Years ago I had dinner at a friend's in Bandol and wrote about the musical evening–but never posted the story (it needed work). I found the written draft this morning and reencountered one of the characters from that night: Harry Rabinowitz. Today's column is in memory of the endearing British composer and conductor who was born in South Africa and died in France.
Today's French word: savoir (verb)
: to know, be aware of
Listen to Jean-Marc read the quote below in French/English:
Le Coeur, seul sait le Pourquoi. Only the Heart knows the Why. –Kâlî Ferry.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Sometimes I would have a glass of wine before going to a dinner party, but that was years ago. Last night I discovered an activity just as relaxing: picking an aromatic bouquet for my hosts. Gathering fragrant fenouil, blossoming purple basilic, flowering mint, leafy green l'estragon, and lavande–its blossoms only slightly fading, I stopped to inhale the floral medley. A nagging doubt coursed through my mind: Is this a weird gift? Is it appropriate? Is it enough? Honestly, I think Cynthia and Ian would appreciate the country bouquet. But what about the other guests? Maybe they would show up with designer bouquets?
And there went my familiar train of thought–one that always ended with the strong desire to cancel everything and camp out at home in my pajamas (this time with a wilting poignée des fleurs!).
The familiar bout of doubt quickly passed and soon I was chatting with "Didier," as Cynthia and Ian prepared smoked salmon canapés and served wine at their kitchen comptoir overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Bandol. As the sun disappeared beyond the Mediterranean, guests gathered to listen to the expressive oenophile tell the story of how he came to love wine. Didier said:
"I was eight years old. It was a typical Sunday lunch in France except that, this time, my father said to my mother, "Would you like me to go out and buy a bottle of wine?
My mother said, "Why not?" and when my father returned with a modest bottle of red I watched as their eyes lit up like fireworks. I said to myself then and there, I want to serve people wine and make them this happy!" 45 years later, Didier has a shop in Cotignac and continues his love of sharing wine with those who enjoy it.
Cynthia and Ian's other guests were as warm and… familiar! Yes! We had met Mitzi and Harry before–at Diana and Neil's home in Portland and again in Provence, where I would never forget Harry's question: "Why do you write?"
Pourquoi j'écris? What an honor he would ask! I remember facing the South African conductor, and wanting to give the true answer. I can't remember ever answering, but the question has stayed with me ever since.
"Well, why do you compose?" Our host, Ian, started up, putting Harry on the spot this time. And I smiled, thinking, now that was the perfect answer! I turned to Harry, waiting to hear what might be instructions from a musical genius.
Instead, Harry threw his head back and laughed, and the joy in his eyes spoke volumes. There at the dinner table, we finished the mouth-watering Osso-Bucco, cheese, and dessert and were treated to an impromptu concert by the famous conductor.
As Harry played The Man I Love, Mitzi sang the words to it and to the following classics: Someone To Watch Over Me, The Sunny Side of the Street, I'm Going to Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter and Ain't Misbehavin'.
The piano seat was still warm when Didier stole it, to play La Bohème. And surprise surprise, Jean-Marc began to sing….
Je vous parle d'un temps
Que les moins de vingt ans
Ne peuvent pas connaître Montmartre…
The evening was filled with such delights and unexpected moments, but the biggest surprise came the next morning, as I lie in bed savoring the evening. I couldn't resist googling Harry, and that is when I learned that the young-looking man sitting next to me at the dinner party will turn 100 years old in March….
Post note: My story left off right there, and Harry was never to read it. He passed away six months later. According to Wikipedia: Harry Rabinowitz reached 100 years of age on 26 March 2016. He died on 22 June 2016 at his home in Lacoste, Vaucluse, France. Rabinowitz continued to play the piano every day until his death.
I often think of Harry's meaningful question. Why do you write? I have never been able to answer this exactly. But, today, on reading the lyrics of the songs sung that night, I have felt moved by the lines, moved by the work of men and women who sat down and quieted themselves in time to find the words. A very good reason in and of itself to write!
I realize, too, that I write to remember. I'm glad I wrote down the story of Dinner at Cynthia and Ian's, or else I would have forgotten the details of that night. But Harry, if you are listening, somehow, somewhere, I would never have forgotten you! Thank you for your question.
We may never know the exact or true answer as to why we do what we aspire to do…but the many possibilities–the Whys–are enough to keep our dreams alive.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
savoir = to know
le fenouil = fennel
le basilic = basil
l'estragon (m) = tarragon
la lavande = lavender
une poignée = handful, fistful
une fleur = flower
le comptoir = counter, bar
Pourquoi j'écris? = why do I write?
A quiet scene along a cove in Bandol, west of Marseilles, Cassis, La Ciotat….
Merci beaucoup to my friend, Cynthia and Ian, for the memories of that special night with Harry and friends. Thanks also for your help, recently, in voting as an expat and this reminder to American citizens who live outside the US to vote.
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Such touching and meaningful words, again!
Thank you always for your inspiration. I am a writer, painter, and poet, and found this touchingly beautiful.
Your little reminder to Americans to vote is so appreciated! These are extraordinary times, and the outcome will impact the whole world, literally.
Kristi, your moving story about our evening together sparks vivid memories! Those of Harry at my piano in particular bring tears to my eyes. Such an amazing and inspirational man was he! And although Harry was not American, I can promise you he’d be encouraging all of us who are to VOTE!
Love these kinds of stories. This is what life is about. People.
Inspirational words. I think I should write too. All of those songs have meaning for me also. My mother died in September at almost 100 years of age and I am putting together a short story of her life. Several years ago we were in Stockholm and voted for the election in Australia, where voting is compulsory. Yes please do vote, all US expats. The results will affect all of us, not just Americans. I have a daughter, son in law and grandsons in California, and their friends are also our friends. We are currently in COVID-19 severe lockdown here in Victoria and so reading your story is like a breath of fresh air. Stay safe, Mazzie
Lovely memory Kristi, Thank you for sharing it and your bouquet that you gathered that evening for your hosts, I envisioned, was beautiful I’ll bet. You also inspired me to “write to remember” moments in my life — as memories are very ephemeral!
Many thanks for your reminder to all Americans to vote.
This is the most important election, a choice between
democracy and the loss of democracy. Thanks too, for
your wonderful writing, it is so appreciated.
One of your most touching stories ever, Kristi.
Makes me ask…… Why do I paint? To create beauty every day. To remember and recreate memories of travels. But also, to forget (If just for a few moments or hours) the outside world and the sadness many are experiencing during Covid, forest fires, and nature’s wrath. You words make for beauty every time you write. Thank you for your thoughtful observances.
A beautiful memory and story. That is why you write!
Why do you write? Why did he compose? Why do I quilt?
We each have some bit of creativity in us that needs to get out and nourish the world around us.
Oh, so lovely to have known such an artist and a very good response from you, too. Music makes us have such memories, but writing brings them to the fore, right there on the page, timeless, part of our souls.
And yes, please VOTE, or some of our music may have its final note.
Kristi,
I have enjoyed reading your ‘French Word-a-Day’ for several years, now. There is often a feeling of something to which I could not quite put a name. Today, with the telling of this episode in your lives, the name or word finally blinked through my mind. This story brought me great delight! Delight is the word/name for what I often feel while reading your stories. I believe your writing style is part of what keeps me waiting for your next episode, sometimes next excapade, possibly as much as the subjects. It seems to me you have become a master story teller, probably have been for some time.
Thank you for sharing your life with us,
Rick Spring
Okmulgee, Oklahoma USA
Such a beautiful memory. Thank you.
What a treat to read of your meetings with Harry and Mitzi. Dale and I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting them in 2008. La Petite Ecole is a small restaurant in Le Chêne not far from Lacoste. It only has about 7 tables and we had the good fortune to be seated next to them. We love how close tables can be in French restaurants. It gave us the opportunity to have a delightful conversation with them over dinner. As we heard their story and learned that Harry was a musician, Mitzi leaned toward us and whispered, “Just Google him”. They graciously invited us to a party at their house the next evening but regrettably, we were leaving Provence the next morning. After dinner, we Googled him and saw all the movies to which he added his talent – what a life and career! Thank you for writing your story and for bringing back a fond memory.
Our dear Kristi,
Reading your words today,filled with happy memories,so makes me want to tell you(again and again!)that you have wonderful God given talent to share emotions,feelings,create pictures with your words–ekphrasisas as only one so gifted with this can do.
You bring sunlight and color to what otherwise might be gray days.
Thank you for all the posts you have written.We are so fortunate to have you in our lives.
Love
Natalia. xo
Kristi, I have enjoyed your posts for a number of years. This story stands out for me as one of your most thought-provoking and inspiring ones to date. Thank you for all your work in sharing a part of your life in such a beautiful part of the world!
Joana
Dear Kristi,
Your writing blesses others. Your words are inspirational and remind us there is joy in the simple things- so needed right now. Thank you and welcome back!
Beautiful! Très touchant!
Thank you for this beautiful story and treasured memory. And bless you for voting. As observers from north of the border, we hope every U.S. citizen will be so committed.
Beautiful post, Kristi! I think writing is in your DNA – its how you express yourself so personally. Please, continue!!
Just beautiful Kristin, thank you!
Kristi – you write because there is an army of dévoués that would be up in arms if you didn’t.
Dear Kristi,
You write because you have the gift to do so, sharing it with others.. And we are richer for it…
Your writing brings such good feelings to light. I find myself smiling. I think it’s joy!
What a beautiful story/memory. Thank you. And thank you for voting.
Oh, what a wonderful story! I could smell the herbs and flowers , the food and then hear the music as I read your words. I enjoy all of your writing, but this one is even more special. We miss being in France so much- I have tears as I write this.
Why do you write? Why does a bird sing? Something needs to be communicated. Sometimes joy, sometimes hope, perhaps fear, maybe sadness. Part of our nature. Watching TV doesn’t give that deep satisfaction. Deep beckons. Ain’t always easy.
Simply beautiful
kristi, thank you for remembering and writing and sharing your life with us!
What a beautiful memory. So touching.
what a wonderful story.. I am going off to google him as soon as I finish this… and Yes,,, VOTE… so important. I didn’t know it was compulsory to vote in Australia… Less than half the population of the US vote, just so wrong, And so wrong if it happens again in this election where we must vote to get a change… I won’t get more political here and now, but I am very afraid for the US my country, at this point.. And I am a New Yorker, leaving rest unsaid..
What an amazing man he must have been, so creative. and was a shining light at a time when there was so much anti-semitism in the UK. And later in his career , ” He was in even greater demand to work in films, in one year (1991) recording music for nine movies. His cinema credits included Chariots of Fire (1981), The Remains of the Day (1993), Howards End (1992), The English Patient (1996) and, The Talented Mr Ripley (1999). His final film score assignment, at the age of 87, was Cold Mountain (2003).” Chariots of Fire was a wonderful movie with a score that is one of my favourites of all time. Weren’t you lucky to have met him…
Hello Kristen,
I am an acquaintance of Mitzi’s. Would you mind if I pass this story along to her?
Jane Baars Portland, Oregon
Hello Jane,
Thank you for sending it, and please give Mitzi our best. 💕