I watched the "Kennedy Center Honors" on television the other night just so I could see pianist Martha Argerich. While this event typically honors pop icons, they will usually throw a bone to us geeks and honor someone in the "fine" arts. This year it was Ms. Argerich, a stunningly talented performer.
The following day I read a critique of the show in another blog. He wrote about the other honorees but freely admitted to having never heard of Martha Argerich. It occurred to me that there are many artists that are working outside of mainstream pop music that have successful careers but are considered "big fish in small ponds". At first I was a little annoyed by this, then I realized that they have careers that many pop stars would envy.
First of all they get to do "normal" things like go out in public without being harassed. A few years ago I was with a group of folks who took guitarist Jason Vieaux to dinner after seeing him in concert. It was a treat for us because we were all fans. He brought his guitar with him and just set it nearby. Our waiter saw the guitar and immediately started talking excitedly about a video game that simulates rock guitar playing. He had no idea who Jason was. It was kind of funny but I'm not sure if the joke was on him or us.
Second they get to have careers. Only a few pop artists have longevity. Many successful stars only shine for a brief time and then fade. Somehow classical and jazz artists find a way to keep on going. They are content to play for small audiences as long as they get to play. And generally speaking, they are not boxed in by their past successes. A pop artist lucky enough to have a couple of hit songs will be obligated to play those songs at every show for the rest of their lives.
Third it's a bit easier to connect with the fans. I've played for audiences of a couple of thousand and there's a disconnect there. Although the excitement level is higher and the paycheck is bigger, the overall experience is diminished somewhat for me. I simply cannot imagine playing in a stadium to tens of thousands of people. For me, the ideal audience size is a few hundred.
As an audience member and fan I don't have to share the artists with so many others. Just a relative few of us. The experience is far more personal. A few years ago two-time Grammy winner Sharon Isbin hung out after giving a concert just to talk with a few of us local guitar-slingers. In the world of classical music that is not so uncommon. In the world of pop music it's very rare.
Speaking as a little fish in a little pond I rather like it here. The big fish are usually nice to me. I get to play beautiful music, teach beautiful music, and introduce beautiful music to a whole new group of folks. Although I'll never have a private jet, live in a mansion, or be honored by the Kennedy Center I've still got it pretty good by most peoples standards. That's honor enough for me.