The Rodeo, Joseph Haydn and the Working Girl
I enjoy classical music, without really knowing very much about it. Go to the occasional concert, opera or ballet. And, listen to the music, mostly in the car. The fact that I only recognize the composer or name of a very few pieces doesn't prevent me from appreciating and enjoying.
Every January when the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo rolls around, I recall a chance meeting of 27 years ago. Driving out of the Fort Worth hospital district listening to the local classical music station I drove past a young female hitchhiker dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, carrying a backpack. As this was not a particularly safe part of town at the time, I circled back and offered a ride.
As she tossed her back pack into the back seat and sat beside me in the front seat she remarked "Haydn's 6th". A correct observation as it turned out when the name of the piece was given at the end the performance.
My guess of a college student was correct, but she wasn't quite an innocent hitchhiker. She was working her way through college as a prostitute. Since I wasn't interested in her services, she asked if I could drop her off near the rodeo. It was only a few minutes away. We had one of those stranger on the bus conversations on the way, discussing life, love, music, college, etc. She was quite interesting and articulate; unfortunately it was a short drive. Dropped her off near the rodeo and never saw her again. Some cowboy probably had a memorable ride, never suspecting he was paying for a college text book or helping with tuition.
Every year around this time when the stock show/rodeo is in session, I remember our brief encounter. And, I wonder what she is doing now and hope she is happy. I like to imagine her as a successful professional or just perhaps as a classical musician performing some of the music I continue to enjoy.
Every January when the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo rolls around, I recall a chance meeting of 27 years ago. Driving out of the Fort Worth hospital district listening to the local classical music station I drove past a young female hitchhiker dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, carrying a backpack. As this was not a particularly safe part of town at the time, I circled back and offered a ride.
As she tossed her back pack into the back seat and sat beside me in the front seat she remarked "Haydn's 6th". A correct observation as it turned out when the name of the piece was given at the end the performance.
My guess of a college student was correct, but she wasn't quite an innocent hitchhiker. She was working her way through college as a prostitute. Since I wasn't interested in her services, she asked if I could drop her off near the rodeo. It was only a few minutes away. We had one of those stranger on the bus conversations on the way, discussing life, love, music, college, etc. She was quite interesting and articulate; unfortunately it was a short drive. Dropped her off near the rodeo and never saw her again. Some cowboy probably had a memorable ride, never suspecting he was paying for a college text book or helping with tuition.
Every year around this time when the stock show/rodeo is in session, I remember our brief encounter. And, I wonder what she is doing now and hope she is happy. I like to imagine her as a successful professional or just perhaps as a classical musician performing some of the music I continue to enjoy.
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