Post #2038939
2026-04-24 12:17 UTC
(A thread of tributes for my father, this one is from a previous student)
Dear André, Of all the gifts that you have given me, the one that I will treasure the most is Keith Jarrett. In your perceptive way, you had discerned that what my writing needed was a soundtrack and you told me your story of how you had found Jarrett. I have been listening ever since. To me, the sound of Keith Jarrett’s solo piano recitals, is now the sound of your voice. It is the sound of all the conversations we have had and the ones that will stay with me. You made me treasure the solitude of listening to calm the chaos of my thoughts. You taught me that it was okay to retreat into music whenever I needed to steady myself. Without your reassurance I do not think I would ever have found the same peace and the same confidence in listening to jazz music. (continued)
#SouthAfrica #AndreDuToitTributes
Replies (1)
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@Zumbador@mefi.social 2026-04-24 12:17
You never liked ostentatious and lengthy goodbyes, so my eulogy is short. I will hold you in my memory as the gentle guide who never allowed me to be less than my best. You did more than teach; you allowed me to find my voice and to not run away from the ideas that sometimes threatened to overwhelm me. You never tried to impose an ideology on me; but you did steer me away from some of my impulsive reactions and decisions. You kept me steady and you were always there to listen. You always knew what to say and never flattered me with empty praise. I will miss your wisdom, and I will miss your brilliance. Goodbye, dearest André.