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ALEXANDER'S WAY (eBook)by Alexander MurrayAll books | Summary | Reviews | Data Alexander's Way is a compilation of data ordered chronologically so as to afford leisurely access to a wide range of material associated with F.M. Alexander's voyage of discovery and his technique's stages of development from 1894 to the end of his life in 1955. Alex Murray's exposition rests on scrupulously selected quotations from many sources: extensive quotes from F.M. Alexander's writings; pupils' diaries, which provide vivid descriptions of their lessons with F.M. Alexander; and quotes from various writings by contemporary thinkers and medical men who benefitted from their lessons and who have written extensively on the restorative potential inherent in F.M. Alexander's re-educational technique. Many references are also made to first-generation teachers who trained directly with F.M. Alexander The 2015 printed edition of Alexander's Way can be ordered at www.atcu.us Excerpts from the Preface The purpose of the original booklet, F.M. Alexander: In His Own Words, and in the Words of Those Who Knew Him, was to distill the process through which Alexander developed his technique. It is possible to retrace his steps, using his detailed instructions at various stages of his progress, in an attempt to “perform” the operations he describes. I have added “Alexander’s Way” to the title of this new edition with a nod in the direction of Patrick Macdonald. One of the sayings Macdonald frequently quoted was from the philosopher Lao Tzu: “The Way that can be told is not the real Way, / The Name that can be spoken is not the real Name.” At least we have Alexander’s own written words as signposts on his journey. They are there to point the way for us, which we are free to find as best we can. ……………………………………………………. After some fifty years of reading and re-reading Alexander’s writings, this book contains my personal understanding of his Way. When a phrase or sentence has struck me as especially significant, I have emphasized it in bold. The essence of Alexander’s teaching is epitomized for me in his parable from Rudyard Kipling of the younger gods yearning for the secret to holy law. The younger gods cried out: “Oh where, most merciful one, shall we begin to look? All things are known to the gods. What more must we find out? Besides, being gods, who is there with power greater than ours to help us?” At this the Great Hall echoed with the laughter of the elder god. “The secret should not be hard to find,” he answered. “I have hidden it within you. Look there!” And he roared with laughter at his own jest. I hope all young gods who read this book will take it to heart and find their own Way. Urbana, Illinois | April, 2015 About the Author (biographical note from the eBook) Alexander D. Murray’s experience of the Alexander Technique began in 1955 with Charles Neil and continued after Neil’s death, in 1958, with Walter Carrington. With his wife Joan, Alex spent nine years working with Walter Carrington, who was F.M. Alexander’s principal assistant at the time of his death in 1955. The Murrays worked with and were friends of many other first-generation teachers, including Marjorie Barstow, Dilys Carrington, Frank and Helen Jones, Patrick Macdonald, John Skinner, Peter Scott, Tony Spawforth, Richard and Elizabeth Walker, Lulie Westfeldt, Kitty Wielopolska, and Peggy Williams. Alex and Joan met Professor Raymond Dart in 1967. He cooperated in and inspired their ongoing investigation into human developmental movement as it relates to the Alexander Technique. They developed the Dart Procedures, an innovative process that influences Alexander Technique teaching throughout the world. Since 1977, the Murrays have been the co-directors and principal teachers at the Alexander Technique Center Urbana. Alex was principal flute with the Covent Garden Opera and the London Symphony Orchestra and is the inventor of the Murray Flute. He has taught at the Royal College, Royal Academy, and Royal Northern College in England; the Royal Dutch Conservatory; Michigan State University; and the National Music Camp at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. From 1977 until his retirement in 2002, he was professor of flute at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. He is the recipient of the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Flute Association. |
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