen art with honesty. However, I can already say with confidence that Gedaliah plays the piano well, takes music seriously, and steadily develops his abilities.

He is currently completing his studies at a higher conservatoire in London, Great Britain, in the Department of Composition. This is a demanding field of musical education that requires not only performance skills, but also a profound knowledge of harmony, musical form, music history, orchestration, and the principles governing the construction of a musical work.

A composer must be able to hear music even before it has been performed. A composer must mentally envision its development, feel the inner movement of the melody, determine the place of every voice and every instrument, and then accurately transfer the conceived idea onto the musical score. Behind the outward beauty of every musical work are always long hours of concentrated effort, uncertainty, searching, and revision.

Mastery of the piano is of particular importance to a future composer. The piano makes it possible to hear the harmonic structure of a work, test a musical idea, and discover the necessary sound. Gedaliah’s experience as a performer is therefore an important part of his professional development and helps him gradually shape his own musical thinking.

His educational and creative path is currently connected with two remarkable cities. Jerusalem preserves centuries of history, spiritual memory, and the cultural traditions of many generations. London is one of the world’s foremost centres of art, musical education, and contemporary cultural life. This union of different historical and cultural environments can enrich a young musician and help him discover his own distinctive voice.

For me, as his grandfather, it is especially important to see that my eldest grandson has chosen a constructive and creative path. Music does not destroy; it unites. It can transcend national borders and differences of language, religion, and cultural tradition. Good music speaks directly to the human soul and becomes understandable to people who have never met one another.

I experience sincere grandfatherly joy as I watch Gedaliah mature, receive a serious professional education, and gradually enter the vast and demanding world of musical art. Much work, many challenges, and many creative searches still lie ahead of him. The path of a musician and composer is rarely easy, but perseverance, discipline, and devotion to one’s vocation are precisely what enable a person to attain genuine mastery.

With all my heart, I wish my eldest grandson Gedaliah every success in completing his education, continuous professional development, and the preservation of his sincere love for music. May his hands move confidently across the piano keys, and may the melodies that arise within his soul one day become works that people will hear and cherish.

For a grandfather, there is no greater joy than seeing his grandson follow his own path, receive an education, and devote his abilities to creation. I am proud of Gedaliah, and I hope that music will become not only his profession, but also his faithful companion throughout his life.