Visby the Virtuoso: The Classical Cruising Cat

~ Musical Excerpts ~

To hear these works performed, find them on the ‘Musical Excerpts’ page in www.visbythevirtuoso.com

Ch. 3 *George Gershwin: Prelude No. 1

Ch. 4 *Scales

Ch. 5 *J. S. Bach: Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, Minuet in G Major

Ch. 6 *Isaac Albeniz: Suite Española, Op. 47, Mvt 5, ‘Asturias’ (Leyenda)

Ch. 9 *Manuel de Falla: El Amor Brujo, ‘Ritual Fire Dance’

Ch. 12 *Domenico Scarlatti: Sonata in C Major

Ch. 18 *Maurice Ravel: Miroirs, ‘Une barque sur l’ocean’

Ch. 20 *Ludwig von Beethoven: Sonata No. 23 in F Minor Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’ Mvt. 1

Ch. 22 *Johannes Brahms: Capriccio No. 7 in D Minor Op. 116

Ch. 25 *Frédéric Chopin: Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante Op. 22

Ch. 27 *Arvo Pärt: ‘Fratres’ for Violin and Piano

Ch. 30 *Sergei Rachmaninoff: Prelude in C Minor Op. 23 No. 7

1 ~ New York, USA

One fine summer day, a black cat named Visby was enjoying a stroll along a waterfront amusement park in New York City. Like any normal day, he was looking for his friends. Usually they could be found sunning themselves on top of the carrousel. As he walked along the harbor, he suddenly came across a plank placed at a funny angle. Being a curious cat, he thought to himself, Wow, this must be some new ride. Once at the top of the plank, he realized his mistake. This was no ordinary ride!

The narrow plank was part of a ramp that led to an enormous cruise ship. He knew if he had tried to walk back on it towards the pier he might end up in the water, something he did not even wish to imagine. So instead, he hopped over the railing and entered the ship. As he looked around and realized where he was, he immediately decided that this was where he wanted to be! The ship looked too interesting to miss. He had never seen one from the inside. Though he had never planned to be one, he became an unofficial passenger - a stowaway.

Visby, like any other self-respecting cat, had no problem with this new situation of being where he wasn’t ‘supposed’ to be. The only question was how to stay on the ship. For the moment, there were no passengers. It was docked at the New York harbor and Visby saw that it was being prepared for a voyage. It would be a few days before passengers would embark. In the meantime, he needed to hide. The last thing he wanted to hear was, Bon voyage, kitty! and be dropped off at the pier.

Over the next few days, the ship had begun to get busy with activity. The staff was getting everything ready inside for the passengers, while on the outside the ship was getting a fresh coat of paint. Cranes were bringing in large containers of food provisions. Mechanics were busy in the engine room. Carpenters were even building a new stage in the hall. Visby watched all of the activity with awe but was always careful not to be seen hiding under tables and chairs. He did his best to ignore the loneliness he was feeling and managed to survive by eating what scraps he could find. One night, when all was quiet, he found himself an empty lounge. Lucky me, there’s a piano!

While it is true that most cats would not get terribly excited by a piano, Visby was an exception. Whereas most cats would be forever searching for food, Visby was hungry for something else. He was more interested in sounds. He especially loved musical sounds. In fact, Visby was a talented pianist, a musician with great ability, a true virtuoso.

At home in New York with the Svenssons, the Swedish family he lived with, there would often be occasions for everyone to sing together and play the piano. Sometimes the two children would sit at the piano and play pieces for four hands. The Svenssons did not know that when Visby went to his favorite spot, underneath the grand piano during lessons and practice time and pretended to sleep, he was in fact paying very close attention to all that he heard. He loved curling up in a ball and purring to the music. What they also did not know was that while Mom and Dad were at work, and kids were at school, Visby would practice on their piano. If he wasn’t playing the piano he’d settle himself on the comfiest chair and listen to their many CD recordings. He learned a whole lot of music this way and improved a little bit every day. What he accomplished was indeed miraculous. Somehow, he could stretch his little paws on those keys and play beautifully. At times he even figured out how to use his tail to reach for the very low or high notes. No one could ever explain how he did it. Now, when he saw there was a piano on the ship, he really felt quite at home. He had all that he needed. Over the next few days he had gotten quite used to playing this piano when the workers weren’t around. By the third day, thinking he was still alone, he went back to the piano. He was completely unaware that passengers were arriving on board and were there listening to him. They were mesmerized by the sight of a cat playing the piano. They stood very quietly and did not disturb him. Many of them could not get over the shock of seeing this shiny, black cat with green eyes lost in his music. By that same evening, word had gotten around the ship about this unusual cat. At that point Visby started to feel more comfortable and had stopped hiding. He introduced himself to a few curious and friendly passengers and soon he was causing a sensation. Someone even came up with the nickname, ‘Visby the Virtuoso.’ In no time, he was a celebrity.

When Captain Nilsen and Cruise Director Lee heard about this cat, they at first wanted to send him back to shore, but people pleaded with the silver bearded Captain from Norway until he finally agreed to let Visby stay. Visby would get an ID card that would allow him to do the whole cruise as a regular passenger, plus earn a small salary, if he performed for the passengers. Also, as long as he was on the ship, he was asked to wear casual and formal clothes that would be specially tailored to his shape. When Visby heard that he reflected, A voyage, clothes, and a salary. I get all this to share music with people on a ship. Who could have imagined?!

A uniformed cabin steward showed him his cabin. It was on Dolphin deck, level 6. The ship even had elevators to take people to their cabins.

Visby was amazed, but all he could do was smile to the cabin steward and say, Thank you so much. My hiding days are over. Entering his cabin, Visby jumped straight for the round window.

What kind of window is this? he asked.

That’s your porthole. Make sure it stays closed at all times. Your cabin is just above the water line. If you open it up you’re likely to get sprayed with water.

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the warning. And thanks for showing me my cabin.

No problem. As your cabin steward, I’ll be happy to assist you if you need anything on this voyage. My name is Henry.

Thanks, Henry. I’m Visby.

Visby, an unusual name. That’ll be easy for me to remember, answered Henry with a smile.

From that very first night in his cabin, Visby slept alongside his porthole. He never got under his bed covers, something that Henry noticed the next morning. Even so, Henry left chocolates on Visby’s untouched pillow every evening, just like he did for all his other passengers.

2 ~ 1st Sea Day

Visby slept quite well that night. It was, after all, his first night without the fear of being discovered. He felt refreshed the next morning when he stepped outside on deck. He watched as crew members were busy with their preparations for the ship’s departure. While he sat on the railing, he saw a couple of ladies nearby. They were laughing as they were struggling with the wind, trying to keep their floppy hats on their heads.

He approached them and asked, Excuse me, do you happen to know where this ship is taking us?

The women smiled and said, Don’t you know? We’re on our way to Europe. Visby’s reaction of shock sounded like a sneeze.

Bless you, said one lady. Yes, we’re off to quite a few lovely countries – each one with its own, unique culture. We’ve been looking forward to this vacation for years. We’re both so curious to see how people live outside of America. We want to know what they eat, how they dress, and what kind of music they listen to.

Indeed, interrupted the second lady. It’s so inspiring to learn about other parts of the world. It opens up our minds and our hearts.

And keeps us young! added the first lady.

Visby could not believe what he was hearing. He could hardly contain his excitement.

What? Really? All the way across the Atlantic Ocean?

This was too good to be true. It had always been his dream to see Europe, the home of his favorite composers.

What countries? And how long until we get there? he asked impatiently.

Before they could answer, there came a loud blast from the ship’s foghorn followed by a series of bells. One of the ladies began walking away.

That means Life Boat drill. Are you coming?

I guess, he answered, not knowing what this meant.

Ok. Go to your cabin and get your life vest. We’ll meet you out here on the deck. By the way, we’re sisters. I’m Tina and she’s Nina. What’s your name?

Another deafening blast from the foghorn sent Visby running to his cabin. He grabbed the child sized life vest laying on his bed and ran back on deck. In no time at all, the passengers had put on their puffy, bright, orange vests and were standing on deck listening to instructions about what to do in case of an emergency. Everybody had to be there. Visby tried to pay attention, but it was nearly impossible with everyone talking around and about him. Suddenly he was famous. Within minutes he was surrounded by smiling faces, questions, and stories. What a friendly bunch! I feel like I’ve known these folks for quite a while already. With all the talk and excitement, he learned that the ocean crossing would take several days and that their first stop would be Spain!

The ship started to move slowly, away from the pier and all the people waving. It was a spectacular scene, and for a second, Visby thought he was in a movie.

Suddenly, someone shouted, Hey, look over there! It’s the Statue of Liberty!

Everyone gasped. She was quite a sight. Visby knew that this giant green lady had welcomed millions of foreigners when they arrived at the United States to start a new life.

As they got closer to the Statue, several passengers shouted the now famous lines by Emma Lazarus, Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

Everyone was oohing and aahing at Lady Liberty. The ship passed by so close they could almost touch her!

3 ~ George Gershwin

The thrilling experience of cruising so close to the Statue of Liberty left Visby with patriotic feelings and a strong urge to play the piano. With many cheering him on to play one of his favorite American composers, he headed for the stage.

Thank you! Back home in New York, I used to listen to music on the radio, the tv, and even on the computer. That’s how I fell in love with the music of George Gershwin, one of my favorite composers from New York. My friends, I’d like to play for you one of Gershwin’s Preludes*. It was written during America’s roaring 20s, in 1926, to be exact.

Can you maybe tell us a little about this George? someone suggested. Maybe there are others like me, clueless about this music.

It would be my pleasure, said Visby. Mr. Gershwin, who lived from 1898 to 1937, was admired by millions of people. Audiences were amazed at how fast his fingers flew up and down the keyboard. He was a great virtuoso and a terrific improviser, which meant he could make up music on the spot. Gershwin poured energy and excitement into his music and captured the feeling of many Americans at that time when people were optimistic about the future!

When Visby finished the Prelude, he took a bow while everyone applauded vigorously and congratulated him on his performance.

Bravo! they shouted.

During the applause, people could be heard saying, How fantastic! or, How wonderful! or, What an artist we have with us!

Even Lee, the Cruise Director, was impressed.

"In all