Maestro-_Reading_Log

WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | Darwin, 1967 – pg. 3-11 * Paul narrates as an adult on his first impressions of Eduard Keller, his piano teacher. * Paul is 15 and is with his mother to see if Keller will teach him * Eduard Keller evaluates Paul * Paul’s father expresses admiration for Eduard Keller * Paul’s parents play a duet * Move into a new house and Paul explores the gardensWhere and when' * Darwin 1967 * Swan Hotel * Keller’s room at the Swan * Paul’s homeWho'Paul, Mrs Crabbe and Eduard KellerDrinkers and barmanPaul’s fatherUnfamiliar Vocabulary“a boozer’s incandescent glow” – glowing skin as a result of heavy drinking“Bougainvillea” – a woody vine with bright purple or red bracts“Pince-nez” – spectacles clipped to the nose by a spring“Pith helmet” – a lightweight hat worn in tropical countries for protection from the sun“Conciliator” – someone who tries to bring peace“Physiognomy” – assessing someone’s personality and character from their body, especially their face “Dipsomaniac” – an alcoholic“Bibacity” – drinking excessivelyQuotations and Context“What matters is the content: what he said, not how”“But the music, as always, drew me - that beautiful tugging gravity” | * Written in first person from Paul’s perspective * Written as an adult Paul is looking back, tone of nostalgia * Hindsight of adult experience and wisdom * Dependant on mother, she provides protection * Paul is very observant in the way he describes he surroundings and Keller himself. * Keller is knowledgeable in his references to Mozart, Bach and Clementi * Keller is positioned as a mysterious and intriguing character. He doesn’t give many straight answers and has an unorthodox manner * Paul’s father has a great deal of respect for Eduard Keller and has aspirations for his son * Paul’s family is all musical, and he has a love for music too * Paul’s mother is doubtful about Eduard Keller and wants to send him to a different teacher * Eduard Keller has very unique teaching methods and is very thorough. * Family just moved to Darwin, there was tension between his parents however Paul loves it * Paul is very observant and appreciative of is surroundingsReactions: * I want to hear more about Keller, he seems very interesting * Paul is timid and takes a lot of direction from his parentsPredictions: * That Keller and Paul’s personalities will clash * That there will be continuing tension between Paul’s parents | Darwin, 1967 – pg. 11-27 * Paul attends another lesson with Keller where he is criticized and upset * Paul discusses his family dynamics and particularly the relationship between his parents * Paul talks about his lessons and the content of them * Paul and his parents investigate Keller’s past * Paul’s dad decides to attend Paul’s music lessons in an effort to further understand Keller * Paul becomes friends with Bennie and they ride to school together * Paul describes his school and its surrounds while his parents consider moving himWhere and when' * Darwin * Paul’s house * Keller’s room at the Swan * Paul’s schoolWho' * Keller * Paul * Paul’s parents * Bennie ReidUnfamiliar Vocabulary “Polarities” – mutual opposition“Inexhaustible” – unlimitedQuotations and Context“To describe the world is always to simplify its texture”“When I think of my parents I think only of polarities”“Their opinions as black and white as the notes on any keyboard”“I was happy enough in Bennie’s company – or not unhappy” | * Paul is intimidated by Keller * Depends on his parents opinions and is easily upset by criticism * Keller has very strong opinions about Paul’s playing and is very harsh in the way he instructs * There is great tension and contempt between Paul and Keller * Paul isn’t used to being so openly criticized * Paul refers to Keller as a ‘Nazi’ which greatly angers his father * Paul provides an insight into the relationship his parents share, often holding opposing opinions. * The importance of music and the role it plays in holding the family together is highlighted * Paul’s father woks more as a necessity than for enjoyment * Paul receives mocking from his parents about not being allowed to play * Paul and his parents hold a strong curiosity about the origins of Keller and his musical instruction * Paul is embarrassed of Keller, and doesn’t want people at school knowing they are associated. * Despite spending time together Paul does not consider Bennie a good friend and in some ways inferior. * Paul takes solace in the music room where he is free to play without interference. Reactions: * I was shocked at the way Paul was criticized so openly by Keller * Paul has an understanding about his parents differences but he is also naïve * Music is not only important to Paul but his main connection with his family. * Paul seeks comfort in music, and prefers to play than socializePredictions: * Paul and Keller will continue to disagree but eventually resolve their issues * Paul’s parents will continue to hold conflicting ideas * Paul will eventually start playing music but under the careful control of Keller * Paul and Bennie’s friendship will deteriorate as Paul grows impatient | Darwin, 1967 – pg. 27-35 * Paul is finally permitted to play for Keller however is made to start at the basics * Paul’s father attends lessons and records Keller’s advice and thoughts * “Soirée night” is introduced * Keller refuses to attend and makes up excuses * Paul plays at the Friday Night soirées * He receives appraisal * Paul asks Megan out and is refused * Paul gets beaten up by Jimmy Papas * Paul lies to his father about Jimmy * Paul comments his mother is growing farther awayWhere and when' * Darwin * Keller’s room at the Swan * Paul’s house * Paul’s schoolWho' * Paul * Paul’s parents * Keller * “Teachers and doctors and private servants” * Megan * Jimmy PapasUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Nuances” – multiple meanings“Inviolate” – secure against violation or impairment“Various demure” – being modest in many waysQuotations and Context“Perhaps there can be no perfection”“A piece is never complete, only at some stage abandoned”“Too search too long for perfection can also paralyse”“With a kind of worried amusement, or concerned pride” | * Paul is infuriated that he is being made to start at “The Children’s Bach” * Paul’s father holds a great appreciation for Keller’s advice * Paul’s father is fascinated by Keller’s teaching and talent * Despite being praised for hi playing Paul essentially seeks the approval of his teacher * Keller implores Paul not to try to hard and emphasizes that perfection is not achievable – perhaps this is a reflection of Keller’s failure to reach perfection * Paul’s lust for Megan overrules his love of music as he abandons the music room at lunch to talk to her * Paul’s attitude towards Jimmy indicates a need to prove himself * Paul’s mother is watching her son grow, and begins to feel distanced from himReactions: * I am intrigued that Keller does not like to attend the “soirée nights” and curious as to why not * It upsets me that Paul cannot gain the approval of Keller * Paul’s sudden change in priorities – from music to Megan can be attributed to puberty * I think Paul is naïve and wishful in forgiving Megan Murray * Paul punishes himself with music, forcing himself to play for an hour * It is sad that Paul feels he has to lie to gain his father’s approvalPredictions: * Paul will suffer for the significance he places on Keller’s opinions * Paul will continue to learn from Keller though he may not embrace the lessons * Paul will continue to seek his father’s approval with no avail * Paul will continue to use music as an escape – possibly damaging his love for it | Darwin, 1967 – pg. 36-50 * Although Paul continues to get praise, his teacher does not praise his work * Paul arrives at the Swan for his lesson and lets himself into Keller’s room * He starts playing the piano then a picture catches his eye * He observes family pictures on the piano * Keller tells him the names of his wife son * Paul tells his parents, his father dismisses it * Gilbert and Sullivan nights introduced * Paul’s music with Keller comes second to the Gilbert and Sullivan nights * Keller celebrates Paul’s 16th birthday with the family * Paul’s father recounts stories of his work and patientsWhere and when' * Darwin * Keller’s room at the Swan * Paul’s houseWho' * Paul * Paul’s parents and their friends * KellerUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Harmonized” – To bring two or more notes together in harmony“Discordance” – lacking in harmonyQuotations and Context“Basking afterwards in the murmurs of appreciation”“A keyboard that might have been made of clear water or transparent glass”“Medicine was his job, music his life”“Some frivolous, joyous core”“A sign that time is passing”“and that small something may as well have been everything”“it is infinitely complex” | * Paul cares more about the opinion of his teacher than the majority * Paul’s frustration at the lack of praise and appreciation from Keller grows * His immaturity leads him to blame the instrument for the difference between Keller’s and his performance * His rebellion in playing the proper piano without permission indicates his need to prove his talent and possibly his wish to spite Keller * Paul’s curiosity about Keller and his family leads him to observe more closely family pictures, though he is insensitive in the way he rushes home to tell his parents their names * Keller opens up to Paul, and gives his family names as he has not done to many others * Keller comes to respect Paul * Keller’s relationship with music is so close; he refers to the sheets as his family. * Paul’s fathers dismissal of the information he brings home whilst secretly sending off for information demonstrates his lack of appreciation for Paul * Paul is torn between his involvement t the Gilbert and Sullivan nights and his piano lessons * Paul is driven by his need to please Keller * Keller is very bitter and sarcastic when Vienna and the war are brought into conversation * Paul’s father often shares stories of his work, perhaps to desensitize himself or separate himself from themReactions: * It is tragic to see Paul trying to convince himself the lack of praise is due to playing on the smaller piano * Keller should encourage Paul if only to make him more eager * I can further appreciate Paul’s dedication to music as his father has instilled it in himPredictions: * Paul, frustrated with the lack of praise will become bitter towards Keller * As Keller has revealed his family information, their relationship will improve. * Keller’s acceptance to see the family will further improve the relations between Keller and Paul | WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | Intermezzo – pg. 53-59 * Paul and his family take a holiday in Adelaide * Paul receives a postcard and volume of music from Keller * Paul starts visiting libraries looking for evidence of Keller’s life * Paul witnesses a couple having sex in the libraryWhere and when' * Adelaide * Christmas Who' * Paul * His parentsUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Arcane” – requiring secret or mysterious knowledge“Transcribed’ – To make a full written copy of somethingQuotations and Context“A far off magical place always spoken of in harsh tones and always spelt with a capital” | * Paul comes to realize the loss of his childhood as he ceases to appreciate the usual holiday activities * Keller tries to conceal his increasing care for Paul * Paul’s father, despite being on holiday cannot fully enjoy it * Paul loses his naivety Reactions: * I am interested to see what Paul and his mother discover about Keller * Is Paul’s father is working to escape something'Predictions: * that Paul and his mother will discover new information about Keller * Paul’s dads work ethic will damage his relationship with his wife and sonThere will continue to be tension between Paul’s parents | WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | 1968 – pg. 63-75 * Paul and his family return to Darwin * Paul has company in the music room in the form of Rosie Zollo * Paul’s father begins to begin gardening and experimenting with different fruits as he tires of medicine * Paul notices Rosie more closely and their relationship beginsWhere and when' * Darwin * Paul’s school * The Botanical GardensWho' * Paul * Rosie Zollo * Keller * Paul’s parents * Other performersUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Squalor” – the state of being very dirty“Fissures” – a crevice or a crack“Autonomously” –“Tentatively” – Quotations and Context“But who will listen'”“People come to watch each other, to be seen.”“It reaches in and lifts you”“The tortured, booze-ruined face” | * Paul shows dislike towards Rosie as she provides competition * He feels superior teaching her * As Keller shares more of his past, their relationship improves * Paul uses the scrapbooks Keller collects to gain a deeper understanding of Keller as a person * Paul and Rosie’s shared love of music makes them compatible * Despite initially telling Paul to leave, in inviting him for his lesson Keller is further opening himself to PaulReactions: * Despite Paul’s annoyance at Keller’s relentless teaching he takes pride in passing on lessons and tips * Despite his maturity Paul’s parents still enforce many rules on Paul * I am curious to see Paul and Rosie’s relationship developPredictions: * Keller and Paul will become closer – improving Paul’s musical skills * There will be more spite as Paul is controlled by his parents and Keller | 1968 – pg 75-92 * Rosie and Paul get kicked out of the music room and Jimmy, Scotty and their friends use it to practice * Paul, intrigued finds an excuse to hear them play and begins teaching them * Paul and Megan spend time together, instead of going to band practice * Paul goes to Rosie’s house feeling guilty * Paul and Rosie become inseparable which doesn’t escape the attention of Paul’s parents * Paul becomes part of the band and they play in a competitionWhere and when' * Paul’s school * The music room * 1968, Darwin * Rosie’s houseWho' * Paul * Rosie * Megan, Jimmy Papas, Scotty Mitchell Unfamiliar Vocabulary“Entourage” – group following and attending to some important person“Inert” – having only a limited ability to react or act“Entrenched” – established firmly and securely“Invulnerability” – having the strength to withstand attack“Callous” – emotionally hardened“Punitive” – inflicting punishment“Paradox” – a statement that contradicts itselfQuotations and Context“Principles of affirmative action and proportional representation”“A spinning of the bottle that could have gone anyway”“Imprinted by the sheer force of the emotions that filled us at the time” | * Paul envies the organization and confidence of their band * Paul feels superior in being able to give advice * Despite his frustration at Keller for his lack of praise, Paul takes the lessons he learns very seriously * Paul comes to realize the false promise in imagination * Paul’s involvement in the band gives him more self confidence which translates into his music lessons * Paul takes control of the band and relishes his superiority * Though Paul enjoys playing he can sense the lack of real music and cannot ignore it * Paul feels empty and deflated, knowing that he is capable of better music * Keller’s influence over Paul increasesReactions: * How will Paul react having more musical students as competition' * Paul, despite growing still has a lot of maturing to do * There is little mention of Keller – I wonder how Paul’s own music is progressing * Does Rosie like the band or is she only involved for Paul’s sake'Predictions: * Paul will pass on much of the knowledge taught to him by Keller, and begin neglecting his own music * Paul will gain appreciation for Rosie | WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | Adelaide – pg. 95-107 * Paul goes for his lesson with Keller and they discuss Paul’s trip to Adelaide * Paul’s parents express doubts about letting Paul go to Adelaide with the band * Keller prepares Paul for a piano competition * Keller decides he will go to Adelaide to help Paul prepare * Keller has breakfast at Paul’s grandparents each morning where he reads the newspaper * The boys from the band turn up bragging about their trip and activitiesWhere and when' * Darwin * The Swan Hotel * Paul’s house * Adelaide – Paul’s grandparents houseWho' * Keller * Paul * Paul’s parents and grandparents * Jimmy Papas, Scotty Mitchell * Rick WhitelyUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Schnapps” – a strong European spirit“Ensemble” – a group of musicians playing or singing together“Zealous” – marked by active interest and enthusiasm“Resplendent” – having great beauty and splendour “Superlative” – an exaggerated expressionQuotations and Context“The journey of nuances”“A complete performance, uninterrupted, that lifted me onto my feet”“His exile was chosen, not forced” | * Paul begins to use his piano playing as an excuse to go to Adelaide demonstrating a change in priorities * Paul distances himself from his parents – calling his mum ‘mother’ * Paul seeks independence from his parents and uses Keller to gain it * Keller’s intense rehearsal schedule for Paul leaves him little time for the band * Paul realizes that Keller, despite having the money to live anywhere without working chooses to teach piano in Darwin * Keller does not try as hard to conceal his growing affection for Paul * Paul’s grandparents share the same awe of Keller and put effort into making him comfortable * Keller is intelligent though bitter * Paul continues to be the exception and paradox * Paul outs a conscience effort into separating Keller and the band * Tension rises as the band makes decisions without PaulReactions: * Paul’s mother must have been hurt by the way Paul called her ‘mother’ * Why does Keller choose to live in exile' * Keller’s manner is polite yet clear in disinterest * Paul loses his control over the band activities * Paul’s efforts to keep his two musical worlds apart will cause him sufferingPredictions: * Paul’s independence will not be as he wishes it to be * Paul will continue to feel empty in the band * Paul will begin to feel suffocated by Keller’s presence * Rick Whitely has an alternative motive for playing with the band | Adelaide – pg. 107-119 * The band goes to perform * They discuss future plans and silently agree on the break up * Keller mocks the rock band and forces Paul to practice hard * Keller stays at Paul’s grandparents house, and Paul sees the tattooed number on his arm * He questions him about being in the Nazi camps * They return to Darwin where Keller accepts dinner at Paul’s house to discuss his future * Paul enrols at Adelaide Uni, and says a final goodbye to Keller. Where and when' * Adelaide * Glenelg Town Hall * Darwin – Paul’s house * The Swan HotelWho' * Keller * Paul * Paul’s parents and grandparents * Jimmy Papas, Scotty Mitchell, Rick Whitely * RosieUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Bequeathing” – the act of receiving property by will“Octogenarian” – someone whose age is in the eighties“Polonaise” – a polish slow danceQuotations and Context“I sensed, a foreshadowing”“Frozen in that indeterminate common age of alcoholics”“The future became the present, unchallenged; and all too soon the regretted past”“More a gesture of dismissal than a farewell wave” | * Paul senses the break up of the band, and accepts it * Despite the break up of the band, Paul is offended at Keller’s mocking of it * Paul’s curiosity about Keller exposes a more insensitive side to him * Keller suffers the effects of the war greatly and escapes through teaching * The future plans for Paul were greatly tainted for his 3rd place prizing at the competition * Keller implores Paul not to waste his life on dreams of Europe * Keller comes to praise Paul and reveal his desire for him to stay – these revelations are significant * Paul is shocked at Keller’s confessions and his other engagements took priorityReactions: * Paul’s emptiness whilst playing with the band has resulted in him no longer being involved * His parents will be pleased but is he' * Paul’s parents show great disappointment in him for not winning the competition * I wonder if Keller speaks from experience about wasting his life * Paul is finally appreciating the end of school and childhood innocence * Keller’s affection for Paul results from his own son * It shocks me that Keller can show a calm and controlled reaction towards HitlerPredictions: * Paul will spend more time on his piano playing and Keller’s lessons * Paul, hurt by his parents disappointment will gain negative associations * Paul will continue to chase his pianist dreamKeller will confess all to Paul, who will then leave him for bigger adventures in Adelaide | WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | 1974 – pg 123-128 * Paul discusses his years at the conservatorium and his studies * Paul’s parents move to Adelaide * Paul receives criticism from Keller despite professional success * Paul spends his two month break in Melbourne with Rosie * Paul travels competing in various music competitions * Paul gets news of the cyclone in Darwin and the addition of Keller to their household * More news of the cyclone reaches PaulWho' * Paul * His parents * Rosie * Rosie’s friendsWhere and when' * Darwin * Melbourne * Rosie’s student house * EuropeUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Insufferable” – difficult or impossible to endure“Eisteddfod” – a Welsh festival of literature, music and performance“Supplement” – a supplementary component that improves capability“Contradictory” – opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas“Repertoire” – a collection of works that an artist or company can perform and do perform for short intervals on a regular scheduleQuotations and Context“Everything he had taught me – every opinion, every phrasing, every note – had turned into dogma”“His advice seemed irrelevant, long behind me”“It was a gamble of course – a musical lottery”“Don’t put too much store on winning – you never win by too much” | * Paul still favours music and prioritises it * Paul becomes a bit of a snob and cannot settle for a teacher any less than Keller * Paul still strives to please and impress his parents * Paul’s smug nature shows signs of his immaturity * Paul only manages to fully appreciate Keller when he is left with inferior teachers * Paul’s pride leads him to describe his many competitions as overseas performances * Paul’s anger at Keller’s further advice leads to growing frustration about his honourable mention * There are parallels between Paul’s dependence on music and Keller’s * The image of Keller hiding under the piano shows how music for him is a saviourReactions: * I am curious to see how Paul reacts to Keller’s continuing criticism * I wonder how the bond between Rosie and Paul will last as they lead separate lives * Does Paul play for himself or his parents' * Does Rosie believe in Paul’s ability or just comfort him'Predictions: * Paul will continue to strive to please his parents and his Maestro * He will continue to respect Keller’s opinion * Paul will continue feeling like he has to prove himself Rosie will continue to be Paul’s comfort and he will depend on her increasingly | WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | Vienna, 1975 – pg. 131-140 * Paul visits Europe, taking part in piano competitions * He picks up small tutoring jobs here and there * Paul makes the decision to investigate Keller further * Paul visits a man called Henisch to find out more about Keller * Henisch gives Paul an insight into the lives and circumstances of the warWho' * Paul * HenischWhere and when' * Vienna * 1975 * Europe * SalzburgUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Quibbling” – evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections“Subterfuge” – something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity“Musicologists” – the scholarly study of music“Virtuoso” – a musician who is a consummate master of technique and artistry“Disconcerting” – causing an emotional disturbance“Acquiescent” – willing to carry out the orders or wishes of another without protestQuotations and Context“Loneliness, linguistic seclusion and the four grim walls of my bedroom study seemed to find some paranoid core in me”“An artist who had suffered more than any man had right to suffer”“My precious, priceless experiences”“Old Vienna vanished years ago”“Not so much a smoker’s face as a smoked face”“There are many who would like to forget”“To become invisible, or to become so visible nothing could touch him”“More interested in the memories of the past”“I chose intellectual difficulty instead. I chose spiritual difficulty” | * Paul still feels an obligation towards his parents * Paul’s curiosity about Keller is still very strong * Paul falls in love with Vienna, but cannot escape Keller’s warning * “Old Vienna vanished years ago” – could Keller be referring to his old self' * Keller blames himself for the deaths of his wife and child * Paul is torn between the evidence presented and his belief in Keller * Paul comes to understand how Keller has changed to become a different manReactions: * Does Paul feel like he owes his parents for not becoming a famous pianist' * Does Paul really want this life or has he chosen it to please others' * How will his experiences in Vienna change Paul' * Who will Paul chose to believe'Predictions: * Paul’s obligation will ultimately create tension and frustrationHenisch will be able to shed light on Keller | WHAT HAPPENS' | INSIGHTS | 1977 – pg. 143-149 * Paul receives word of Keller’s illness * He comments he was so busy in his own life * Paul visits Keller at the hospital * He explores Darwin, seeking familiarity * Paul looks for someone to tell Keller’s death about * Paul faces life without the safety net Keller once providedWho' * Paul * Keller * Nurses and doctorsWhere and when' * 1977 * Keller * Darwin Hospital * DarwinUnfamiliar Vocabulary“Epigrammatic” – a brief, clever, and usually memorable statement“Catalyst” – something that causes an important event to happen“Interspersed” – Placed at intervals amongst other things“Dissatisfied” – disgruntledQuotations and Context“Three dying men propped amid massed pillows, wasted even beyond the familiar standards of televised starvation” “In his private world of pain”“Suspicious as always of beauty, of the rhetoric beauty”“Some last border has been crossed”“Someone had to know what happened”“Now I was faced with myself for the first time”“Endlessly, effortlessly” | * Paul visits Keller and is shocked at the change in him * Paul tries to rediscover the teacher he so admires in the fading, dying man before him * Paul’s need for familiarity, is reflected in his efforts to find Keller as he knew him * Paul desperately searches for someone to appreciate Keller the way he does * Paul finally accepts that he has limitsReactions: * How will Paul confront Keller if he does' * How will Paul cope with the deterioration of Keller * How will Keller’s death affect PaulPredictions: * Paul will come to fully appreciate Keller as the truth is revealed * Paul will hold the memory of Keller |